Sister Rosemary Connelly of Chicago was named Catholic Woman of the Year by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA). The award was presented to Rosemary at the 2012 National CDA Convention held July 18-22 in Omaha, Ne.  The award, engraved with the CDA logo, read:   "Catholic Woman of the Year 2012, Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM, for bringing the light of Christ to others." A check in the amount of $5,000 was also presented to Rosemary for the benefit of her ministry, Misericordia Homes where she is the executive director.  Misericordia, established in 1921, offers a community of care for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities. Currently, 600 children and adults of diverse backgrounds live at Misericordia.

After a moving and informative video about Misericordia,  Rosemary approached the dais to a standing ovation. She spoke of her work with Misericordia and thanked the Catholic Daughters for the honor. Misericordia is a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community.  http://www.misericordia.com/about/default.aspx

 Sister Judith Frikker (L) receives Sister Taryn Stark's First Vows in Burlingame, CA.

Sister Taryn Stark professed first vows First Vows as a Sister of Mercy on July 14, 2012, surrounded by sisters, family, friends, and associates at the Mercy Chapel in Burlingame, CA.  Sister Taryn pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service to the poor, sick, and ignorant, the fourth vow particular to the Sisters of Mercy.  Sister Judith Frikker, Community President of the Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community, received Sister Taryn’s vows on behalf of the West Midwest Community.

“The celebration of Taryn’s first vows was a joyful event for the entire Community,” Sister Judith said. “The ceremony reflected Taryn and her lived international experience. It is a sign of hope for the future to have Taryn become a vowed member of the Sisters of Mercy.”

Taryn was ebullient after the profession.  Taryn said, “The immense joy I feel inside and from the Mercy Community can only be a grace from God. I couldn’t stop smiling. You could feel the joy and the energy in the room. I felt so loved. Nothing else can affirm your calling more than that.”