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.