Who are the Companions in Mercy?
Companions in Mercy are persons who, responding to the call of the Gospel and inspired by the life of Catherine McAuley, make an intentional orientation of their lives to prayer, service, and community. After a period of formation, they make a private vow of mercy in the presence of the community of mercy.

What are the purpose and goals of the Companions?
The Companions, inspired by Catherine McAuley, desire to express the charism of mercy in a new form of commitment to mercy through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Ministries might include direct service, advocacy, and prayer.

Companions live out this commitment within the context of their professional and personal circumstances. They commit to a regular rhythm of prayer and reflection and to times for retreat and renewal.

They form community as Companions, meeting together biannually and maintain regular contact with one another.

How did they come into being?
Companions formally came into existence in May of 2005 after several years of preparation and dialogue with the Sisters of Mercy. The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, having entertained proposals for new forms of commitment to mercy, approved Guidelines for experimentation. Following these guidelines, six women with the support of their Regional Community leadership teams, took a private vow of mercy.

Who can become a Companion?
Companions are inclusive, welcoming women and men who identify with the Vision and Values of Companions.

Must a Companion be catholic?
No. Companions welcome those who are comfortable living/praying/serving within the Christian tradition. The heart of the Companions’ commitment is the Gospel, particularly the works of mercy.

How does one become a Companion?
If after reading and reflection on the Values and Vision Statement of Companions, the vow, and related items, an individual feels called to this form of commitment in mercy, he/she would initiate a dialogue with the Companion responsible for initial contacts. In the course of this discernment, a brief autobiography stating how one experiences this call to mercy will be required. Additional components of the discernment process include an opportunity to meet with other Companions, an in-depth questionnaire, and on-going supportive assistance.

Are there any financial requirements?
Companions are financially, as well as legally, independent of each other and the Sisters of Mercy. Costs incurred in common for such things as conference calls and gatherings are shared; each individual pays for his/her own travel.

Are there other requirements?
Companions have agreed to be in community with one another and to be accountable to one another for the continued growth and development of this form of commitment both personally and collectively.

How is this commitment different from vowed life and association?
The vision inspiring the Companions is that of a community of persons, committed to the works of mercy, in a myriad of forms--vowed, associate, companions, Mercy volunteer corps, dedicated colleagues and co-workers.

Companions take a private, non-canonical, vow of mercy and are responsible for their own governance and membership.

Sisters take public vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and a fourth vow "to serve the poor, sick and uneducated."

Associates make a formal commitment/covenant to prayer and the practice of mercy. The length of this commitment/covenant varies with each Community.

Mercy Volunteer Corps members commit to one or two years of full-time service of the poor and marginalized, a simple lifestyle in community, and spiritual growth.