In 2004, the Sisters of Mercy began a reconfiguration process to realign their resources to better serve their life and mission. As a result of this, the regional communities of Baltimore, Cincinnati, North Carolina and St. Louis, along with the geographic entities of Guam and Jamaica, began their journey as the Emmaus area.

During this time, the sisters engaged in conversations regarding all aspect of their Mercy lives including vocations, retirement, finance, governance and community life.

In 2006, the Emmaus Area reached two significant decisions: the naming of the new Community as the South Central Community, encompassing all geographic areas included in the Community; and choosing Belmont, North Carolina, as the site of the administrative offices.

In July 2007, the Sisters, Associates, Companion and supporters of the Emerging South Central Community gathered at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, to prepare for their new Community with approval of the participative governance plan and growing together through communal prayer.

In July 2008, the Sisters of Mercy, South Central Community, officially became a reality. Sisters once again gathered in Cincinnati to mark this historic event, at which they elected the inaugural leadership team of the South Central Community.

Today, the Sisters of Mercy of the South Central Community continue to live into the reality of their new Community. While the name has changed, the sisters continue to live out the mission of their foundress, Catherine McAuley.