The
Sisters of Mercy have now been in Orpington for over a century. Currently
there are five sisters, all of whom are Irish, aged between 45 and 89, living
in the convent in Bishop Butt Close, just around the corner from Holy Innocents.
They are active in our Parish in prayer and other capacities like Sister Margaret
Mary's involvement in the Consolation Group.
Their order is active in Rome, Kenya, Peru, England and Wales. The headquarters of the order is in Leeds and major decisions come under the authority of their Sister-General.
One important task is the operation of a clinic and school at Bolo in Kenya. Sister Vincent Finnerty is responsible for the former and receives support from the Orpington Sisters of Mercy.
Masses are held in the Convent chapel on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.00 am. These are also attended by a very small number of parishioners and in particular by the families of those for whom a particular Mass is being said. The life of the Sisters is especially prayerful with private prayers made individually each morning and night and evening prayers said communally at 5.30 pm.