The Order of St. Anne was founded in 1910 by Father Cecil Powell of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist. The sisters live a modified Benedictine rule, dedicated to a life of prayer, the care of children, and good works beneficial to all people.

The Chicago convent is autonomous, called to parish work at the Church of the Ascension, and currently to outside work as teachers and counselors for all ages. The sisters run a small guest house for short-term visitors. The order also has associates.

Women interested in trying their vocation are postulants for at least six months. The novitiate is two or three years. At the end of that time renewable vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are undertaken for
three to five years before life profession.

There are five offices daily in the chapel as well as daily mass at the church.