FAQ about the Renovation

Mercy Center at Madison - a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Northeast Community

What’s new at Mercy Center?

We are improving our buildings and grounds to be more ecologically friendly and financially efficient.  This includes updates to Emmanuel House as well as Mercy Center’s main building. The two-year period of renovations at Mercy Center will make the facility simpler and leaner – a place that reflects our times.  The building footprint will be reduced in ways that take full advantage of the natural beauty, ecological significance and spiritual solace of this historic site.  During this period of renovation, the staff at Mercy Center are committeed to continue to offer a hospitatlity that reveres the value and uniqueness of each person, and host and develop programs that enhance the quality of life in a changing world.

When will these changes happen?

The first part of the project will be to renovate Emmanuel House.  This building will be refurbished into two, four bedroom units one of which will house the three Sisters of Mercy currently in residence at Mercy Center.  We anticipate that this project will be completed by the end of 2009.  Changes to the main building are still in the planning stage.

What will stay the same?

Going forward into the future, Mercy Center is committed to using all resources wisely and well to provide a place where people can find a quiet place of rest, seek renewal, encounter beauty, live simply and engage in personal and spiritual growth.  When all is completed, this sacred place will be evermore contemplative, eco-friendly and comfortable. 

During the renovation, the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center Board of Trustees and staff are dedicated to maintaining the vision of a vibrant ministry of mercy and all-inclusive hospitality when delivering retreats, programs, welcoming hosted groups and producing special events such as the Fair Earth Bazaar in November and our annual Dancing by the Sea gala in June.

What is uncertain?

At this moment in time, we do not know exactly what improvements will be made to the main building but we do know that the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community (who own the buildings and grounds) are committed to the project and will continue to work closely with Town of Madison officials as architectural plans for the “new” greener and leaner Mercy Center develop.

The new Mercy Center…smaller, greener, better!

We look forward to keeping you up to date with our progress and thank you for supporting Mercy Center now and in the future.