"Sisters of Mercy are women who commit their lives to serving God's people, especially those who are sick, poor and uneducated. In the spirit of the Gospel, our mission is to help people to overcome the obstacles that keep them from living full and dignified lives. A life of prayer and community animates and supports us in our mission."

In the ten years between the founding of the order and her death, foundress Catherine McAuley established 14 independent foundations in Ireland and England.  Shortly after she died, sisters began to establish foundations in Newfoundland, the United States, Argentina and New Zealand.