A small group of Mercy Sisters arrived in Chicago in 1846, led by Frances Warde, Catherine McAuley's closest friend.

St. Francis Academy relocated to 29th and Wabash for a short time, then to a larger location at 49th and Cottage Grove in 1900.

Today, approximately 1200 young women and 95 faculty and staff members form the McAuley community.

The Athletic Department sponsors interscholastic teams in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, bowling, lacrosse and water polo.

This celebration includes an assembly that highlights the core values of the Mercy Education and the story of Catherine McAuley.

"Spirit Week" takes place every spring and includes five days of dressing up and activities to fit the daily theme.