Mercy Week events address immigration and environmental awareness

Some of the members for Cougars for Change pose for a picture.

The week-long series of events is a collaborative effort involving student groups, Campus Ministry, Staff Council, and staff members at Misericordia University. It is designed to introduce students to the charisms of mercy, justice, service and hospitality, which are the tenants of the Religious Sisters of Mercy who founded the university in 1924.

The celebration will begin Sunday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. with a Mercy Liturgy celebrated by Father Don Williams, chaplain, in the Mercy Hall University Chapel.

Immigration Rights Day will be held Monday, Sept. 22. Alejandra Marroquin of Catholic Social Services, Scranton, will present, “A Journey of 1,000 Miles: The Real Story of an Immigrant’s Struggle,’’ in the Banks Student Life Center’s Kennedy Lounge at 5 p.m. Admission is free. An information and display table will also be located in the lobby of the Banks Student Life Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Environmental Awareness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, and is hosted by the Cougars for Change student organization. Events will include “Trayless Tuesday” in the cafeteria, an effort to save water by eliminating the need to wash food trays, and “Earth Hour,” which encourages students to turn off their lights, computers and televisions to save energy from 9-10 p.m. A bonfire will be held and s’mores will be served.

There will also be presentations by students who attended the “Power of One” Conference, a gathering of students who attend Mercy-sponsored colleges, from 12:30 – 1 p.m., a Service Fair from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., and a Service Awards Dinner for employees at 5 p.m., all in the Banks Student Center.

Mercy Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Students and staff will “Stuff the Bus,” a project to collect non-perishable items for the Back Mountain Food Pantry. Students will also make lunches for the St. Vincent DePaul Kitchen and host a voter registration program.