Sisters of Mercy Bless the Earth as Construction Begins on Mercy Circle

Months after the on developing a retirement community for retired clergy, the religious order celebrates the beginning of the construction process.

More than 200 people including Sisters of Mercy, associates, architects, government officials and other clergy gathered at the Mercy Convent Chapel on Sunday, June 3 “for a prayer service and blessing for the health and safety of the workers who will be involved in the construction,” according to a statement from the religious order.

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“As we progress to bring about the physical structure of Mercy Circle, we pray for the safety and welfare for those men and women who will tread these grounds and bring an idea into reality,” said Sister Sheila Megley, of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest leadership team who gave the reflection during the service. “May no harm come to them as they build this house where our hope is that the Spirit of God will touch the lives of all who will dwell with us.”

Mercy Circle will sit at 10024 S. Central Park Ave. and replace the nuns’ existing convent. Evergreen Park Trustees unanimously voted to approve the construction of Mercy Circle in February.

“There was a reference to people keeping the faith, because there was some concern all along that it might not happen,” according to Bill Figel, a representative for the Sisters of Mercy.

The Village of Evergreen Park de-annexed the land to the Sisters of Mercy almost 60 years ago. In 2008, after plans for a building to house retired clergy came to light, the Village of Evergreen Park filed a lawsuit because the proposal didn’t adhere to the original intent of the land—that it be used for "religious educational purposes." According to the most recent plans, the two-building, 110-unit, 267-square-foot independent-living and assisted-living facilities will stand three-stories tall. The plan allows for 10 nursing care rooms and 12 assisted living memory care rooms. Residents will have 82 parking spaces and the 99th Street setbacks were increased to allow more space from the curb.

Forgoing traditional groundbreaking ceremonies, the Sisters of Mercy blessed those working on the construction project and conduct prayers to keep them safe. At the ceremony, the sisters spread holy water in four directions as a symbol.

“Symbolically, as they sprinkled to all directions, it was to bless the earth beyond the walls of the chapel. That fell into the overall theme of blessing the men and women who will move the earth to build the home,” said Figel.

Additionally, the sisters opened their door to symbolize synergy between the outside community and the Sisters of Mercy. “(The Sisters of Mercy) will certainly open the doors to all the students in the area who want to provide the community service or interact with, in some cases, their former teachers,” said Figel.

Critics of the project continue to oppose its construction, citing safety concerns and discrepancies with the original plans for the land. District 124 Board of Education fully supports its president Kathleen Rohan and board member Beth Amado, who for the

“Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 opposes the project proposed to be constructed in the City of Chicago as a safety concern with Southwest (elementary school) being adjacent to the project, with the increased traffic and proximity of the construction.” Rohan read in a resolution at the April board of education meeting. “The project will result in traffic congestion, parking congestion, and an increase in flooding to the detriment of Southwest Elementary School.”

"The safety of those children is cerntainly something that’s being kept in mind," said Sister Judith Frikker, president of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community. "We are not infringing on their space. The activities of the retirement center should in no way cause them harm."

At District 124's May 16 board meeting, board member Bob McDonald voted not to accept the resolution stating that “I am totally against the building of (Mercy Circle)” however, “the village is exhausted and doesn’t think it’s a fight to continue and I don’t think the school district is in the business of fighting zoning, because they should continue to focus on the children.”

“What happens when they run out of money,” McDonald asked. While the district said that it would not use district funds with the nonprofit organization, board member Dawn McNamara also voted “no" to the resolution, saying, “I don’t believe that we won’t incur some funds.” She continued, “I believe (the situation) is beating a dead horse.”

For more Patch coverage on Mercy Circle, read:

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