A
Brief History of Our Lady of Mercy Center
The Beginning: The vision of a medical
facility for the Slaton area became a reality when Msgr.
Thomas D. O’Brien invited the Sisters of Mercy to
build and operate Mercy Hospital. It was dedicated on
November 29, 1929. Several of those involved in the construction
of the hospital were members of St. Joseph’s Parish
in Slaton. Many donations of planning, time and money
came from people of all denominations and civic leaders
in the local and surrounding area. Truly, it was a facility
that helped the populace find God’s Mercy.
In
1977, a local Community Foundation assumed operation of
the hospital; in 1984 it ceased. In 1981, the convent
(west building) was leased for $1.00 to the Diocese of
Amarillo for the purpose of using it as a retreat center;
birth was given to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Center,
now Mercy Retreat Center. Just as physical healings were
given in the many previous years of service, now the foundation
had been laid for God’s spiritual Mercy to be poured
out to all those who come to the center
The Past: We have been blessed by many people,
especially the servitude of our past directors, Rev. Mr.
Darris Linder, DCN (founding Director 1981 -1987), Rev.
Glenn Rosendale (1987-1990) and then Msgr. Joseph James
(1990-2002). Fr. Rosendale reopened the old hospital building
and began using the lower floor, mainly the cafeteria.
He also modernized the heating and air conditioning in
the former convent. The dream of a more usable facility
expressed its roots in a 1990 letter of Fr. Glenn’s,
"Mercy Center is in process... it is a place
of dreams ... some are being realized already others have
years to come into being."
Through
the guidance, dedication, and labor of Director Emeritus,
Msgr. Joseph W. James, Mercy Retreat Center underwent
some remodeling and given a new life. Along with his ministries
of priesthood, prayer, reconciliation, retreats, conferences,
counseling, etc., he has been involved in the Food Bank,
enlarging the conference room in the old convent, opening
the second and third floors in the old hospital, replacing
some plumbing/wiring, installing new energy efficient
windows (Windows ‘96); the list seems to continue
without end. Much work, sacrifice and planning by Cynthia
Wynn and Rick Denzer have been very helpful. Marie Bednarz
(now deceased), Josetta Heinrich and Linda Henzler has
consistently worked in the Meditation Garden to keep it
beautiful.
The
Present: Rev. Mr. Darris Linder, DCN, reappointed
the current Director, oversees the entire operation and
is responsible for business operations of the Center since
the retirement of Msgr. James. Mark Meurer, Administrator,
joined the staff in 2007 and resides at Mercy Retreat
Center. Jesse Velasquez, construction and physical plant
Manager, is involved with maintenance, landscaping remodeling/updating
of the entire facility. Jeanette Linder assists in leading
our competent staff in keeping things running smoothly.
Thanks to gracious donations of time and money and untiring
prayers from many people, we now have a physical plant
that includes modern dining facilities, 47 rooms with
overnight accommodations for up to 110 people, various
sized conference rooms, the inspirational Holy Spirit
Fountain occupying an enclosed patio, a courtyard and
meditation/prayer garden containing Stations of the Cross
designed by Drew Bacigalupa.
Mercy Manna: Through the guidance of Deacon Darris
Linder, Mercy Center undertook the opportunity to provide
food for the needy in the Slaton Community in January
of 2002 when the Local Lutheran congregation was unable
to continue their program.. One hundred per cent of money
donated to this ministry goes to provide food. In 2007
nearly 3,000 vouchers were written at a cost of approximately
$24,000.nter.
The
Future: With continued vision and direction,
we see a bright future for Mercy Retreat Center. The staff's
diligence and guidance are truly transforming the property
into a "holy ground, a sacred space". The third
millennium has brought us into a new era that includes
remodeling, elevator repair and extensive electrical and
plumbing repairs. We need your help you can have a vital
part in the future of Mercy Retreat Center. Please consider
helping us to restore this important Slaton and South
Plains landmark so it can be used as an important center
for worship, renewal, teachings, prayers and meeting space
for all of God's Children.