DECEMBER 5, 2017 | CONTACT: mesa@sistersofmercy.org
 
 
Advent Series Call Us to Welcome the Stranger, Protect the Earth
 
 
As a reminder, all are welcome to join in prayer this Advent season with a bilingual reflection series. This year's theme is welcoming the stranger/displacement of peoples—a theme important not only to the Institute, but also to the global Mercy community.

Each Thursday, the Sisters of Mercy blog will share reflections and art from members of the Mercy community. A large-print PDF will be included at the top of the blog reflection for easy printing. The first reflection is available here. If you have any questions about using or distributing the Advent prayers, please email Lauren Albright.
 
 
Mercy International is likewise inviting all to reflect on the MIRP themes of Degradation of Earth and Displacement of People. They've created a dynamic webpage displaying art and short pieces reflecting on these themes. Click on the image above to experience it.

In addition, you are welcome to post your own Advent prayers and reflections in the Mercy International online chapel.
 
 
 Reminder: New Leadership Orientation Presentation Tomorrow
 
 
Our next New Leader Orientation takes place tomorrow, Dec. 6th at 6 p.m. Eastern.
The goal of this conversation, which will take place on BlueJeans, is to share ideas and challenges connected with evaluating school personnel. Join us as we share with each other some of our best practices, as well as some of the greatest challenges connected with conducting performance reviews and evaluations.

Carolyn Jaworski, our presenter, has provided some materials for you in advance of the presentation. They were emailed to you by Kim Baxter, MESA Associate Director for Programs and Services. Please contact her if you have any questions.
 
 
    MESA Office Closed Dec. 22 - Jan. 3
 
 
The Mercy Education System of the Americas office will close between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3 in observance of the Christmas Holiday and New Year's. MESA staff will periodically check email and voicemail. In case of emergency, please don't hesitate to contact the appropriate staff member by phone.
 
 
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and stay tuned for more details.
 
 
MESA Leadership Forum
March 1, 2018
8 am - 3 pm
Atlanta, GA
 
 
  “Partners in Mercy”
Leadership Academy
July 23-24, 2018
Baltimore, MD
 
 
 You are encouraged to send in information that you'd like to share through the MESA Flash. We'd love to share your good news, photos from your schools, along with tips and practical suggestions from which others in the community can learn. Email us at mesa@sistersofmercy.org.