Walk to Mercy Day
On the Horizon: 200 years of MercyWalking in Her Footsteps
September 24, 2026Why We Walk
In 1827, Catherine McAuley opened a house on Baggot Street in Dublin to shelter homeless women, care for the sick and dying, and educate children in a neighborhood with little access to schooling. Catherine and her companions became known as the “Walking Sisters,” since they left the convent daily to work directly in the community, unusual for nuns at the time.
Nearly two centuries later, Mercy Education Project carries that same spirit forward through its programs for women and girls in Southwest Detroit.
Catherine McAuley described the spirit behind that work simply: “resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow... taking short, careful steps, not great strides.” That same idea, steady steps over grand gestures, is what this event asks of every participant. It's why we're walking in her footsteps this Mercy Day.
This Mercy Day marks the start of the countdown to the 200th anniversary of the founding of the first House of Mercy.
Ways to Participate
→ Start a TeamInvite your employees or community members to form an event team and set up their own pages. It's a simple way to bring your people together for a shared cause.
→ Spread the WordShare through your own channels and social networks. Your voice reaches people we couldn't reach on our own. Tag us @MercyEdProject and use #WalkToMercyDay2026.
→ Celebrate with UsJoin us at MEP on Mercy Day, September 24 at 4:30 PM, to close out the Walk and celebrate our mission, our supporters, and our students.
→ Remember...There's no cost to take part and no minimum commitment. Just as MEP works to break down barriers for our students, we want every supporter to be able to join in a way that feels right. Every amount helps.
Suggested Giving Levels
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Celebrating the year Catherine McAuley opened the House of Mercy. MEP is an extension of that house.
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Ask friends to pledge $24 in honor of Mercy Day on September 24.
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A symbolic $2 each day of September. A little goes a long way.
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Entering 200 years of Mercy Day.
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Mercy Education Project was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Detroit on January 2, 1992.
Key Dates
Community Walk - September 17, 2:00 PM at MEP
Mercy Day Celebration - September 24, 4:30 PM at MEP
Walk with us
Read more about how MEP is an extension of the Sisters of Mercy here and on the Mercy International Association Website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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No. There's no registration fee and no minimum fundraising commitment. Every amount helps, and simply joining is enough.
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No. You can join anytime throughout September, right up through Mercy Day on September 24. There's no cutoff.
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No. You can fundraise, donate, or simply spread the word. Walking is one way to participate, not a requirement. Join us on Mercy Day either way!
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As much or as little as fits your life. There's no set mile or step goal. Walk on your own schedule, join at our community walk on September 17 at 2:00 PM if you'd like company, or skip the walking altogether and support in another way.
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Funds raised support MEP's Girls' and Women's Programs, providing free education and support for women and girls in Detroit.
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Reach out to our team any time at events@mercyed.net or call 313-963-0209.
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Anyone. Staff, board, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and community partners are all welcome, no connection to MEP required at all.
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Yes. Invite coworkers, friends, or family to join you. Team fundraising is one of the easiest ways to multiply your impact.
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Not necessarily. You're welcome to create one to share with your network, but you can also give directly or invite others to give without setting one up yourself.
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We'll close the Walk with a celebration at MEP, honoring everyone who took part and celebrating the start of the countdown to 200 years of Mercy.
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No. You're welcome to come to the September 24 celebration at MEP whether or not you fundraised, donated, or walked earlier in the month. Participate as much or as little as fits your schedule, whether that's full involvement from day one or just showing up to celebrate with us.