Cardinal John Foley School

On September 24 we celebrated Mercy Day with Mass and the dedication of our newly renovated convent. This historic building now serves as a shared space, with the school using the first two floors and the the third floor intended for living quarters for the Sisters of Mercy. In recognition of the Sisters who faithfully staffed our parish schools for many years, the building has been named Our Lady of Mercy. Its renewed purpose offers a beautiful and tangible connection between our school’s history, our life together today, and the Mercy tradition we are committed to carrying forward.

As our school begins the process of becoming a Mercy-affiliated school, we have an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the heritage that has shaped us. The influence of the Sisters of Mercy remains present not only in our history, but also in our mission and in the way we seek to educate and care for every child.

At the heart of a Mercy education are faith, compassion, service, justice, and respect for the dignity of every person. These values are not simply ideals that we display on a wall. We strive to make them visible in the daily life of our school. They are present when students and teachers pray together, when we welcome a new family, and when we take the time to notice someone who may feel alone. They guide us when students serve others, support those in need, care for God’s creation, and learn to speak up for what is right. They also shape the way we resolve conflicts—with honesty, accountability, forgiveness, and mercy.

Our students come to understand these values through the lessons we teach, the service opportunities we provide, and, most importantly, the example set by the adults around them. Every act of kindness, every effort to include another person, and every decision rooted in fairness and compassion helps our students understand what it means to live the Mercy charism.

Becoming a Mercy-affiliated school will formally recognize a heritage that is already deeply woven into who we are. It will also challenge us to carry that heritage forward intentionally, ensuring that our students grow not only in knowledge, but also as faith-filled, compassionate, and courageous young people who recognize the dignity of others and use their gifts in service to the world.