Soundings

The Blog of Mercy by the Sea

We at Mercy by the Sea have so much we want to share with you:

  • Inspiring and transformational quotes, prayers, poems, videos and books we discover or rediscover
  • Conversations with upcoming presenters
  • News and events about what's happening at Mercy by the Sea
  • Resources and thoughts on contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, the second half of life, emerging leadership, creativity, our relationship with nature and much more!

You'll find seasonal photos of the grounds — vegetation, trees and winged and four-legged creatures that make their homes here.  We'll capture changes in the light and colors as the seasons change.  So bookmark this page and come back regularly. or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter where these posts will be sent to your email inbox.

Dining Room Update

Pictures show the progress of the Dining Room Renovation project as of 2/14/2024.

Posted 2/15/2024

A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Turning the calendar to February, this year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day. What an interesting connection. We have been planning for Lent with a beautiful array of programs and resources and then the feast of love creeps into things. These words might offer a way to hold this convergence, “Remember that you are beloved, and to love you shall return.” Isn’t Lent meant to be a journey to the heart of Jesus, an invitation to deepen our relationship with God, to growth, to love?  

We invite you to unite with the community of Mercy this season of Lent by praying with us. Among other programs, a weekly Visio-Divina-type prayer experience with English and Spanish versions, co-sponsored by the 13 Mercy Retreat Centers of North and South America will be available beginning February 21st on the Mercy by the Sea website. Essentially a prayer spread out over 40 days, Lent is meant to be a communal journey, so please join us in praying with the Mercy community north and south.

May this Lenten experience be a transforming voyage, a journey leading to the beloved. We look forward to walking the next 40 days with you. May our journey be blessed as we find ourselves living more deeply into the radicality of ashes and love. 

In Mercy,

 

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

By Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM  | 

Dining Room Renovation Project

On Wednesday December 20th, 2023, the Catherine McAuley Dining Room was emptied in preparation for the renovation and on December 21st the work began. Our newly restored Mitchell Conference Room was arranged to serve as the primary location for the meal and snack needs of our guests during the renovation and Dempsey Auditorium may also be used for larger groups.

Our talented kitchen staff, under the leadership of Chef Joe Berg, will prepare all food in the kitchen as usual and transport it to either Mitchell or Dempsey to be served.
We thank our Mercy community for your patience as the work is being done. We also extend our thanks to our donors who made this renovation possible. Below you can see pictures of the process to date. We cannot wait to welcome you back to this beautiful, peaceful and improved space. 

It is our hope and plan that we will reopen the dining room by the end of February, and we will keep you updated if anything changes. Please keep Mercy and all those we serve in your prayers as we hold you in ours.
If you have specific questions about your stay, please contact Guest Services at 203.245.0401.

Before, the room completely emptied

The ceiling tiles removed, and the wood underlayment exposed

The radiators being boxed in to allow for enhanced seating and hospitality station

Drywalling the ceiling 

 

The beams being primed

Decisions, decisions as Sr. Anne Curtis and Chris Walker, of Greenbrier Building and Restoration holding all the ideas, plans, recommendations, best practices and budget in mind as they make final decisions on renovation .

Posted 1/18/2024