Mercy’s many traditions trace all the way back to the Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley with her mission to educate young girls. To this day our school continues her mission and her dying wish that we share a “comfortable cup of tea” with one another. The Sisters of Mercy have inspired each monarch girl to grow as women of faith, knowledge, and service. One sister in particular shares her experience with students as our spiritual companion.

Sister Jeanne was inspired by her parents and the Sisters of Mercy by seeing their love for helping others and living lives of service. However, she refused to believe that she ever wanted to be a nun.  Eventually she changed her mind and has now been a Sister of Mercy for over 50 years. The tea time tradition began years after Sister Jeanne was campus minister and started to miss the Mercy girls, so she decided to bake cookies and visit the students. Eventually she sparked up long conversation and brought in delicious tea to welcome the girls she talked to. This tradition has become a popular way to talk about personal struggles while receiving spiritual guidance, cookies, and a big smile to last you the day. Many students find tea time to be relaxing and renewing. Sister Jeanne is always welcoming and knows how to make a Mercy girl giggle with her bubbly personality.

Students come to chat with Sister Jeanne about classes, family, various problems, or even share a fun experience. Sister says that her favorite part of tea time is getting to meet all the different girls here and being a listening presence in their lives. She also says that she never knows what to expect, but the stories always unfold and inspire other students to grow in faith. The most important part of tea time is that Mercy girls come together to carry on the tradition of sharing a comfortable cup of tea.