The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.  He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.  He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepared a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.  The Twenty-Third Psalm

The Good Shepherd Chapel

The Sisters of Mercy have long been known for their ministry of compassion and hospitality for all.  So when the decision was made to build a new chapel at Mercy Memorial, it wasn't surprising that they brought all of those values into one sacred place. "We are convinced that spiritual health is as important as physical health," said Sister Carolyn Stoutz, vice president of mission services.  "That is why we wanted to build a special place where all faiths can come together to pray and reflect."

The chapel itself has two beautiful stained glass windows created by Jerry Rice of Van Buren, Arkansas.  One features Jesus as the good shepherd and the other is a Mercy cross with a symbol of a dove.  "We chose to focus on the good shepherd in hopes that it would remind visitors and co-workers that Jesus is our shepherd and that he is continually watching over us, his sheep," said Sister Jolitta Konecny, manager of pastoral care.  "This chapel is a beautiful representation of that."

The Sisters' tradition of sharing Christ's love and compassion with others dates back almost 200 years ago to foundress Catherine McAuley.  When Catherine unexpectedly inherited a fortune at 50, she spent it all to build a house in Dublin for homeless and abused women.  Her radical action was a result of her lifelong love of God and care for the poor.

The first House of Mercy opened September 24, 1827.  Soon other women joined Catherine's small community and she later established a religious order.  Catherine took vows as the first Sister of Mercy December 12, 1831.  When she died in 1841, there were 14 Mercy foundations in Ireland and England.  Today, the Sisters of Mercy are 15,000 members strong.

"It is our sincerest hope that this chapel and all of its surroundings will continue to carry on Catherine's legacy and that of Christ," said Sister Carolyn.