The year was 1830 - three sisters from Mother Seton's Community traveled to Wilmington.
They left behind the quiet security of their Emmitsburg home because children orphaned by a series of explosions at the DuPont
Powder Mills were in need of the Sisters' special care and protection. These first sisters carried within them a
strong sense of commitment to Mother Seton's vision. They were risk takers who ventured bravely into the unknown.
Lovingly and gently they planted the seed of Charity here in Wilmington. Faithfully that seed has been nurtured by the
sisters who followed in the footsteps of those brave beginners.
The passing years were sprinkled with joys and disappointments, laughter, and tears. Struggle brought
growth and change - but each step forward was rooted in a deep faith and illuminated by love.
St. Peter Cathedral School has passed through several transformations.
Each change has been a response to need and has been faithful to the Gospel's call to service.
Eventually the orphanage of 1830 became a boarding school - a select
school, and ultimately - the Diocesan elementary school of today. The distinctive white cornette of yesterday's
Daughters of Charity has been replaced by the simple blue coif of the Daughters of today. Despite the predictable currents
of change that time always promises, the mission of St. Peter Cathedral School has always remained one of service to the varied
needs of all God's children.
Our
rich heritage is a treasure that we hold dear. We are the caretakers of Mother Seton's dream. The stirring
beauty of our brave beginning - as well as 183 years of history and tradition - impels us to continue the work that now is
ours to do. We are proud to be the cornerstone of our Diocesan School System.
Today our school community is comprised of children from a variety of religious, cultural, and economic
backgrounds. It is from such diversity that respect and understanding grow. The greatest asset of St. Peter's is
the children who possess a variety of needs and abilities - talents and gifts.
The tiny seed planted in Wilmington in 1830 and faithfully nurtured by the Daughters of Charity for 184
years has produced a rich harvest. The strong commitment of the lay faculty and staff who work with the Daughters enables
the philosophy and mission of St. Peter's to be a living reality. We who labor in the inner city know that our ministry
will always be blessed with extraordinary results.
