Sister Michele Marie Schroeck, RSM

Religious Community: Sisters of Mercy New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community

Present Ministry: Director of Service-Learning, Mercyhurst College

Home Parish: St. George Church

Hobbies/Interests: Crafts, card games, walking, camping

I recognized God’s call in my life gradually. As a young person attending Catholic schools I had some contact with Sisters. I was amazed at how real and happy they seemed. I tested the call by serving as a Mercy Volunteer at the St. Joseph Mission School on the Acoma/Laguna Pueblo Reservation. Living the values of community, service, spirituality and simplicity was life-giving. I liked who I was becoming!

The spirit of my community is alive today when we reach out with compassion to the poor, sick and ignorant, especially women and children. I have had many opportunities to live the Mission of Mercy as a Sister of Mercy. I served in the Sisters of Mercy Migrant Education Ministry as a teacher and principal for children whose families moved between Fremont, OH and Plant City, FL to harvest the crops. We worked to provide a consistent education.

Most recently, I have helped students and faculty connect the college to the community. I have the opportunity to accompany students on alternative breaks to border towns, urban cities, rural Appalachia and the Navajo reservation. These experiences of culture, service and spirituality change lives and perspectives forever!

“For I have seen the face of Christ” in the Sisters as we support one another in sickness and celebration. I have experienced Christ in the reverent and strong faith of the Hispanic migrant families who serviced. I have seen Christ in the conversion that happens within me and the students as we encounter another culture. I have witnessed Christ in the families in my own backyard who struggle for a quality education and other basic needs.

Web site: www.mercyerie.org