Sisters of Mercy at St. Anne's Convent
The Sisters of Mercy have been in Orpington for over a century.
In 1827, two years before Catholic Emancipation was granted, Catherine McAuley, herself no stranger to poverty, opened a house for the relief of the poor, in Baggot St, Dublin. Her programme of social service included child care, teaching, visitation of the sick, shelter and training for unemployed girls.
On 12th December 1831 Catherine founded the largest religious congregation ever established by an English-speaking Catholic.
At her death, 11th November 1841, her associates numbered 140, 13 branches (two of which were in England) had been sent out, and her Rule had been approved in Rome.
We are fortunate to have sisters living in the convent in Bishop Butt Close, just around the corner from Holy Innocents' Catholic Church. They are active in our parish in many ministries, including visiting the sick and housebound, working behind the scenes to keep the church tidy, organising social events and refreshments and helping with children's activities and at our parish school.
Their order is active in Kenya, Peru, England and Wales.
One important task is the operation of a clinic and school in Kenya. Sister Vincent Finnerty is responsible for them and receives support from the Orpington Sisters of Mercy.
The life of the sisters is especially prayerful with private prayers made individually each morning and night, as well as communal prayers at 8.00 am and 5.30 pm.
In 1827, two years before Catholic Emancipation was granted, Catherine McAuley, herself no stranger to poverty, opened a house for the relief of the poor, in Baggot St, Dublin. Her programme of social service included child care, teaching, visitation of the sick, shelter and training for unemployed girls.
On 12th December 1831 Catherine founded the largest religious congregation ever established by an English-speaking Catholic.
At her death, 11th November 1841, her associates numbered 140, 13 branches (two of which were in England) had been sent out, and her Rule had been approved in Rome.
We are fortunate to have sisters living in the convent in Bishop Butt Close, just around the corner from Holy Innocents' Catholic Church. They are active in our parish in many ministries, including visiting the sick and housebound, working behind the scenes to keep the church tidy, organising social events and refreshments and helping with children's activities and at our parish school.
Their order is active in Kenya, Peru, England and Wales.
One important task is the operation of a clinic and school in Kenya. Sister Vincent Finnerty is responsible for them and receives support from the Orpington Sisters of Mercy.
The life of the sisters is especially prayerful with private prayers made individually each morning and night, as well as communal prayers at 8.00 am and 5.30 pm.