Founded in 1860, the Dominican Sisters, Congregation of St. Mary, opened St. John’s Parochial School that same year. The seven founders, all from St. Mary’s in Cabra, Ireland, wasted no time in establishing St. Mary’s Dominican Academy for young ladies in the following year. By 1864, at the height of the Civil War, the sisters transferred their academy to the Mace Property, now the site of the present Motherhouse. Teaching elementary, secondary, and higher levels, the sisters excelled in education. More recently, the sisters have expanded ministry and preaching in the areas of retreat centers, Hispanic apostolate, ministry with disabled persons, community organizing, Isaiah Parish Missions, and diocesan ministries, such as superintendent of education and marriage tribunal. St. Mary’s Sisters welcome every opportunity to reflect and to proclaim the Word.

For more information about the Dominican Sisters, Congregation of St. Mary, visit their website.