Sister Mary John Cahill was an independent, resourceful woman of faith and courage. A devoted educator, she led a long life of obedient service to those in most need. She worked with the vulnerable: children and women in prison, the poor and the sick. Her lifelong work in education empowered many to aspire to a better future.
As Mary Aikenhead Ministries educators of Cahill House, we work diligently to uphold our values of diversity, originality and creativity. Our House is inclusive and resilient, supporting each other, as we strive to be the very best we can be. Cahill is committed to making a positive difference and we take opportunities to serve in our local community. Cahill supports local missions and women’s refuges as well as assisting local schools on St. Vincent’s Day.
Mrs Jo Anderson is proud to lead a spirited and dynamic House. She has been with St Vincent’s since 2012 and in this pastoral lead role since 2013. Mrs Anderson teaches Stages 5 & 6 French. In Term 2, 2019, she will be Director of Pastoral Care and Mrs Mariann Barkho will lead Cahill House for the term.
May we be inspired by the life of Sister Mary John Cahill.
May we follow her example of Courage, Conviction and Independence.
Lord, allow us to life out these qualities through our
actions, words and experiences.
We pray that the Cahill House Community be a fine example
of the individuality and determination expressed to us
through thestory of Sister Mary John Cahill.
May these qualities be ever present in our daily lives at school and in
the wider community. Amen.
Cahill House Patron:
Sr M John Cahill
The most senior by age within the Sisters of Charity pioneer group and also by profession date was Sr M John, born Margaret Cahill on 10 May 1793. Appointed superior for the voyage by Aikenhead, the foundresss, she was the eldest of the Pioneer Sisters and was 45 when she came to New South Wales. Her special ministry was with prisoners in Sydney, Parramatta and Hobart. She also gave religious instruction in churches in Sydney and Hobart and was a very good teacher. When a Sydney convent was needed in 1840 and one for Hobart in 1841, Cahill was the natural choice for superior each time. She died in Hobart in 1864 at the age of seventy one.
