THE HISTORY OF PROJECT MERCY

Catholic education in America is at a crossroad and facing unprecedented challenges. The dream of a Catholic education is slipping out of reach for many working-class families. To protect the unique and precious legacy we inherited from Mater Christi and pass it safely on to the next generation, alumni are joining together We know our support is critical.
To the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers who took up the work and guided us, a great debt is owed. Many of us were children of  immigrants and were only able to attend Mater Christi because of their sacrifices, generosity and service.
The Class of ‘74 has chosen to launch “Project Mercy “ to honor the Sisters of Mercy who established the Girls’ Division and continue to serve the school today. We celebrate their charisma, the spirit of misericordia or hearts of mercy that they, the Brothers and lay faculty worked so diligently to shape in us. Our generosity will speak to this defining piece of our education and formation.

 HONORING

THE MERCY TRADITION

A visionary, Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in 1831. An heiress, she used her fortune to mitigate the suffering of others, especially children and women. Responding to a desperate call from Bishop Loughlin, the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Brooklyn in 1855 to serve among the destitute Irish, opening hospitals, orphanages and schools.
In 1961 the Sisters of Mercy established the Girls’ Division of Mater Christi. Our sisters still serve on Crescent Street., representing over 150 years of service in the Diocese. They live and teach Catherine McAuley ‘s vision, passing on her legacy of compassionate service to the poor to a new generation of students.
 

 

OUR SPIRIT  SHINING BRIGHT

Under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers, Mater Christi Diocesean High School educated over 12,000 of the Brooklyn Diocese’s best and brightest. A training ground for future leaders, Mater Christi was renowned for its spiritual formation, rigorous academics , state of the art facilities, and endless extra-curricular opportunities. It provided us with an education that was magnificent and truly unmatched anywhere.
Our Mater Christi education is a beautiful gift that was given to us from people who had a dream for the future. They heeded the call of Bishop McEntegart. To children they did not know, parishioners and friends of the Brooklyn Diocese gave generously with open hands and hearts. Many of these people had little to gain directly from this educational enterprise, but they gave so we could have life more abundantly

 A TIME TO SERVE

We have good lives because of the superb foundation Mater Christi gave us . Our education was largely realized through the ministry and the monetary donations of others. They gave us much, and we soar because of their sacrifices and commitment.
Today, we are being called to insure the vision of our founders and the future for the many children seeking a Catholic education.  After all we have been given, we should expect to do no less. The Project Mercy goal is to see participation from ALL Class of’ ‘74 alumni, both the girls and the boys. Remember, MC alumni, over12,000 strong, can lead the way and change forever the landscape of Catholic education.
 

"Let charity be our badge of honor…so that it may truly be said, there is in us but one heart and one soul …"
Sr. Catherine McAuley

LET’S PASS IT ON

There are many ways to participate in Project Mercy, and no contribution is too small! Suggested levels of giving to 1974’s 35th Anniversary Class Gift include:
Gold Level: $500.00
White Level: $200.00
Green Level: $50.00
Please make checks payable to St. John’s Preparatory School and label your check “ Project Mercy” .
 

MATER CHRISTI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
21-21 Crescent Street
ASTORIA, NEW YORK 11105
Phone: (718) 721- 7200

mcalumni@stjohnsprepschool.org