The distinctive imprint of the mission of the Sisters of Mercy in the Diocese of Sacramento became evident from the day they arrived in California’s capital on Oct. 2, 1857.

The sisters hit the ground running, establishing a Catholic school and the first Catholic hospital in Northern California during their first year in Sacramento, while also caring for orphans and visiting the poor.

They have continued in this tradition of service and ministry for the past 150 years.

Several special events will be held in late August and September to celebrate a century and a half of service in Sacramento by the Sisters of Mercy.

• Historical skits. On Aug. 31, Sacramento-area children in public and private schools are invited to visit the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, located at 1200 Front St., to watch Sisters of Mercy perform skits and demonstrations in historical dress.

Held during Old Sacramento’s “Gold Rush Days,” the event will include a reenactment of the sisters’ emergency response during the “great flood of 1861,” a demonstration of the sisters’ dress during the 19th century, a skit featuring Catholic school life in the 1800s, and a demonstration of Irish dancing.

• Historical reenactment. At 11 a.m. on Sept. 1 at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento, a reenactment is planned depicting the arrival by boat in Sacramento in 1857 of five Mercy Sisters, who were led by Mother Mary Baptist Russell, California foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Upon arrival at their new home, St. Rose Church, then located at Seventh and K Streets, the Mercy Sisters, played by current members of the Auburn regional community, will be greeted by Msgr. James Murphy, rector of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, who will portray Father John Quinn, pastor of St. Rose in 1857.

Sister Sheila Browne, president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Auburn regional community, will welcome guests and give a presentation highlighting the 150-year ministry of the sisters in the Sacramento Diocese.

• Vignette presentations. Presentations featuring historical snapshots of the sisters’ ministry in Sacramento will also be presented at the Eagle Theatre in Old Sacramento Sept. 1-2.

Highlights include dramatization of the early history of the sisters’ ministry at St. Joseph’s Academy in Sacramento, and the heroic efforts of the sisters during the flood of 1861 in which sisters literally climbed out of windows to visit people in need.

Mercy Sister Michelle Gorman, a team member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Auburn regional community, said the aim of the theatrical productions is to “share the joys of the Sisters of Mercy” and nurture an appreciation for the “sacrifices of people who lived difficult lives.”

“We couldn’t have succeeded without the people then, just like we do now,” Sister Gorman said.

On Sept. 29, Bishop William K. Weigand will be the main celebrant of a Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento to honor the Sisters of Mercy of the Auburn and Burlingame regional communities on the 150th anniversary of their life and service in California. The Mass is an invitation-only event.

Following the Mass will be the unveiling and dedication of a bronze sculpture in Capitol Park by artist Ruth Coelho depicting Sister Russell. The sculpture also incorporates works of mercy represented by a sick child, a mother, a nurse and an orphan.

Museum exhibits to honor the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy are ongoing.

The Discovery Museum, located at 101 I St. in Sacramento, is featuring a historical and educational display about the Sisters of Mercy which continues through Feb. 9, 2008. The Sacramento Main Public Library, located at 828 I St. in Sacramento, is hosting a display through Nov. 2.

For further information on any of these events, call Mercy Sister Michelle Gorman at (530) 887-2063.

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