Welcome to Mercy Impact
Have Mercy on Our Common Home
In this edition of Mercy Impact, we invite you to witness what happens when the Mercy mission meets one of the most urgent calls of our time: to care for our common home. The Sisters of Mercy Critical Concern for Earth challenges us to see our Earth not as a resource to use, but as a sacred gift to cherish. It calls each of us to respond with mercy — to listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, and to act with courage, creativity, and hope. Mercy students around the world are not waiting for change. They are the change. They are learning, planting, advocating, creating, praying, and leading with intention and heart. As you read, we hope you feel energized, encouraged, and connected—to each other, and to the sacred responsibility we share. May these stories not only inspire you, but also invite you to ask:
How will I have mercy on our common home?
Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock, Arkansas
The Honey Belles Bee Club manages three active beehives on the school grounds. Each spring, the club hosts elementary students to talk about beekeeping, educate them on the importance of pollinators, and show them parts of the three hives. During the latter part, Honey Belles members help their guests safely observe the bees in action and even sample honey directly from fresh honeycomb. Through this and other activities throughout the year, the Honey Belles Bee Club successfully promotes a better understanding and appreciation of bees’ significance to the earth within its community.
Waldron Mercy Academy
Merion Station, Pennsylvania
The CLEAR Project (Children Liturgy Ecology and Renewal Project) has officially taken root at Waldron Mercy Academy through the creation of a new outdoor Prayer Garden. Developed by Greg Soltis and Bonnie Guarini with support from Villanova University, the project merges environmental science with religious education. This "outdoor chapel," situated next to the indoor chapel, serves as a space where students from preschool to middle school can engage in hands-on ecology and spiritual reflection, guided by new curriculum resources designed to nurture a deep love for God’s creation. The garden is a true community endeavor, with students of all ages participating in its construction and daily care. From the youngest children watering plants to older students prepping the beds, the space encourages a blend of service, prayer, and stillness. WMA invites all members of the school family to visit the garden to relax, pray, and find peace, fostering a lasting connection between the community and the Earth.
Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica
The Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica has, for many years, championed environmental care among their schools and ministries. As we celebrate Earth Day 2026, we reflect on the amazing work that Mercy schools across Jamaica are doing to “have Mercy on our common home”.
Schools such as Alpha Infant School and Jessie Ripoll Primary have students engaged in the maintenance of on-campus gardens that supply students with nutritious vegetables. Gardening activities provide hands-on, practical ways for students to interact with nature, learn about eco-friendly agriculture/gardening, promote biodiversity and improve soil health.
As part of an ongoing project, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre has implemented a series of four special workshops aimed at teaching 4H Club members and other students about climate-smart farming methods to improve climate resilience among young/aspiring farmers. This felt especially crucial in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
Similarly, members of the Red Cross club at Mt. St. Joseph Catholic High School (MSJCHS) and Mt. St. Joseph Prep School (MSJ Prep) recently planted trees in order to combat climate change (through the absorption of carbon dioxide), improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and to prevent soil erosion and flooding. In particular, the MSJCHS students planted an impressive 100 trees in a local forested area while MSJ Prep planted trees on their school campus to help replace those destroyed during Hurricane Melissa.
In January, students from the Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha competed against schools across the island in the government’s National STEAM in Action Schools Challenge competition. Having confidently made a presentation (with an accompanying art piece) about deforestation, our students emerged as champions; winning the VOICE OF THE EARTH AWARD!
At Alpha Primary, students care for the Earth through a weekly clean-up initiative. After lunch each week, one grade level is responsible for picking up garbage around the school compound. This rotation ensures that all students participate in keeping our environment clean and take responsibility for our shared spaces. This complements the school’s recycling programme. Through this simple but consistent action, students reduce litter, protect the school grounds, and show respect for the Earth.
Notre Dame High School
Elmira, New York
Members of Notre Dame's Climate Crusader Club presented two exhibits at the 5th annual Elmira College Climate Teach-In in March. Dr. Trevor Browning, Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Elmira College, came to Notre Dame two months prior to meet with Climate Club members and help prepare them with ideas for presentations. Under the leadership of Anna Utterbach, Club President, and with the guidance and support of Earth Science teacher Mrs. Melissa Bravo and Club Advisor Dr. Deborah Fredo, Climate Club members constructed poster boards and hands-on models illustrating the consequences of climate change on volcanoes and waterways, using Yellowstone and the Chemung River as sample locations. Anna Utterback, Fatoumata Coulibaly, Madeline Lee, Jenai Spencer, and Mary Katherine Young were joined by Earth Science students Noah Lebrun and Bruno de Matteis Tappan in presenting the exhibits.
The Teach-In was attended by elementary school students and teachers, Elmira College students and faculty, as well as a large number of climate-focused organizations and community members.
Mercy Heights Catholic Nursery and Kindergarten
Tamuning, Guam
A typhoon affected the Mariana Islands from April 13–15, bringing several days of strong winds and heavy rain. While we are thankful that Guam did not experience a direct hit, the island faced temporary disruptions to power, water, and internet services, along with downed power lines, fallen trees, and scattered debris. Following the government’s declaration of COR 4 (All Clear), our administration, faculty, and staff returned to campus to assess conditions. We are grateful to report that Mercy Heights Catholic Nursery and Kindergarten did not sustain any major damage. Minor concerns included a roof leak in the Sr. Roberta Center, debris across the campus grounds, and one ceiling tile affected by rainwater. These issues were promptly addressed, allowing us to safely resume school operations. As the saying reminds us, there is always a rainbow after the rain. In the days following the storm, our school community demonstrated resilience and unity as we returned to our regular routines. We are thankful that our island continues to recover and is nearing full restoration. In celebration of Earth Day, our students and staff participated in a prayer service, campus clean-up, and the planting of new seedlings in our sustainable garden. These activities not only supported environmental awareness but also reminded us of our responsibility to care for God’s creation. We also continue our ongoing efforts in sustainability, including collecting recycled aluminum cans and conserving water and energy through mindful practices and the use of renewable resources. We are deeply grateful for the safety of our school community and the strength shown during this time. Together, we move forward with hope, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to caring for one another and our environment.
Walsingham Academy
Williamsburg, Virginia
Throughout the celebration of Earth Day, the school community came together to recognize the sacredness of creation and the shared responsibility to care for it through prayer, learning, and hands-on experiences. Students across grade levels engaged in faith-based reflection, environmental education, and collaborative activities that fostered stewardship, creativity, and relationship-building. A particularly meaningful initiative was the Earth Day trash-less lunch, which resulted in 14 pounds less waste and offered a tangible example of how small, intentional choices can make a collective impact.
Through these efforts, the community embodied Mercy values by integrating care for creation into both spiritual practice and daily action.
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall
Milford, Connecticut
Lauralton students gathered on Wednesday, April 22nd for a joyful, hands-on Earth Day celebration, led by our Campus Ministry Leadership Team. From recycled art collaging to planting flowers and enjoying “dirt cup” treats, the morning was filled with creativity, community, and care for creation. These simple yet meaningful activities reflect the Mercy call to reverence the dignity of all life and to act as stewards of our common home.
St. Bernard Academy
Nashville, Tennessee
Gift giving is such a special part of the Christmas season. While there is so much joy in giving and receiving, many people fail to consider the environmental impact of wrapping paper waste this time of year. To help combat this issue, our Earth Club, the Eco Bears, hosted a special gift wrapping party where students wrapped gifts for families using eco-friendly, recyclable wrapping paper. Many families expressed gratitude for the help and appreciated the opportunity to reduce waste while still getting to share beautifully wrapped gifts with loved ones. It was a simple but impactful way for our students to care for the earth during the busy holiday season.
Mercy McAuley High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
On Earth Day, Mercy McAuley students spent the morning Caring for the Earth. Each student chose from over 20 different off-campus and on-campus activities. Parents were also invited to participate as well. Activities ranged from weeding and mulching, to neighborhood clean-ups, to building raised garden beds on campus, to painting birdhouses, and much more!
Mercy Montessori Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mercy Montessori was glad to welcome fellow Mercy school, Mercy McAuley, to our campus celebrate Earth Day. A group of seniors who have completed Xavier University's Education 101 class visited us to work with our students in Preprimary and Lower Elementary on Earth Day lessons and crafts. A joyful collaboration in learning and stewardship!
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
Chicago, Illinois
For Earth Day, our school community came together in several meaningful ways to care for the environment. We hosted students from a neighborhood grammar school for their Day of Service, where they helped beautify our campus by pulling weeds and picking up garbage. Welcoming younger students for hands-on, earth-friendly activities not only improved our surroundings but also encouraged a shared sense of responsibility for the planet. In addition, multiple school clubs and classes participated in campus-wide cleanup efforts. Students went outdoors and collected trash around McAuley, Mercy Circle and another local grade school. These activities gave students a direct, real-world opportunity to make a visible difference while reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.
Infant of Prague Catholic Nursery and Kindergarten
Mangilao, Guam
For Earth Day 2026, our school was celebrating our planet through hands-on experiences that help our children to love and care for the Earth. Each day we begin with a simple prayer for our earth. We then take our learning outdoors for nature walks around the school grounds to observe and enjoy the trees, plants and flowers. Children were encouraged to feel, look, listen and quietly notice the beauty of nature, helping them build a personal connection with the Earth. Our campus is rich with different kinds of trees—coconut, mango, lemon, star apple, breadfruit, and more. We use these as a living classroom to teach the children about where food comes from, why trees and plants are important and how we must care for them. The children also explored the many colors and shapes of flowers on our grounds, talking about how every plant is special and needs protection. By taking our lessons outside and teaching respect and care for our nature at a young age, we are helping the children become responsible, loving stewards of Earth throughout their lives.
The content of this publication is submitted by our Mercy schools. Thank you to all who contributed!
Credits:
Created with an image by Romolo Tavani - "Hands Holding Globe Glass In Green Forest - Environment Concept"