Horizons M E R C Y F O U N D AT I O N
WINTER 2018
Inspiring philanthropy. Changing lives. supportmercyfoundation.org
President’s Message Season’s greetings and thank you for reading our winter edition of Horizons! In this newsletter, we often share stories about our ministries, the lives they touch, and how your support makes all of it possible. It is our privilege to connect you with the people who benefit from your generosity.
Cristo Rey Student Athletes Stand Victorious on Their Field of Dreams This fall, the boy’s soccer team at Cristo Rey High School Sacramento ended their season undefeated, with the CIF D7 Sac-Joaquin Section title in hand. They won that championship on their very own field of dreams—a field generous donors like you made possible. Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school that educates students from families with limited resources. Cristo Rey students are grateful for this opportunity and work one day per week at a professional internship, which serves to offset the cost of their tuition. Ninety-six percent of Cristo Rey graduates go on to college to further their education. Several years ago, our generous community helped to build Cristo Rey’s new campus. While Cristo Rey offers many outstanding educational opportunities, the new campus was lacking any type of athletic facilities. Physical education classes occurred on the blacktop and sports teams travelled to practice and played all their games at unlit parks or other schools. To help create a well-rounded campus experience, the students needed a place to exercise, play and compete. While basketball and volleyball are enjoyed by many, soccer is the most popular sport at the school with excellent boys’ and girls’ teams, and enthusiastic fans. Continued on page 4
During a recent visit with the retired Sisters of Mercy in Auburn, we were reminded that while it is important to communicate what we do, it is even more important to remember why we do it. As you will read in this edition, there are many Sisters of Mercy who reside in the assisted living facility at Mercy Center Auburn. After dedicating their entire lives to service in our hospitals, schools, and other ministries, they are able to retire in comfort thanks in large part to your generosity. They are the living history of the power of mercy, and we are so humbled and honored to continue their compassionate work together with you. Although our community has changed dramatically since the first Sisters of Mercy arrived in Sacramento by riverboat in 1857, the basic human needs the Sisters meet have not. Your generosity keeps their mission alive and they continue to lead and inspire us. Their vision for a just world for the poor, the sick and the underserved is Continued on page 5