We begin Mercy Service Day with energizing nourishment and enthusiastic spirit. We all know what we are going to do today but more important is knowing why we are doing it.  It is not to meet a requirement but to meet a need…our need to help one another on life’s journey. In addition to your academic programs and engagement in your learning, you have found that service is a part of your Carlow experience.

Even before you came to Carlow, you recognized that life is not only about and for you…but also about and for others. You have already provided service to others as part of your own values and causes. You have learned that selfishness and self-centeredness are unsatisfactory since they do not make a difference in the lives of those with whom we share our world.

You have found that the best moment in your lives have been with and for others.

 As a Mercy institution committed to social justice and service to others, Carlow raises service to the level of an expectation for living a full life.  At Carlow, opportunities abound for providing service to others, and all members of the Carlow community are expected to serve their brothers and sisters in the human family.

As you leave St. Agnes this morning in the company of others, you know that you are a member of a community which cares about others, and which provides competent and compassionate service which makes a difference in their lives. 

I ask you all to stand quietly and join with me un understanding the WHY of what we are about to do. Together, let us read Catherine McAuley’s words printed on the back of the shirt of the person standing next to you.  

And so,  let’s give a cheer for SERVICE…
Service is self-less; Give me an S 
Service is engaged; Give me an E 
Service is responsive; Give me an R
Service is valued; Give me a V
Service is inspired; Give me an I
Service is compassionate; Give me a C
Service is energized; Give me an E
What do you have? SERVICE!   Service is self-less, engaged, responsive, valued, inspired, compassionate and energized.
 Now: Go Give It!

-- Dr. Mary Hines, President, Carlow University

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