MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY May 2008 Newsletter

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 46

S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :

♦ May 1: Ascension Mass

♦ May 3: SAT Exam at MMA

♦ May 4: MMA Alumnae Mass

and May Crowning

♦ May 5– 16: AP Exams–

See Schedule Inside

♦ May 6: 6:00 –8:00 PM–

Student Art Show

♦ May 9: Student Government

Election Rally

♦ May 9: Senior Prom and Post

Prom Party

♦ May 13: Incoming Freshman

Orientation and Uniform Measurement/Ordering

♦ May 15: 12:42 PM Dismissal

Day— Faculty Meeting Day

♦ May 21: 7:00 PM Senior Class

Baccalaurate Mass—OLV

♦ May 23: Senior’s Last Day of

Classes

♦ May 26: NO SCHOOL -

Memorial Day

♦ May 27-29: Senior Exams

♦ May 30: Senior Luncheon/

Graduation Practice

♦ June 5: 7:00 PM Graduation

Kleinhan’s Music Hall

A Message from our Principal Sincerely, Paulette C. Gaske Principal

May, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians,

The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.

- Edwin Way Teale – Naturalist, photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winning author

When I came across this quote I knew that it encapsulated what I wished to say in this newsletter. Think of the beauty of the rebirth of the earth after the cold and stark realities of winter. Think of the possibilities this May brings! Your daughter has the possibility of finishing out the school year on a successful note. She has the possibility of attending a myriad of review classes that will help her excel on her finals. She has the possibility of apply-ing for any number of leadership opportunities we have made her aware of, some for this summer, some for next school year. She has the possibility of building up an impressive resume for college by choosing wisely this May. Think of the possibilities! Read through this newsletter, consult our website or give us a call. We have information on any number of opportunities including Erie County Youth Leadership Program, the Buffalo Bills Leadership Program and Buffalo-Area Engineering Awareness Program through the University of Buffalo. Maybe she would like to write for the NEXT supplement of the Buffalo News or attend the Summer Institute for Human Rights and Genocide Studies at Frontier High School. We get information about programs every week. Think of the possibilities! This May we all have the possibility of reconnecting with our faith. In the month ahead we can attend Sunday Mass as a family or make a First Com-munion about more than just the fancy dress or the gifts collected. We can reacquaint ourselves to the Blessed Mother in May by saying a rosary or offering a litany. We can focus on the real intent of Confirmation for our girls and think about how we have lived out the promises we made when we received the sacrament. Think of the possibilities! We wish you great possibilities for May! Sincerely, Paulette Gaske Principal

MMA Principal Mrs. P. Gaske with Class of 2008

Salutatorian Christen Lawicki and Valedictorian Melissa Hayes

MMA Photo Album McAuley Gala

“Celebrate the Seasons”

Models of Mercy

The Mount Mercy Academy McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society held an induction ceremony for twenty-seven new members in the Mercy Center Chapel on the evening of April 10, 2008. Dr. Karen Huffman, faculty mem-ber of the MMA Science Department and NHS Moderator, welcomed parents, family, friends, and keynote speaker MMA Alumna Ms. Lauren Dunford to the ceremony. Chapter President MMA Senior Elizabeth Collesano began the ceremony with a prayer, Vice President Senior Elizabeth CoFrancesco narrated the required qualifications of the inductees and Secretary Senior Allysa Pantano delivered the history of NHS. Senior members of NHS performed a symbolic lighting of candles representing Knowledge, Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. MMA Assistant Principal Mrs. Margaret Staszak presented the candidates and the investiture of hoods was carried out by MMA Principal Mrs. Paulette Gaske, who also granted the Jerry and Betty Eagan Scholar-ship to Christen Lawicki and Mary Fatima Santiano. Keynote Speaker was Ms. Lauren Dunford, MMA Class of 1998, who will receive her M.D. in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics from the University of Buffalo a few weeks time. Ms. Dunford captivated the students with her words of wisdom, noting that these young women will most likely learn more from their failures than their successes, they should question the validity of the detractors in their life, and they are excellent young women who will accomplish much in their future. The ceremony closed as the students sang the “Sucipe of Mother Catherine McAuley”. The newest members of the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society are: Class of 2008: Meghan Blake, Lauren Caulfield, Katherine Gerard, Erica Kane, Shannon Leahy, Samantha Murphy, Kerry O’Connor, Elizabeth Roberts, Karen Stacy. Class of 2009: Sarah Antowski, Jane Bed-narz, Colleen Cannan, Leah Clancy, Deborah Giermek, Meredith Graber, Melissa Graham, Danielle Koch, Kaitlin Krug, Christine Lauber, Molly Lynch, Meghan Mathewson, Katherine McCormick, Jordan Novak, Hannah Owczarczak, Megan Pericak, Meg Recktenwald, and Elizabeth Robinson.

Smiles from New NHS Members

MMA Teacher Ms. Bridget Robinson congratulates her

sister, Senior Elizabeth Robinson at the

NHS Induction Ceremony

The MMA Gym was transformed into a Spring Garden Restaurant

Gala guests enjoy a gourmet dinner!

The Autumn Room boasts a complete Wii ensemble to bid on!

A kayak goes to the highest bidder!

MMA Pure Magic performers serenade guests with songs of the seasons

Living the Mount Mercy Mission

On Sunday, April 20, 2008, the Sisters of Mercy celebrated 150 years of service to the Buffalo area with a mass at St. Joseph Cathedral concelebrated by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec and over 20 other priests. A dinner attended by over 525 guests followed at the Adam’s Mark. The rich history

of the Sisters of Mercy was narrated by two “visitors from heaven” , (Sister Peggy Gorman and Sister Meg Quinlan) who retold the experiences of the earliest Sisters who arrived in Buffalo in 1858. Guests listened to tales of these strong women who began schools to educate the poor, and started hospitals to care for the sick, following the example of Mother Catherine

McAuley, the foundress of the order in Dublin, Ireland. Since their Buffalo beginnings, the Sisters of Mercy can take credit for educating thousands of children, high school girls, and college and nursing students, caring for the sick by and aged by open-ing hospitals and homes for the infirmed, setting up centers which cater to the needs of the community, and establishing

missions across the ocean, ever impacting our world. Mount Mercy Academy is forever grateful to the Sisters of Mercy for over 100 years of sponsorship, dedication, attention, and prayers.

Mount Mercy Academy Musical Groups Compete in Heritage Festival in Myrtle Beach The Mount Mercy Academy Women’s Choir, Pure Magic, and Magic Belles musical groups, directed by Mr. Fred Kirisits, have recently returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach where they competed in the Heritage Festival, a national music festival organization which attracts participants from schools across the country. The Women’s Choir, choosing to challenge the schools in higher divisions (schools which were two and three times the size of MMA), came home with a silver medal and a tie for second place. Sophomore Rachel Smith was also presented with a trophy for her outstanding solo “The Water is Wide” in the second selection performed by the group. The Pure Magic Show Choir was awarded a gold medal, the first for its current members and a well-earned culmination to four years of hard work and determina-tion by the group’s graduating seniors. Another gold medal and first place finish was achieved by the Magic Belles Handbell Choir. The festival officials and adjudicators revered the group as a rarity in national competitions, particularly of this magnitude. The mark of distinction with their performance, however, was the honor of receiving the Adjudicator’s Trophy, a highly uncom-mon and special recognition given to a group that receives scores of 95 or better from all three judges. Mount Mercy Academy is proud to have such talented and hard-working young ladies in Women’s Choir, Pure Magic, and Magic Belles represent them on the national stage!

YOU ARE INVITED!YOU ARE INVITED! May 5 May 5 -- 9 is ART WEEK at MMA 9 is ART WEEK at MMA

with art events taking place every day!with art events taking place every day!

The reception for our annual Student Art Show is Tuesday May 6 from 6 - 8 pm. All MMA art students are represented in the show by at least one (and usually more)

artworks displayed in the main hall. 3rd quarter and special honors art awards will be presented and additional art activities will be taking place

(such as henna painting and free caricature drawing) at the reception. This art show is open to the public and refreshments will be provided!

Please join us to celebrate the accomplishments of our hard-working art students! MMA art students from Art Club and from Drawing & Painting class are painting a literary mural in the new "Dog Ears Bookstore" / Enlightenment Literary Center. The bookstore and center are housed in the same

building as the popular Caz Cafe. All artists will sign their names on the mural once it is complete.

Owner Tom McDonnell intends to open to the public soon and will hold a grand opening celebration at the end of May to which he is inviting all participating art students free of charge.

Women’s Choir is ready to compete!

Queen of Cakes RESULTS

Congratulations to MMA Senior Christen Lawicki

and her mom, Martina Lawicki, Queens of Cakes 2008! The talented team of bakers entered an elaborate

Jack-in-the Box cake which definitely looked too good to eat! Proceeds of

the contest will go towards purchasing new books for the MMA Library.

Need free information on internet safety, cyber-bullying, computer malware

and viruses? Go to http://www.socialsafety.org to

learn more on how to protect your teen on the internet.

2008 Cyber Engineering Workshop for Young Women Offered at UB July 14-18

The NY Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation (NYSCEDII) at UB invites young female students entering grades 10-12 to apply for participation in the 2008 Cyber Engineering Workshop for Young Women offered from July 14-18. The workshop will introduce students to the engineering design process. Please contact MMA Guidance Counselor Ms. Suzanne Perry for applica-tions and further information. Application deadline is May 16, 2008.

Volunteer Host Families Needed Established in 1985, The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit international education ex-change organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. CCI is recognized by the U.S. Department of State as an official exchange visit program sponsor. Based in Chicago, Illinois, CCI organizes high school exchange, short-term group home-stay, internship, work & travel, and language study programs in the United States and in over 30 countries around the world. CCI has also committed itself to promote the green movement within all of our pro-grams through our Greenheart initiative.

High School Year, High School Semester and Short Term Hosting Opportunities Available

Giving to these young people pays back such dividends in terms of friendships, meaningful memories, and shared experiences. The requirements of a family are to have a bed for the student, (private rooms are not necessary), have room at the table for one more and be willing to enfold the student into the daily life of the family not as a guest but as another member of the family. Over 95% of all students, when they return to their home countries, say that the experience of living with their host family was the best part of the program. It is the time spent with the host family that cements the experience in the memories of the student.

All students travel with their own spending money, they are fully insured. They have all studied English but are hoping for opportuni-ties to use that English with their host families. They have filled out applications that tell something about themselves and interested host families can choose a student who would best fit in with the lifestyle of the family. Please contact Colleen Shanahan at Mount Mercy Academy at 825-8796 ext. 201 or e-mail at cshanahan@mtmercy.org for further information.

UNYTS BLOOD DRIVE RESULTS

Seventy–one people came through the door and 45 productive units of blood were collected for Upstate New York Transplant Services. Those 45 units of blood will be sent to our local hospitals to help save the lives of up to 135 local patients in need. That is an AMAZING accomplishment and all at Mt. Mercy should feel incredibly proud of this contribution to our community.

JUNIOR PROM BEAUTIES

Notes from the Music Department:

Mt. Mercy’s Annual Spring Concert will take place in the Mercy Center Auditorium May 6 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and Senior Citizens and will be avail-able from the bookstore beginning April 30. All seats are reserved. Pure Magic Auditions for current MMA students will take place on Sunday, May 18th from 11 am- 2 pm in the Choral Room. Contact Mr. Kirisits for more information. (fkirisits@mtmercy.org or 825-8796 x 312)

IMPORTANT!

Calendar change: Mt. Mercy will no longer take the two week break at Easter and will begin following the

Boces calendar next year. Therefore, a Winter Recess will be scheduled

from February 15-19, 2009 and Easter Break will be April 9-19, 2009.

This change makes the MMA Calendar coincide with the

Public Schools Calendar.

DRIVER EDUCATION RETURNS TO MMA!

AAA Of WNY will provide Driver’s Ed classes at MMA in the coming school year (2008-2009). More information

will be available in the June Parent Newsletter!

Be sure to check the MMA website (www.mtmercy.org)

Under Athletics for dates, times and locations of all Softball, Lacrosse,

Tennis and Track meets. Standings are posted.

Senior Prom News:

The MMA Senior Prom will be held from 7 PM-10 PM Friday, May 9, 2008 at Kloc’s Blossom Grove on Seneca Creek Rd. in West Seneca. Tickets are on sale in the MMA Bookstore for $45 per single ticket or $90 per couple. All outstanding fees, library fines, etc, must be paid before tickets can be purchased. A “Contract for Life” and a permission slip recording all date information must be on file with Miss Kisiel in the bookstore.

POST PROM: A post prom party will be held at the Academy after the prom until 4:00 a.m. Donations of door-prize items are still being accepted. Contact the Main Office at 825-8796 for more information.

DATE TIME EXAM ROOM

Tuesday, May 27

“A” Day

8:00 AM- 10:00 AM

English IV 205 208 210

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

English IV LL

11:30AM -1:30PM

French I Boardroom

Wednesday May 28 "B" Day

8:00 AM- 10:00 AM

Statistics Course IV

Math11 Math 3 Math 2

205

208

LL

1:15 AM Soc/Psych 208

Thursday May 29

“C” day

8:00 AM- 10:00 AM

Economics Participation in

Gov’t

205 208 210

11:30 AM- 2:30 PM

Physics / Regents

Chemistry Conceptual

Physics Practical

Chemistry

204 205

SENIOR EXAM SCHEDULE

Pure Magic at Myrtle Beach

BEAM

Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities Summer Programs for women, minorities and students

interested in exploring careers in engineering, architecture and technology

Grades: Post 7 -11

This program is designed for students interested in exploring the wonder and excitement of science, math and

technology in a hands-on learning environment. Programs include field trips and career speakers.

No Cost to Students!

When: Post 7th – 10th grades: July 7 – August 1 Post 11th grade: July 7 – August 8

Times: Vary with individual program

Place: Daemen College – 7th GRADE Erie County Community College 7th & 8th GRADES Buffalo State College 8th and 9th GRADES Canisius College 9th & 10th GRADES

University of Buffalo 11th GRADE

Limited to 20 students at each location. Deadline for application May 18, 2008.

Applications available in the Main Office or for more information

and applications call BEAM at 645-3066.

MMA Uniform Information

Representatives from the Flynn and O’Hara Uniform Company will be at Mercy on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 from 6:30pm—9:00pm if you would like to order a new school

uniform for your daughter.

Mount Mercy Academy Bookstore The following items may be ordered at the

Bookstore. All items are tax included.

IMPORTANT! CELL PHONE POLICY

DURING ALL FINAL EXAMS

PARENTS: Please be aware that students are not permitted to have cell

phones or other devices on their person or in the Exam Room during final exams!

NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Students may keep locks on their lockers until they have taken their last exam. All backpacks and purses must remain in lockers during exams. Students should keep cell phones in their lockers or

leave them at home on exam days. Any student found displaying or using a cell phone in any capacity during an exam

will have her exam nullified. THANK YOU for your cooperation and support!

Also available to purchase in the book store 1). Navy Blue Sweatpants with yellow “Mount Mercy” on the left leg Cost: $20.00 2). Mesh Short with “Mount Mercy Academy” on the left leg Colors: red, orange, yellow, kelly green, royal blue, light blue, purple Cost: $15.00

Please make checks payable to: Mt. Mercy Academy

“Mount Mercy Academy” Fleece Jacket

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large & X-Large

Color: Navy blue Cost: $33.00

The new fleece may be worn as part of the MMA uniform

starting in September 2008.

Hooded Sweatshirt (NOT PART OF THE MMA UNIFORM)

Navy (with white trim and yellow lettering)

Cost: $26.00 Gray (solid color with navy lettering)

Cost: $21.00

If you wish to add your name, club, sport etc., please include an

additional $3.50 each.

Incoming Freshman News

Incoming Freshman and Parent Orientation is on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. The Flynn and O’Hara Uniform Company will be available in the gym for measurements and orders only. The MMA Bookstore will be open if you wish to order the new fleece jacket (uniform) or the hooded sweatshirt (not a part of the uniform). Mt. Mercy sweat pants and shorts will be available to purchase. Also, If you have not sent in your daughter’s inoculation records, please do so as soon as possible. We must have a copy before your daughter can start school in the fall.

May

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8

 

MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY  CLASS OF 2008 

 

Congratulations to Mount Mercy Academy Class of 2008!!!  I am so very proud of all of your accomplishments thus far and know that you will all be very successful in your  future                    endeavors. As of now, we have processed approximately 610 applications to 146 different colleges.                   There are several reminders that you should be aware of as you finish up your final days at MMA:  

Please bring in ALL college decision and financial aid package letters as soon as possible.                                Scholarships and grants will be listed in the Baccalaureate Mass program.                                                        If this information is not brought in soon, your achievements may not be acknowledged.   

Most College/Universities expect a deposit check confirming your enrollment by May 1st.                                      This will guarantee a place in the class of 2012!!! 

Continue to check the scholarship folders in the Counseling Center.   Please inform the schools in which you will not be attending your decision as well.                                                 

This may help free a space for someone on the wait‐list.   Final confirmation of a place in the Class of 2012 is contingent of the final transcript.                                             

It is crucial to finish up the year well.  Colleges may reconsider offers of admissions if this is not the case.                                                                                                           

      Once you have mailed in your deposit, please bring in a stamped envelope addressed to the Col‐lege/University in which you will be attending by May 16th to the Counseling Center.                                    Your final transcript will be mailed out in this envelope.   

 

                                                                     Best Wishes,                               Ms. Runfola 

CLASS OF 2008 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN NAMED

Mount Mercy Academy Principal Mrs. Paulette Gaske announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2008 at the 3rd Quarter Honors Assembly held in the Mercy Center Auditorium on April 25, 2008. MMA Senior Melissa Hayes, daughter of Ms. Christine Hayes and Mr. Michael Schrems of South Wales, was named Valedictorian. Over her four years at Mount Mercy, Melissa has main-tained the highest academic average of her class. She is a member of the prestigious Mount Mercy McAuley Scholars, is an MMA Student Ambassador, and is also a member of the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society. Melissa has contributed as a dedicated Editor of the MMA school newspaper. Her future plans include attending Middlebury College in Vermont in the fall of 2008. Melissa will address her classmates with words of farewell and encouragement at the gradua-tion ceremony to be held at Kleinhan’s Music Hall on June 5st, 2008. Named Salutatorian for maintaining the second highest class average over her four years at MMA is Christen Lawicki, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lawicki of West Seneca. Christen is a McAuley Scholar, a member of the McAuley Chapter of NHS and has been immersed in the MMA Art experience. She plans to enter Daemen College next fall. Christen will offer words of greeting and remembrance at the Class of 2008 Commencement Ceremony in June. Also acknowledged at the Honors Assembly were those students receiving over a 95% average for the third quar-ter, seniors who have achieved over 125 hours of service for four years, and the seniors whose overall academic average ranked them as the top twenty in their class. The top twenty MMA seniors for the Class of 2008 are: Melissa Hayes,  Christen Lawicki, Kristina Land, Kerry O’Connor, Jenna Szczepanski, Olivia Schlager, Caitlin Biddle, Christine Regula, Tara Bodziak, Allysa Pantano, Brittany Edwards, Elizabeth Collesano, Maria Makowski, Mary Fatima Santiano,  Amy Patten, Carly Story, Carrie Hadley, Lauren Gruchala, Elizabeth Cofrancesco, Angela Passucci. 

REVIEW SCHEDULE FOR DR. HUFFMAN’S A.P. BIOLOGY STUDENTS

Reviews for AP Biology will be held in Room 13 before school starting about 7:30 until 7:50 on:

Monday 4/28 Wed 4/30 Thur 5/1

Friday 5/2 Monday 5/5

Wed. 5/7 Thur 5/8 Fri 5/9

For Dr. Huffman’s Freshmen in Living Environment:

A reminder to all students and parents that ALL labs must be completed and turned in by June 1st

to be eligible for the June Regents. We will not accept labs after June 1st!!!

JUNE EXAM REVIEW SCHEDULE

For Mrs. Barblock’s Living Environment

Students

Review (Room 18) 4/29 7:30am & 2:45pm 4/30 7:30am & 2:45pm 5/01 7:30am & 2:45pm

5/06 7:30am & 2:45pm 5/07 7:30am & 2:45pm 5/08 7:30am & 2:45pm

Students need to bring their review books to each review session

they attend.

Reviews will continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through-

out the month of May.

Mrs. Wagner’s Health Students

Review is scheduled individually as

needed. Any Health student who needs assistance should see Mrs. Wagner to

make arrangements. Exam Study Guide will be handed out

on the 22nd and 23rd of May.

REVIEW SCHEDULE FOR MR. BIANCHI’S CHEMISTRY STUDENTS

Chem Regents review Saturdays 9-10:30 (except May 3,24) and Mondays & Wednesdays 2:45 to 3:45 pm.

For details, see http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/jbianchi/resources.cfm?subpage=125409

AP EXAM SCHEDULE MAY 5, 2008 - MAY 15, 2008

Monday, May 5 D Tuesday, May 6 E Wednesday, May 7 F

Thursday, May 8 A

Friday, May 9 B

8 AM No Exams Noon No Exams

8 AM No Exams Noon AP Statistics Room 313

8 AM – AP Calculus A/B B/C Room 313 Noon: No Exams

8 AM AP Eng. Lit Room 313 Noon: No Exams

8 AM AP US History Room 313 Noon: AP Studio in Art Boardroom

Monday, May 12 C Tuesday, May 13 D Wednesday, May 14 E Thursday, May 15 F Friday, May 16 A

8 AM- AP Biology Boardroom Noon: No Exam

8 AM: No Exam Noon: AP Psychology Room 313

8 AM: AP English Language and Composition Room 313 Noon: No Exam

8 AM: AP World History Room 313 Noon: No Exam

8 AM No Exam Noon: AP Latin Boardroom

STUDENTS TAKING A.P. EXAMS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND OTHER CLASSES ON THE DAY OF EXAM ADMINISTRATION.

PARENTS— PLEASE CHECK TEACHERS WEBPAGES FOR REVIEW SCHEDULES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Teacher pages can be accessed from the

www.mtmercy.org site– click “ACADEMICS” -then click on teacher’s name.

MID-POINT MIDDLE STATES REVIEW

RESULTS AVAILABLE ON MMA WEBSITE

The comments to the right are from Dr. Michael Plesha, made at the conclusion of his review of MMA as part of the Middle States Accreditation process. The entire r e p o r t i s a v a i l a b l e a t www.mtmercy.org—under NEWS-click on—Mid-Point Middle States Review Made Available.

Thank you and congratulations to the entire Mount Mercy Academy community on hosting a wonderful and successful dinner and auction!

MMA Parents win

Gala Raffles

Congratulations Madonna Fink

Shopping Spree Winner

Deborah Lickfeld Tiffany Jewelry Winner

Nichols Family

& Wilson Family

Sabres Package Winners

Thanks to the prize donors and all who participated. We raised over $8000 on these popular raffles.

Gala Call from the Heart tops $14,000

The monetary donations raised from this year’s Call from the Heart will be directed to new tables and chairs for the Academy’s Dining Hall. Parents who are interested in donating funds for tables and chairs with an inscribed plaque in memory of a Woman of Mercy, (including your daughters, family and friends,) may contact Sr. Sally Walz @ ext. 246.

Thank you MMA families who participated as gift gathering donors & hosts, attendees,

committee members and volunteers. Your combined time and effort created a significant contribution to Mount Mercy Academy!

A special thanks to our enthusiastic and involved Gala Co-Chairs—

Patrick and Patricia Cannan David & Eileen Scott

From the Campus Ministry Office Mrs. Teresa Melonson

As Campus Minister, I am always on the lookout for new ways to engage the students in religious activities. During Lent, the school’s chapel was set up for an entire week with seven stations meant to connect students in a fresh way to the story of Christ’s Passion and consider implications it may have on their own lives. At each station, a student read a scripture passage, carried out an action and then reflected. Dim the lights, turn on meditative music and observe! The “Remember Me” station required students to write their name using red paint- and thank Jesus for his sacrifice and love. A station set with a white garment and dice called to mind soldiers casting lots at the foot of the cross. Students rolled a single die and quietly named life distractions they realize keep them from a closer relationship with God. Another station allowed students to pound nails into wood while considering areas of their lives that they are not doing the right things and need forgiveness. Discussions afterward revealed that students enjoyed this experience thoroughly and came to understand Christ’s Passion in a way that was personal and meaningful.

FROM CAMPUS MINISTRY Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches. ~ Matthew 13:32 Spring is finally here and life becomes vibrant and new again! With each unfolding, nature overwhelms us, and we are awed with God’s plan. As you take in a new landscape this spring, enjoy the fullness of life- the life around you and life inside your soul. Take time to reflect by walking in the sunshine, or opening the windows to breathe the fresh air. The Gospel calls us to celebrate God’s presence in prayer and good works, especially toward the poor. Read how Mercy students are experiencing prayer and working with the poor in articles con-tained in this newsletter. May your personal spring bring you ever closer to the Lord’s saving grace, and may your example help others find God, too. I hope your spring reflection reveals God to you in the cycles of life, bringing comfort and inspiration to your personal Journey of Faith.

INSIGHT FROM AN MMA STUDENT Written by Alyssa Erazo ‘09 We've all seen them- those commercials asking us to support a child in a third world country. While I may feel horrible when I see commercials like this, because I have no connection to that person I am not really motivated to do anything to help. However, this past Holy Week, I realized that I was really more connected to the child on TV than I thought. I, along with three other Mt. Mercy students, attended Young Christians at Work; a unique, intensive work camp and training program for teens all over the Buffalo Diocese that applies what the Catholic Church says about Social Justice to situations in real life.

One worksite I attended was the Saint John's Food Pantry. I grew nervous when I found out that I had to actually serve food like a waitress in a restaurant to the people who came to the food pantry. What if I dropped the plates of food? What if I reacted to someone in a way that offended him or her? My nervous feelings vanished when I saw that people were coming with friends and family, and they greeted others with smiles. When I was serving one man, we struck up a conversation about music because we were both wearing tee shirts of the same band. Then it hit me- I al-ways hear the phrase "how the other half lives." While the phrase makes people seem different and distant from “us”, we really are not so different at all.

Hearing the other teens share their service experiences revealed that that everyone had the same realizations. Just because a person is in a poor living situation does not mean she or he is any different from those in a better living situation. We are all human beings, therefore we must all have equal access to basic necessities in order to maintain a healthy, human life. With the belief that human life is precious, comes the responsibility to see to it that everyone has at least enough to simply live. The teens at Young Christians at Work learned that these ideas were two of the major themes of Catholic Social Teaching- the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, and Rights and Responsibilities.

As the teens began to speak in more detail about these two themes and relate them to current events in the media, I thought- how could I, as one teenager, help to stop issues such as the poverty that I saw in the food pantry? Relieving poverty situations is as important as trying to stop what causes it. I came to learn that my question related to the two parts of Christian Service. There is direct service, such as working at the food pantry, which helps relieve the problem, and there is social change, that helps to remove the cause of the problem. A phrase I learned relating to social change

is to "live simply so others may simply live."

I saw in a new way what this phrase really meant when it was dinner time at the Harvest House. Even though it had been a long day, and everyone was very hungry, we all took small portions of food so that there was enough food to satisfy everyone. I realized all the clothes, foods, and other products that I buy really do affect other people in the world because re-sources from different parts of the world were used to make the products I buy. Suddenly, I feel more connected to that child on the television and am making changes in my life so that I “take only what I need”. (Other MMA YCW students include: Senior Stephanie Straub and Sophomores Pattie Bundt and Abigail Webster)

YCAW students serve by painting at Casa Vive.  

The 3rd Quarter Honors Assembly was filled with acknowledgments. The Senior Class entered the Auditorium for their last assembly through the flags signifying the Holy Spirit, many, including MMA Housekeeper Mrs. Karen Marvin

and Junior Hannah Owczarczak, were recognized for their kindness with “Spirit of Mercy” bouquets, Senior Student Government Officers offered “Words of Wisdom” to the underclasswomen

and the Women’s Choir was proud to lead the entire school in singing “The Suscipe”.

Mount Mercy Academy 88 Red Jacket Parkway Buffalo, New York 14220

Phone: 716-825-8796 WWW.MTMERCY.ORG Fax: 716-825-0976

E-mail: mstaszak@mtmercy.org

Accredited by The Middle States

Association of Colleges and

Schools

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT MOUNT MERCY!

Hallmarks of a

mercy education

Dedication to Christian values

Academic excellence Leadership

Service Family in partnership

Keynote Speaker MMA Alumna Ms. Lauren Dunford is surrounded by the newest members of the McAuley Chapter of NHS after the National Honor Society

Induction Ceremony was held in the Mercy Center Chapel on April 10, 2008.

Back Row: Meredith Graber, Meghan Mathewson, Lauren Caulfield, Erica Kane, Shannon Leahy, Katherine Gerard, Katherine McCormick, Melissa Graham, Elizabeth Robinson, Leah Clancy, Sarah Antowski,

Jordan Novak, Hannah Owczarczak, Meg Recktenwald. Front Row: Jane Bednarz, Karen Stacy, Elizabeth Roberts, Samantha Murphy, Meghan Blake,

Ms. Lauren Dunford, Colleen Cannan, Christine Lauber, Molly Lynch, Kaitlin Krug, Deborah Giermek, Megan Pericak, Danielle Koch