National Catholic Schools Week was established in 1974 as a celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January every year and is observed throughout the week. This year National Catholic Schools Week begins on January 29 and ends February 4.  In observance of this special week, we are paying tribute to all the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago who served in the ministry of education. 

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The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago have a long history in the field of education. Education was one of the first ministries the Sister served in, starting from the very beginning years of their Congregation.  In 1904, the Sisters served at their first school, SS. Peter and Paul School in Spring Valley, Illinois.  Over the years the Sisters would teach or administer at many elementary schools, three high schools, and junior colleges across various states including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Texas and Alabama.  They also established, operated and taught at Madonna High School in Chicago from 1949 to 2001. We thank our Sisters who served tirelessly in the field of education.  Please enjoy the gallery of photos below highlighting many Sisters who taught over the years.