Compassionate Service is unifying theme for CSM’s commitment to Jubilee Year of Mercy

Omaha, Neb. – College of Saint Mary is participating in the “Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy” proclaimed by Pope Francis by focusing on the college’s core value of “Commitment to Compassionate Service.” The College in 2016 will present a series of presentations and events tied to the Year of Mercy.

“When he proclaimed it to be a “Jubilee” year,” says CSM Executive Director for Mission Integration Marian Standeven, “Pope Francis referred to the biblical understanding of jubilee, where the mercies of an all-loving God would be particularly manifest; where prisoners and slaves were freed, debts forgiven and injustices righted.

“This organizing theme of Compassionate Service calls the entire CSM community; staff, faculty and students to Mercy and Service through everything we do; our work, service opportunities, study, rituals, discussions and gatherings,” Standeven adds. “Through our efforts we can all engage and be in solidarity with world-wide efforts to manifest the Mercy of God.”

The Year of Mercy events at CSM begin with a Lunch Series with themes of Mercy:

Tuesday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m., Mercy Hall Conference Room. “Justice: Being in Right Relationship with God” with Sr. Aline Paris, PhD. professor of theology; and Marian Standeven, executive director for mission integration.

Tuesday, March 22, noon-1 p.m., Mercy Hall Conference Room. “Jubilee: Exploring the ‘Captive’ in our World” with Sr. Kathleen Erickson, RSM.

The theme of Mercy will continue through the fall. CSM Heritage Week will focus on the Year of Mercy; the Curtiss Lecture, “Being Mercy” by Laurie Cassidy, Ph.D; and the closing service for the Year of Mercy will focus on identifying future steps in exploring CSM’s “Commitment to Compassionate Service.”