College of Saint Mary alumni, students, faculty become Mercy Associates

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) alumni, students and a faculty member recently became Sisters of Mercy Associates, making a commitment to service. 

“Mercy Associates are so important because it allows women and men to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, addressing their five critical concerns - earth, women, non-violence, racism and immigration,” said Diane Langel Proulx ‘72, Mercy Associate co-leader. 

During a Mercy Associate Covenant Ceremony March 18, three alumni and two students received Associate Covenant certificates. 

Associates make a commitment to be partners with the Sisters of Mercy and engage in service work that helps those who are experiencing poverty, illness or lack of education, especially women and children. 

CSM alumni who received associate covenant certificates were Connie Divis Tippery ‘86, Kia Scott-Sellers ‘20 and Yuridia Igbokwe ‘24.  

“I've asked CSM alumni to consider becoming associates because they have shown the mercy charism to so many others. But anyone can become an associate if at all interested in carrying on the mission of the sisters,” Proulx said. 

CSM students Audri Saylors and Leslie Le, and adjunct faculty member Mike Poulin also became Mercy Associates.

“I decided to join the Mercy Associates because I truly think that they embody the values that I want to exemplify in my daily life. They provide a community and sense of belonging that pours out into their desire to serve others. I think we can truly help our members live a purpose driven life and grow spiritually every day,” said Le, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student.  

Mercy Associates carry on the message and service of the Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley, a 19th Century Irishwoman who believed that educating women created a more productive society. Her work inspired the opening of many women’s secondary and post-secondary schools, including College of Saint Mary.  

Mercy Associates actively participate in the Sisters of Mercy’s work, but they do not take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service like the Sisters of Mercy. Associates are women and men of all faith traditions. 

Proulx said continuing the work of the Sisters of Mercy is increasingly important as they age.  

“The average age of the Sisters of Mercy is 81 years. We have 55 Sisters of Mercy living in the Omaha area, of which 15 are in assisted living or nursing homes. So, we want to continue to make a difference and try to follow in their huge footsteps,” Proulx said. 

To become a Mercy Associate, participants meet monthly for eight months then decide whether to sign the mercy covenant. Associates gather monthly to pray, discuss the critical concerns and engage in community service. Local organizations associates have worked with include, the Furniture Project, Restoring Dignity and Omaha Welcomes the Stranger. 

There are currently about 30 active associates in Omaha and over 3,100 all over the world.