Last Friday was Gwynedd’s Traditional Mercy Day Liturgy, but it was also a day for students to learn more about this year’s critical concern focus of earth. At the end of liturgy, Sister Christi, Sister Patty, Sister Susan, and Sister Bernadette renewed the vows they took when they first became Sisters of Mercy. Sister Susan was especially celebrated by the Gwynedd community as it was her Golden Jubilee. To honor her fifty years as a Sister of Mercy, the French students led the school in two French prayers and gifted her with a tree from the Gwynedd community that will be planted in her name. When asked how she felt about her celebration, she said, “I’m very grateful… just full of gratitude and joy that I was able to share this with all of you”. Later that morning, all student council members and club leaders were awarded their club pins during the Installation of Officers Ceremony.

Friday also marked the official introduction of this year’s critical concern focus, earth. In the afternoon, the whole school gathered to hear the “Second Day” project presentation, which is going to provide a great opportunity for students to get involved in the critical concern focus of earth. The four student leaders of this project are aiming to help raise funds for Charity: Water, which is a non-profit organization that builds wells to provide clean water for countries that lack it. Mia Van Mater ‘22, a leader of the project, was over the moon when she said, “We have been working on our project for more than a year, so it was awesome to see it all come together at Mercy Day. I’m excited for the spring because we are planning to do more in our community about the water crisis”. Hayley Young ‘22, another leader, wants Gwynedd girls to know that she’s, “really excited for the Gwynedd community to learn more about the water crisis and finally see what my Lead4Change group has been working on for the past year. Especially since our critical concern this year is Earth, we hope to raise awareness and engage in this issue even more”. The Gwynedd community is so lucky to have these leaders who are so dedicated to the school’s critical concern and Sister Susan, who is such an amazing asset to the school.