Our History

In 1815 Mary Aikenhead founded the Sisters of Charity in Ireland. Their ministry was to serve the poor in their homes and especially those who were sick.

In 1838 five Sisters came to Australia and their first ministry was to the convict women in the Female Factory at Parramatta. From these beginnings the Sisters of Charity have continued to answer the call to minister in schools, hospitals, prisons and social welfare activities in the wider community.

Today with their colleagues they endeavour to respond as Mary Aikenhead did to the emerging needs of the poor and marginalised. The driving force for their ministry is their motto:

The love of Christ impels Us.