Seeing Mercy in action was motivating for me, and my relationship with the Sisters deepened prior to my entrance into the Congregation. The ministry of education has been an integral part of our Mercy charism from the beginning. It continues to be, but we are also involved in many other ministries. Presently my ministry is in Atlantic City. For ten years I have taught first grade at Our Lady Star of the Sea School.
Many challenges come with teaching in the inner city.
One of them is a diverse community. In our school there are 36 different languages and dialects spoken which makes communication with parents and guardians difficult. Some of our children come from homes with domestic problems due in part to the working schedules of parents and guardians who work in casinos, the main source of employment in our city. Even though many of our children live in difficult situations and turbulent neighborhoods, there is a special goodness in them. We do our best to provide a safe, supportive environment where they know they are loved, appreciated and accepted for who they are.