To commemorate the anniversary of 50 years as Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and 160 years of Mercy Education in Chicago, McAuley has undertaken a landscape renovation project for the front of the campus. This “Catherine’s Garden” project will span the front of the building located along 99th Street and include two brick gardens, brick and granite paths, beautiful plantings, lighting and seating.

The plan for the project is three-fold: to strengthen McAuley’s Mercy and Catholic identity; to create a welcoming outdoor space for prayer and contemplation for  students and community; and to raise funds for Financial Aid, the Learning Resource Program and Faculty/Staff Pensions.

With the support of generous donors who have helped underwrite the cost of creating Catherine’s Garden, brick donations will go directly to these three significant needs. And, as an ongoing project, the Garden ensures they will have a long term revenue stream.

Catherine’s Garden offers donors a variety of ways to contribute to this important renovation. Opportunities include engraved bricks available in either 7x8 or 8x14; engraved seating capstones placed in Mercy Circle and the Tribute Garden; tree and decorative lampposts with bronze dedication signs; as well as special areas within the garden that can be named in tribute or memory of an individual or family.

The Garden will also feature plaques displaying quotes by Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, so students and visitors will be reminded of her living mission at Mother McAuley.

If you would like more information or would like to purchase a Catherine’s Garden item, please contact Kathryn Heise, vice president for development, at 773-881-6557. You may also visit our website at www.mothermcauley.org for information and to watch the progress of this exciting project.