December is packed with celebrations at Mercy Circle, a retirement community on Chicago's Southwest Side. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the community is open to those of all faiths. Holiday activities include caroling, tree decorating, seasonal crafts, and entertainment by the Heavenly Harps, sisters who perform harp music.
Many of the activities are rooted in the organization's faith-based spiritual foundation. Advent is the religious season observed during the four weeks prior to Christmas in anticipation of the nativity. The cornerstone of the tradition is the advent wreath which holds four candles, one of which is lit every week before Christmas.
Mercy Circle resident Sister Cathleen Cahill speaks reverently about the lighting of the advent wreath. Participants sing special hymns and recite Bible readings. "We are inspired by a sense of hope,“ says Cahill.
Advent is a time of reflection and expectation, says Cahill, in contrast to the flurry of social activities around the holiday. The atmosphere in the chapel during advent is somewhat somber.
But on Christmas Eve, the chapel is transformed with lighted wreaths and a beautiful nativity scene. The mass features Christmas music, including a trumpet. "It's very upbeat," says Cahill. The service is followed by a multicourse meal. The community also holds a Christmas Day mass and a buffet lunch.
Cahill notes that the motto at Mercy Circle is "Life with Spirit." Reflecting on all the holiday activities at the community, she says: "Yes, we really do have life with spirit."
Jane Adler | Reporter l December 4, 2022