This year’s critical concern is Women. The Sisters of Mercy remain committed to improving the situation of women around the world.
“We believe that women’s education, health and spirituality need special attention. We continue this mission in our schools, colleges, health-care institutions and spirituality centers. We advocate for equal pay, for services for domestic violence victims, and for the rights of girls and women in especially repressive societies.”
Visit the Critical Concerns 2023 page, which will include virtual event links.
Schedule of Events
Monday, March 20
9:30 a.m.
Welcome and preview
Paul DaPonte, Ph.D.
Office of Mission Integration
Opening prayer and reflection
Jeff Schaffer, MPS
Campus Ministry
(Virtual Event)
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Faculty/staff retreat: “Leaning into Mercy: the Inner, Contemplative Dimension”
Mary-Paula Cancienne, RSM, Ph.D.
(Virtual Event)*
*For those who wish to experience the retreat with others, feel free to participate in the Mercy Hall Lounge.
7:00-8:15pm
Panel discussion: “Joanne Sheehan: Nonviolent Activist for Peace and Justice”
In conversation with Scott H. Bennett, Ph.D.
Mercy Peace Forum
Mulcahy Institute for Social Justice
(Virtual Event)
Tuesday, March 21
Morning reflection (Virtual)
1:00-4:00pm
Service opportunity: Providence House (Transportation provided)
Providence House, in Whiting, NJ, offers a wide range of services to women experiencing domestic violence and their children.
(A pre-service orientation is required before participating. Please contact Campus Ministry x2600)
2:00-3:00pm
Presentation: “Women as Agents of Change”
Marianne Comfort
Justice Coordinator for Earth, Anti-racism, and Women
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
Host: Mercy Associates
(Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel)
6:00-7:00 pm
Panel discussion: “Celebrating Women in Business and Digital Media”
Host, Jennifer Edmonds, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business and Digital Media
Panelists:
Tasha Youngblood-Brown, Ernst & Young
Marilee Pettit, Press Communications, Inc.
Debra Rizzo, Rizco
Theodora Sergio, Georgian Court University
Vanessa Coppes, BELLA Magazine
(Virtual Event)
Wednesday, March 22
Morning reflection (Virtual)
1:00-3:00 pm
On-campus service opportunity
Drop by to prepare care packages for clients of Providence House
(Ballroom, Casino)
4:00-6:30 pm
Film screening and discussion: “9 to 5: The Story of a Movement”
Host: Marci Mazzarotto, MFA, Ph.D.
Guests: Professors Pari Murthy, Ellen Bernhard, Kristen Park Wedlock
(Little Theater, Jeffries Hall)
7:00-8:00 pm
Presentation: “The Recovery of Women’s Voices in Catholic Tradition: A Conversation”
Elissa Cutter, Ph.D. and Mary Kate Holman, Ph.D.
(Virtual Event)
Thursday, March 23
2:00-3:00 pm
Ecumenical prayer service
Campus Ministry
Refreshments
Dance Performance: “Perpetual Interlock”
Choreographer: Juliette Margolies
Performers: Marissa Rutigliano and Cadence Marciano
(Casino)
3:00-4:00 pm
Keynote event: “Women on the Move: The Changing Face of Migration to the U.S.”
Sonia Nazario
Pulitzer prize-winning journalist
Author: Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with his Mother
(Casino)