On Friday, December 8 the Lauralton Hall community gathered to celebrate the Immaculate Conception, a solemnity celebrating the sinless life and Immaculate Conception of Mary, Mother of God.  Head of School Beth Coyne reminded the community that "Because of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, because of her courageous 'yes' to God, we have all been redeemed, and given the promise of eternal life through Mary’s Son, Jesus."  Mrs. Coyne urged students and staff to "remember that if we cooperate with God as Mary did, if we say 'yes' to God, we, too, may lead a life as free from sin as possible." 

The Lauralton Hall community was privileged to also bear witness to another special "yes" on this important Feast Day.  Two Lauralton teachers - Marnory Hawes P’21 and Lisa Rathe - said "yes" to becoming Mercy Associates.  These women spent the past year learning, reflecting, and discerning their call to become associates.  Mercy Associates are lay women and men who discern and decide to formally partner themselves with the Mercy community's mission and ministry and thus the charism of the order. Mrs. Hawes and Mrs. Rathe did just that, committing themselves to live out the Mercy charism each and every day for the rest of their lives. 

"It's been such a joy to watch Lisa and Marnory discern their role as Associates, says Lauralton’s Campus Minister and fellow Mercy Associate Mrs. Erin DaCosta, “Seeing them commissioned today was a tangible reminder of how we, as a community, make Mercy real every day in our own lives." The commissioning was followed by a joyous reception with family, friends, and local associates.