The Mount Mercy Campus Ministry Department, under the leadership of Campus Minister Mary Colby, wrapped up its successful and fruitful year with one last service project and several religious observances.
On May 1, Mount Mercy President Margaret M. Cronin, Colby and seniors Josslynn Strang (Westfield), Mariah Rullan (Buffalo), Kaitlyn Morris (Orchard Park) and Madeline Kotwica (Orchard Park) served as representatives of Mount Mercy at the Catholic Health May Crowning in downtown Buffalo.
On May 3, Mount Mercy had its own May Crowning event. Morris was identified by her classmates as someone who models the virtues of Mary and was chosen to crown the Blessed Mother. All the seniors participated in this event by placing a flower at the base of the altar. Seniors led the whole school community in the rosary.
Senior Anna Hagner (Buffalo) coordinated the final service project. The group had an entertaining afternoon playing board games with the Sisters of Mercy.
The freshmen enjoyed the annual tea with the Sisters event. This event is a favorite of the students and marks the end of the Meet Catherine McAuley program in freshman theology classes.
Father Bryan Zielenieski presided at the Class of 2019 Baccalaureate Mass in the Mercy Center Chapel. The class celebrated mass together and the achievements of the Class of 2019 were recognized. More than two-thirds of the class of 2019 earned the McAuley Rose for completing a minimum of 125 hours of service during their time at Mount Mercy.
On May 22, the Class of 2019 graduated. Two special awards were presented at the graduation ceremony; The Frances Warde Leadership Award was presented to Grace Willert (West Seneca) and The Catherine McAuley Award was presented to Madeline Kotwica (Orchard Park).
The month of May concluded with a school mass to celebrate Ascension Thursday. Father Benjamin Fiore SJ celebrated the mass.