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 28 and ends February 3.  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 earliest ministries the Sister served in, starting from the very beginning years of their Congregation.  In 1901, 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, five high schools, and junior colleges and universities 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.   

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In honor of all the Sisters who dedicated their lives to education we offer some articles on some schools they ministered as well as a photo gallery of Sisters through the years and a school listing below.