Dear Friends of Mercy Center,

The leadership of the Sisters of Mercy have decided upon a temporary closure of Mercy Center to the public beginning on Friday, March 13, 2020 until April 7, 2020. At that time we will reassess and determine if we need to keep the building closed longer.

This decision was based on the general recommendations for our area by the San Mateo County Health Officer Statement https://www.smchealth.org/coronavirus and the recommendations from the CDC to cancel any non-essential gatherings in order to limit exposure to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is also our wish to be compassionate in the midst of this health crisis and to help keep people heathy in mind, body, and spirit.

I’ve been reflecting on what it means for the whole world to respond to this health situation. It is a moment for us all to pause and consider if we might do things differently. On Saturday morning, after a few weeks of very dry weather in the Bay Area, I noticed that the rain had transformed the trees and the greenery all around us, awakening them with buds bursting forth with vivid colors. Nature is literally springing forward and responding with new life! It gives me hope at this time, that the challenges that may lay ahead are all a part of the cycle of life. It is up to us to respond with courage and love.

Blessings of health and wellness,

Mary A. DuQuaine, Mercy Center Director

For more than 30 years, Mercy Center Burlingame has been a pioneer in the formation of Spiritual Directors through the Art & Practice of Spiritual Direction program. Learn more about Art & Practice, Centering Prayer, East-West meditation, and Sacred Journey.