Named for the first Sister of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, McAuley House is an intentional community for two Sisters of Mercy and up to four young adult Catholic women.
In all this tripping about, we remain centered in Christ for whom we go forward or stay back.
-Catherine McAuley
This ministry provides:
- The experience of a communal lifestyle….sharing in the daily tasks of cooking, cleaning and living…
- Lessons in the value of committing to juggling schedules so we can spend time together supporting each other—each of us is employed…so we have the benefits of coming home to people who listen as we talk about our day at work…
Opportunities to actively participate in the various ministries of Blessed Sacrament Parish, neighborhood, and Pastoral Planning group… and then coming together to spend time regularly in a process of theological reflection on the service we provide…
- Open, honest sharing around the values of simple living…and how we can confront consumerism in our personal and communal lives.
- A nurturing environment to grow in relationship with God and to develop a spirituality that will help us live out our baptismal call.
- And lots of laughter…
This ministry is a joint initiative of the Sisters of Mercy and Blessed Sacrament Parish. The members of McAuley House Community each pay into our common fund for living needs (food and things like internet and newspaper). Blessed Sacrament Parish provides our living space for a much reduced cost in exchange for our service commitment.
Click on the link for a brochure in PDF format:
McAuley House Brochure
Sister Kathleen Wayne has been a Sister of Mercy for 29 years. Currently, she serves as Director of Faith Formation for the Monroe Clinton Planning Group“I wanted to participate in McAuley House because I have personally benefited from the gift of community living. I found in my work as Vocation Minister, that many young adults are searching for an opportunity to link their faith and daily lives while living with others who share common values and priorities. Connecting the gift I know as community with the mission and vision of McAuley House has been a rewarding experience. Blessed Sacrament is an ideal location for this venture because of its large Young Adult population, service opportunities, and its welcoming parish community”
Sister Estelle Martin has been a Sister of Mercy since 1951. She is an educator, a liturgist and an artist. After retiring from teaching, she continues to use her art background as a graphic designer and volunteers in parish programs and activities..“I find the vision of McAuley House challenging and exciting. Sharing in simple communal living, urban ministry and an inner sense of personal and communal spirituality with the young women energizes me and enriches my commitment as the Sisters of Mercy.”
Jessica Ciaramella is a graduate from RIT with a degree in Bio-med. Now she is attending St John Fisher College for Nursing. Her goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. She is from St. Clair, Michigan and the oldest of four. Jessica enjoys her time with hockey and just having a good time with friends.
"Living in the McAuley house has really helped her explore my faith and I look forward to learning more eveyday."
Dana DiMattia is originally from Westchester, but is familiar with upstate New York after having attended SUNY Geneseo for the past four years. She is a first year graduate student at Nazareth College and is pursuing her masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This semester she is working part-time at the Nazareth college campus and at a day care center in the city. Dana enjoys her time at McAuley, assisting with the Super Program and singing every Sunday at the 12:15 mass with the Contemporary Music Ensemble. She hopes that in this year she continues to grow personally and in her prayer life as she lives in community with others.
Erin Gonzalez is from Las Vegas, NV. She received her Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance from Chapman University in Orange, CA. She is currently a first year masters student at Eastman School of Music.
"Being a member of the McAuley House and part of the Blessed Sacrament community has been extremely enriching and rewarding. I enjoy cantoring the weekend masses and being involved with the supper program. I am blessed to have a home away from home."