A new Mercy moment began on July 1, 2008, for the Sisters of Mercy from California to Michigan. On that date, six former regional communities -- Auburn, Calif.; Burlingame, Calif.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Chicago, Ill.; Detroit, Mich.; and Omaha, Neb. -- came together to form the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community.
The Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community is made up of nearly 800 Sisters and more than 500 Mercy Associates and Companions in Mercy who live and minister in 32 states and Mexico - operating across four time zones. We have Sisters living and ministering in 19 archdioceses and 43 dioceses.
After college, Rose Davis, then a young laywoman, chose to work as an office clerk in the insurance billing department at Mercy Hospital San Diego. She spent so many lunch hours in the chapel that Sister Mary Alma, head of the department, asked her if something was wrong. “I like to pray,” said Rose, a recent convert. “And some day I’ll be a sister, but I’m not sure in which community.” Mary Alma immediately suggested spiritual direction, and a few years later Rose entered the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame.