Center for Mercy and Catholic Studies

The Endowed Chair in Mercy and Catholic Studies owes its birth to the generosity of two Erie Catholics and college trustees: immediate past president, William C. Sennett and the late Charles A. Dailey, Jr.

Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder, Professor of Religious Studies, is the first recipient to hold the Endowed Chair in Mercy & Catholic Studies. A member of the faculty of Mercyhurst College for the last 25 years, Dr. Snyder has a doctorate in theology from St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, and has authored/edited three books.

The work of the Chair is to direct the Center for Mercy & Catholic Studies, an innovative effort to enhance both the mission and Catholic identity of Mercyhurst College.

To this end, it will highlight the breadth and depth of the Catholic intellectual tradition, as well as the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

They are:

• Caring for the poor, especially women and children
• Caring for immigrants
• Caring for the earth/creation
• Promoting nonviolence
• Combating racism

The Center will also collaborate with the Diocese of Erie to provide educational opportunities that can vitalize faith/reason through public scholarship and hospitable dialogue.