Legacy of the Sisters of Charity Alive in Lakewood

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have been special friends to Lakewood Catholic Academy since its opening in 2005. Many Lakewood residents will remember the difficult time when three Catholic parishes – St. James, St. Luke and St. Clement – faced the closing of their elementary schools. As a community, the parishes were determined to continue Catholic education in Lakewood and found hope when the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine – owners of the LCA campus property at 14808 Lake Avenue – agreed to lease the grounds to founders of a new, consolidated school. But the campus is much more than its beautiful lakefront location. A visit to LCA is like a walk through history, as the campus was once the site of an early convent and motherhouse for the Sisters of Charity and has been home to Catholic elementary and high school education for nearly 90 years.

The Sisters, Yesterday and Today 

This year, the Sisters mark their 160-year anniversary of service in the Greater Cleveland area. The first Sisters, just 20 and 24 years old, arrived in Cleveland in 1851 from Boulogne sur Mer, France, bringing with them a pioneering spirit and a mission of service. In their early days, they were called “angels” by the sick and poor they served – both for the white habits they wore and for the compassion, charity and skill they shared. Since their humble beginnings in 1851, the Sisters have made significant contributions in the development of the health care field – in Cleveland, Canton, Sandusky and Columbia, South Carolina – through charitable initiatives that continue today, like the CSA Health System, CSA foundations and ministry corporations. Many trusted institutions in our area are run and supported by the Sisters, including St. John Westshore Hospital in Westlake, St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland and Mercy Medical Center in Canton. 

A Partnership in Education

The Sisters are true partners of LCA, vested in the school’s growth and success. One member of the order sits on LCA’s board of directors, providing a regular connection between the Sisters and LCA. The Sisters’ example of sacrifice and determination has been a model for LCA as the school has worked through challenges to grow in size and reputation.  LCA finds inspiration in the Sisters’ rich history of service and tries to emulate their dedication through service projects like the annual all-school service day in November, year-round volunteerism at St. Pat’s Hunger Center and many other class service projects. Through this special partnership, LCA helps to keep the important legacy of the Sister of Charity of St. Augustine alive in Lakewood.