On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Chicago, Post Adoption Services is hosting a Homecoming Reunion, Mass, Open House for anyone who spent time as an infant or child, in the care of St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Chicago.

Former St. Vincent’s staff and child care technicians are also invited. This event is free, but registration is required. For more information, and to receive an invitation, contact Lisa Francis at 312-655-7093 or lfrancis@catholiccharities.net.

Background

The former St. Vincent Orphanage of Chicago, now home to Catholic Charities’ headquarters, was founded in 1881 by the Daughters of Charity. The orphanage served women and children with the support of Catholic Charities social services until it closed in 1972 when the state moved to a foster care model. St. Vincent’s Infant and Maternity Hospital was a starting point for babies born to teen and single mothers, left as foundlings by its doors, or served as temporary housing for children who could no longer be supported by their families due to war, poverty, and illness. Serving 232 children and 35+ mothers-to-be at a time, St. Vincent’s was a safe haven for many — serving “tens of thousands” of children over the decades. Its history is filled with memories of babies in buggies being trotted down Michigan Avenue, its halls filled with children’s laughter and music from the young childcare technicians who cared for the children as if they were their very own.