Category: News and Events

Jim Memmott from the Democrat & Chronicle encourages supporting charitable organizations that help the needy in honor of his quarantine shirt, Old Burgundy.

As close readers of this column know, six weeks ago I was on the verge of giving up Old Burgundy, the long-sleeved, wine-red T-shirt that I had been wearing nearly every day since we began sheltering in place.

I’m happy to report that I’m the grateful recipient of two new Old Burgundies. In addition, the original Old Burgundy has been granted a new life. More about that in a moment.

But first, because I’ve been the recipient of such kindness, and because I have more than enough shirts, I’d like to suggest donations in Old Burgundy’s name to any group that’s clothing and feeding the needy.…

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13 WHAM reports on Sister Grace being selected to receive the lifetime achievement award from the Federation of Social Workers.

Thursday’s bright spot shines on Sister Grace Miller.

Most of Rochester is aware of the caring compassion she has shown for others in the community over the years, providing food, shelter, and housing through the House of Mercy.

It has earned her the nickname of “Rochester’s Mother Theresa.”

Now, she has been selected to receive the lifetime achievement award from the Federation of Social Workers.

Congratulations to Sister Grace, a bright spot in our community every day.

Watch the newscast……

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On July 13, Sister Grace Miller celebrated her 85th birthday… and received a surprise party and video from the guests, staff, volunteers, and friends of House of Mercy, which she founded 35 years ago.…

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“Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, you do to Me.”

Mt. 25:40

The House of Mercy Board, staff, volunteers and the Rochester Homeless Union stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement against structural racism and racial inequality. We have witnessed with broken hearts the recent state of affairs within our community, the nation and abroad. With the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Toney McDade, Breonna Taylor and many others by police and vigilantes, we cannot ignore the fact that people of color are being disproportionately targeted and oppressed with little justice imposed on those who commit these crimes.…

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Susan Gawlowicz from RIT’s University News writes about how Professor Caroline Easton leads a team of therapists in a doctoral training program to provide telepsychology services to House of Mercy residents.

Residents of a homeless shelter in Rochester are continuing to receive therapy during the coronavirus pandemic from a team of therapists in a clinical internship program at Rochester Institute of Technology.

The doctoral training program began as an exercise in using telepsychology to deliver care to a marginalized and underserved population. When New York shut down in March to stem the spreading virus, the therapists were already prepared to apply the telehealth protocols in the crisis.…

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Catholic News Service writes about how House of Mercy provides shelter and compassion for the homeless – as it has for over 30 years – even during the Coronavirus pandemic.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The key to sheltering in place is having a place to go.

That has been the driving force behind Mercy Sister Grace Miller’s homeless ministry in Rochester, New York, long before the coronavirus pandemic. But these days, more people are knocking at her shelter’s doors even though many of its outreach programs have been temporarily put on hold.

The House of Mercy shelter she started in 1985 has always been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but now it is open only at night.…

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Show your love today!

Designed by AZZAMARIE for House of Mercy to help fundraise during the COVID-19 pandemic, these “love your neighbor!” shirts are available as t-shirts, long-sleeve tees, and pullover hoodies.

All proceeds benefit House of Mercy.

“accept love, be love, give love” t-shirts are also available!

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For a quarter of a century, the House of Mercy, St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality and Rochester Pax Christi have gathered to commemorate Good Friday, the day on which Jesus was executed by the Roman Empire, and to remember the many ways in which Christ is crucified today, in His people. This Good Friday, the pandemic prevents us from gathering physically; however, this virtual gathering allows us to take the stations beyond Rochester’s central city.

Today, the crucifixion is being reenacted by tens of thousands – dying not on a cross, but in hospitals and nursing homes, isolated from family and friends.…

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Rochester, N.Y. — Rochester Business Journal selected Sister Grace Miller, House of Mercy Executive Director, as a Women of Excellence honoree.

Established in 2018, the Women of Excellence awards recognize high-achieving women for their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring. Winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous Circle of Excellence and Women of Excellence honorees.

In addition, seven women will be inducted into the Circle of Excellence. The Circle of Excellence recognizes women of longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. These honorees were selected by Rochester Business Journal editors.…

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Mike Costanza with the RochesterBeacon writes about how homeless shelters and other charities in Monroe County, including the House of Mercy, struggle to maintain the funding required to provide the services they offer to the homeless and hungry in Rochester.

The nonprofits that serve Monroe County’s homeless and hungry depend upon a patchwork of funding to continue their work. Though they appear to be holding their own, there could be problems on the horizon.

….

Under such circumstances, those serving the county’s unhoused and hungry can find themselves stretched very thin. The House of Mercy Inc. offers a number of benefits for the needy, including the use of its 82-bed emergency shelter, which fills up most nights.…

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Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) – Lawrence Greggs has been homeless for ten years. He’s spent the last two at the House of Mercy in Rochester.

He’s used to cold temperatures, but not typically this early.

“It’s really tough. It’s brisk out. A hot meal is more than just something I like to have; it’s one of the reasons why I come here,” said Greggs. “The way the wind is going, and kamagra 100mg how brisk it is out, you’d be an icicle before you know it.”…

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In late 2018, Sister Grace Miller was nominated for the Farash Prize for Social Entrepreneurship.

First awarded in 2012, the Farash Prize honors the legacy of Max Farash—a business entrepreneur who, along with his wife, Marian, recognized the importance of supporting social causes in their community.

Congratulations on this nomination Sister Grace!…

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The House of Mercy is featured in a new television commercial for Walmart. The retail giant is focusing on its commitment to American manufacturers that support non-profits in their own communities. This week, Walmart unveiled its series, ‘American Ingenuity’ on its YouTube channel, highlighting the philanthropic actions of several locally owned and operated businesses whose products are carried in Walmart locations across the country.

The Perfect Granola, a local food company, donates a portion of its proceeds to help feed people at House of Mercy’s soup kitchen.

In addition, Ashlie Jones, an employee of The Perfect Granola, volunteers at The House.…

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Eleven boys from McQuaid Jesuit’s crew team will be rowing from Buffalo to Albany to raise funds for the House of Mercy. This video profiles each of the boys, and shows them meeting with Sr. Grace Miller and some of the guests at the House of Mercy.

For more information about the Row4Hope or to donate, visit http://houseofmercyrochester.org/rowforhope/.…

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In Honor of Women’s Month, we asked Sister Grace and Sister Rita their thoughts on current issues:

1. What women have inspired and influenced you? Why?

SG: My mother, because of the way she brought us up. She was from Italy, and a hard worker. She lived for her kids. They were her whole life. Both parents, I know we meant the wold to them.

SR: My mother, grandmothers, and Sister Grace. My mother was very religious, loved kids, loved being a mother, the she got ill at 37 leaving eight of us. So both my grandmothers pitched in to help.…

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This past Friday, Sister Grace Miller along with members of the House of Mercy and St. Josephs House of Hospitality, took to the sidewalks to honor the Catholic tradition of the 14 Stations of the Cross for Good Friday. The Stations of the Cross, also referred to as the Vio Dolorosa, is a narration of the final hours of the life of Jesus Christ. These stations are meant to serve as a reminder of Christ’s humble demeanor during his crucifixion process as he set aside any of his privileges as a deity so he could provide a path of salvation during his sacrifice. …

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After washing the Disciples’ feet, Jesus explained what He did and why. “You should wash one another’s feet,” He told them. “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:1-17)

Thank you to our amazing photography volunteer Julie who helps us share moments like this with all of our supporters! Photo Credit: Julie Oldfield.…

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Every day at the House of Mercy is a busy day but Holidays are even busier. With Easter less than two weeks away everyone is working around the clock to prepare. Our celebration starts on Holy Thursday with a spiritual washing of the feet, followed by the stations of the cross around Rochester on Good Friday, Saturday we will be holding an Easter vigil. On Easter Sunday we will be cooking a hearty meal for over 300 guests. On top of that we hand out boxes of food to members of our community and make 125 Easter baskets for children who would normally go without.…

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The House of Mercy’s Board of Directors served dinner to the homeless at REACH on Saturday January 16th. The board along with their spouses cooked a large meal of chicken, salad, veggies, stew, pasta, and desserts. Everyone enjoyed spending time with the people we work so hard to serve.

REACH is a new community formed group that came together to help the House of Mercy serve the chronically homeless. Last winter the House of Mercy opened up and ran Sanctuary Village to help house Rochester’s hardest to place homeless. This year while working hard towards our goal of a new & larger building for the House of Mercy REACH came forward to help.…

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