Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women. They are located in private homes across West Hartford, and the world. They are religious women who have vowed to serve people who suffer from poverty, sickness and lack of education with a special concern for women and children. It was begun by Catherine McAuley, an Irish Catholic laywoman, in 1831. The Archbishop of Dublin suggested that she establish a religious congregation. They say that there are several ways to join one's life with the Sisters of Mercy: prayer, energy and resources. Each one of these provides opportunities to deepen one's spiritual life and relationship with God.