Celebrating the Sisters of Mercy

Cedar Rapids received a gift 140 years ago this month in the form of the Sisters of Mercy. This small but mighty group of women - dedicated to service, health care and education - shaped the region into what it is today.

The Sisters were, and remain, effective and powerful leaders of several vital organizations in the area. The long list of their accomplishments includes founding Mercy Medical Center, Mount Mercy University and the Catherine McAuley Center, to name a few.

Throughout their history, the words of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, serve as a guidepost for the Sisters, encouraging their humble and diligent work: 'Perfection does not consist in performing extraordinary actions, but rather, performing extraordinarily well the ordinary actions of every day.”

As we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Sisters' arrival in Cedar Rapids, it is good to look back at their journey of service. In July 1875, three sisters from Independence, who were later joined by four from Davenport, answered a call for teachers at the newly established St. Joseph Academy boarding school for girls and parochial day school. Arriving by train, the Sisters found the school unfinished. They immediately rolled up their sleeves and helped finish the building for the fast approaching school year. This act of service was the first of many to positively impact the Cedar Rapids area.

The Sisters eventually outgrew St. Joseph Academy and found space to expand their efforts on the Mound Farm property, which contained the Greene mansion. The Sisters purchased the property and converted the mansion into a girl's boarding school, Sacred Heart Academy, later to be known as Mount Mercy Academy. Through the care and stewardship of the Sisters, Mount Mercy has grown to a University with an enrollment of 1,800 students.

Mount Mercy isn't the only school that was created or impacted by the Sisters. Many schools throughout the Cedar Rapids area were founded by these extraordinary women, where they also served as the first members of the faculty and staff. A dedication to education has been ever present in their mission of service, from the founding of the Sisters of Mercy to today.

As Cedar Rapids developed, so did the work and scope of the Sisters. In 1900, the Sisters responded to a need for more health care in Cedar Rapids. They soon outgrew their 15-bed hospital in a converted house and a new 100-bed hospital opened. Today, nearly 115 years later, Mercy Medical Center operates as a 445-licensed-bed hospital, serving individuals throughout Eastern Iowa.

Catherine McAuley had a special place in her heart for the poor. She believed that education and good works, especially for and by women and children, was the ultimate answer to the struggles of those in poverty.

With this in mind, the Sisters established the Catherine McAuley Center in 1989, their newest ministry, which helps adults improve their lives through one-on-one tutoring for basic academic skills, English language skills, and the U.S. citizenship exam. Through its Transitional Housing initiative the Center also provides women a safe place to live and supportive programming to help them stabilize their lives.

Through 140 years of service and dedication to education and health care combined with their good works in the community, the Sisters of Mercy have played an important part in shaping Cedar Rapids. For this, we say thank you, Sisters, and congratulations.

' Tim Charles is president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center. Laurie Hamen, J.D., is president of Mount Mercy University. Paula Land is executive Director of the Catherine McAuley Center. Comments: llafler@mtmercy.edu