2025 Recipient: Sister Dale Jarvis, RSM

Sister Dale Jarvis is a founding member of Mercy Focus on Haiti—in fact, she penned the note at the 2011 Sisters of Mercy Chapter inChicago, inviting other sisters to join a “focus group discussion on Haiti at Table 24.” Since that first moment, Sister Dale has never lost her passion for improving the lives of our Haitian sisters and brothers.

It’s difficult—if not impossible—to think of an assignment she hasn’t willingly taken on for MFOH, from fundraising and grant writing, from serving on the governing council and executive committee to helping plan the 10-year anniversary celebration.

“Dale’s deep care and commitment lead her to say ‘yes’ to our needs again and again,” said Kathy Gauthier, chair of the MFOH Governing Council. “Personally, she has mentored me in the ways of mercy by both word and example; I am convinced that her ‘touch’ on MFOH and her impact on the people of Haiti will last long into the future.”

Sister Dale began her ministry as a Sister of Mercy in education, serving as a teacher and school administrator. She then worked with the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team. After that, she spent five years with Mercy Global Action (MGA) at the United Nations as the NGO representative with the Department of Public Information; she later opened a permanent MGA office in New York City.

As she joined other Sisters of Mercy for the 2011 Chapter, Haiti was on Sister Dale’s mind. The country was still reeling from a devastating earthquake only 18 months prior, a disaster that killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Her note about the discussion at Table 24 brought together like-minded sisters who resolved to develop a plan to respond. From those first conversations, Mercy Focus on Haiti was born. Since then, her commitment to improving the lives of the Haitian people has been unwavering.

In the words of Governing Council member Ann Lemire: “She has served on multiple committees, often filling vacancies when needed. She has written grants for many years, and every summer she petitions the Diocese of Portland, Maine, for the opportunity to visit parishes to talk about Haiti. These activities have garnered several hundred thousand dollars for Mercy Focus on Haiti.”

After learning she was selected as the recipient of the Sister Mary C. Sullivan Living Mercy Award, Sister Dale said: “I was listening to the song ‘I am Standing on the Shoulders.’ That is what I think of when I think of Mary Sullivan and our journey together in Haiti. It was a privilege to stand with her and be a better person for that journey together. To receive this honor in her name is a privilege. I am truly grateful.”