BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME (ISBN #3734-8)

Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ

Today is the Feast of Saint Martha and how appropriate that Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ has good news to share with us!  

"BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME" is now available for purchase!  The book cost is $20.00 plus shipping.  To order your book call Loyola Press at 1-800-621-1008 (M-F 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. CST)  Be sure to order by the title and supply the ISBN #3734-8

About Martha Currry, RSCJ

Martha Curry, a Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart, is an alumna and former member of the English faculty of Barat College. Sister Curry holds a doctorate in English Literature from Loyola University, Chicago, with an emphasis in American Literature. During her years on Barat’s faculty, she made a specialty of teaching, publishing, and lecturing on Sherwood Anderson, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce.

Sister Curry’s ministries after she retired from teaching at Barat College included campus ministry at Princeton University and Wayne State University and serving as director of the retirement community of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Albany, New York.

After Barat entered into an alliance with Depaul University in 2001, and DePaul decided to close the college in 2005, Sister Curry determined that Barat’s story had to be told. The legacy and spirit of its namesake, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, permeated the life of Barat College and permeates Sister Curry’s book. 

Sacred Heart Student's Lia Neal and Katie Ledecky to Swim Today in London

Lia Neal, student at 91st, N.Y.

LONDON 2012 - OLYMPIC SWIMMING

Tune in today, Saturday, July 28th (7:00 am EST) and cheer on Sacred Heart students: Lia Neal,   enrolled at 91st Street, NY and Katie Ledecky a student at Stone Ridge, Washington, D.C. Katie is the youngest member of the U.S. swim team.  

Katie Ledecky, student at Stone Ridge in Washington, D.C.

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

Painting of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
The Sacred Heart School of  Montreal
2014 AMASC Congress Host School

July 28, 1819 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat, "We do not talk among ourselves about our privations in order to express complaints, but to add fuel to the fire of our sacrifice and so renew it." 

Taken from the book, "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Quotation from Father Joseph Varin, S.J.

Father Pere Joseph Varin, SJ

July 27, 1820 ~  Quotation from Father Joseph Varin, S.J. "Who is the Master we serve? One Whose Heart is full of goodness and love, Who might command, but Who chooses to request, our service.  He is a Master Whose Heart, says the great Apostle, is filled with all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Taken from the book, "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

GOT HEART?...check out the Society of the Sacred Heart!

RSCJ and Collaborators enjoying a break from the 2012 Assembly meetings

Society of the Sacred Heart

US Province

Mission Statement

The Society of the Sacred Heart is an international community of women in the Catholic Church, founded in 1800 by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat.  Sharing her vision and mission, we are convinced of the centrality of prayer and contemplation in our lives. We are committed to discovering and making God's love visible in the heart of the world through the service of education. Conscious of what we do, we do together, and remembering a tradition marked by love for young people and missionary spirit, the Religious of the Sacred Heart carry out his service of education:

• Especially in the work of teaching and formation
• In other activities for human development and the promotion of justice
• In pastoral work and guidance in the faith

 (1982 Constitutions of the Society of the Sacred Heart, #13)

For further info, contact: Vocation Director, Sr. Mary Pat White, RSCJ - click here and to go to their Facebook page here click to "Like" them!

RSCJ Jubilarians

On Saturday, June 21st, I discovered at lunchtime that Sisters Mary Lou Gavan, Marianne Ruggeri and Anne Sturges, RSCJ were celebrating their Golden Jubilee together.  These women made their final vows in Rome on this very day!  Best wishes to all of you and special thanks to Mary Lou who works in the Soceity's archive office.

Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ, Professes First Vows at the Shrine

On behalf of the Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart, I send our best wishes to Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ who on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 made her first vows.  To read more about the ceremony click here.

Video courtesy of Sr. Mary Schumacher, RSCJ

A very warm welcome from the RSCJ and a beautiful liturgy

This afternoon I was invited to attend mass with the RSCJ.  Father Sean Martin was the celebrant.  By far this was one of the most moving Liturgies I have ever attended!  The entrance song was Envia Tu Espirito by Bob Hurd (click below to hear the song) and sung by the RSCJ Choir... simply put their voices were angelic and the songs through out the mass were uplifting and very moving. We then had a delicious dinner and I enjoyed casual conversation with many old and new acquaintances.

Inside the postcard (above) reads:

Dear Alums -  I've arrived in St. Louis and have been warmly greeted by so many familiar faces and of course I'm meeting many new RSCJ's from around the US and abroad.  The best part of the day was the beautiful liturgy of which I prayed for all of you!  

In the heart, Maureen

US Provincial Assembly Invites Collaborators

The theme Open Hearts transformed by the Spirit 

This afternoon, fellow AASH Board member, Maria Cristinia Garcia, and I will arrive in St. Louis and join approximately 230 RSCJs from all over the US for their Provincial Assembly.   In addition to the two of us representing AASH, I have been told that there will be approximately 24  "collaborators" representing the following constituencies: Associates, Network of Sacred Heart Schools, SHCOG, Vocation Ministry, as well as, Lay members of the Provincial Investment Committee; Finance Committee; and National Development Board.  

And, while the majority of the RSCJs in attendance will be from the US, there will be a few from Canada and other provinces as well.  Of special note is our very own, Sr. Kathleen Conan, Superior General who has traveled from Rome to be here as a member of the Province.  

As a collaborator we were provided with a brief overview of the purpose of an Assembly in the life of the Province.  Below is info provided by the Assembly Steering Committee...

Provincial Assemblies in the Life of the Province

From the Constitutions for the Society of the Sacred Heart #154:

The PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY, the consultative organ of the province, is a means of:

•  having a real experience of communion

•  promoting interchange

•  sharing experiences and reflections concerning the province

•  expressing expectations and recommendations to the provincial and her council concerning the orientations of the province

•  evaluating the progress of the province.

 The provincial, with the help of her council, will make sure that the whole province is involved in this important event in the life of the province. The composition of this assembly is determined by the Provincial Plan of Government.

From the United States Province Government Plan 1999: Members of the provincial community gather for different purposes, such as regional gatherings, ministerial or interest groupings, delegate assemblies, and assemblies of the whole. These assemblies enable members of the Province to foster communion and to discuss topics and concerns relevant to our religious life and ministry.  According to the Constitutions, provincial assemblies should occur at least every three years (Const. 154).  These can take different forms, but their purpose is to ensure co-responsibility.  These complement the Provincial Chapter. 

A Message From The Society of the Sacred Heart - RE: JPIC Survey

Illustration by Noelee Favet, RSCJ

To:       Alumnae, Alumni and members of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools

From:   Diane Roche RSCJ, contact person for the US Province, International JPIC (Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation) Spiritual Journey

During the past few months, RSCJ and members of the Sacred Heart Family around the world have been reflecting together on how we live the mission and the spirituality of the Society of the Sacred Heart in light of the challenges in the world today.  This brief survey will provide a way for you to add your thoughts and insights so that we can discover common concerns and commitments as a way of discerning together what our next steps on the journey should be. 

Please take a few minutes to read and reflect quietly (either alone or in small groups)  on the three quotes below (one from Scripture, one from the Constitutions of the Society of the Sacred Heart and one from our most recent Chapter).  Then we are asking you to take about 10-15 minutes to respond to an online survey by following this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RSCJJPICSurvey

You may include your name and contact information if you wish or you can submit the survey responses anonymously.  The link to this survey will remain active for two weeks, so please try to have your responses back to us by Monday, July 23rd.

It has become very clear to us over the past few years that in order to discern the future of the Society of the Sacred Heart we need to hear all the voices of those who share in the life of the Society.  We thank you for taking the time to give this survey your prayerful attention. We look forward to hearing from you!



Gospel:Luke 7:11-17  Now when he was near the gate of the town there was a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.  And aconsiderable number of the townspeople was with her.  When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her and said to her, "Don't cry."  Then he went up and touched the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, "young man, I tell you: get up."

Society of the Sacred Heart Constitutions of 1982: Caught up as we are in the desires of His Heart, we want people to grow in dignity, as human beings and as children of God.  Our starting point is the Gospel with all that it demands from us of love, forgiveness and justice, and of solidarity with those who are poor and rejected by the world.

Society of the Sacred Heart Chapter of 2008: We suffer the pain of our peoples.  With them, and from this depth, we enter into the Open Heart of Christ, the wellspring that satisfies our thirst. From our contemplation of the Pierced Heart of Jesus in the heart of a wounded humanity flows the desire to commit ourselves with greater passion and compassion to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

Quotation from Father Jean Crasset, S.J.

 Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne
photo taken prior to the Corpus Christi procession in 2011

July 8, 1852 ~   A favorite quotation of Mother Duchesne from Father Jean Crasset, S.J. "I am where God wills me to be, and so I have found rest and security.  His wisdom governs me, His power defends me, His grace sanctifies me, His mercy encompasses me, His joy sustains me and all will go well with me."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne


Today, I celebrate my birthday and I just happen to be in St. Charles for a meeting.  To be here at the Shrine on this special day is awesome!  Yes, "I am where God wills me to be" today.  With loving gratitude for my mother and all the RSCJ "Mother's" in my life.

Stars and Stripes... Happy 4th of July!

artwork by students at ASH - St. Charles, MO

Wishing all of our Sacred Heart alumnae and alumni a very safe, relaxing and 

Happy 4th of July holiday!

Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Barat

Note: Mother Duchesne's niece was Euphrosine Jouve
who entered and took the name
Mother Aloysia Jouve, RSCJ

June 30, 1821 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Barat, "The more I reflect on the graces I have received, the more they astonish me and make me tremble.  Among them I prize most of all that of belonging to our loved Society, and I brought Aloysia into it, also.  May her merits repair my faults. (The saintly Mother Aloysia Jouve* died at Sainte Marie on January 21, 1821).

* Euphrosine Jouve aka Mother Aloysia

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

On this day in 1841, Mother Duchesne ...

June 29, 1841 ~ Mother Duchesne left St. Louis for the Potawatomi mission of St. Mary at Sugar Creek, with Mothers Mathevon, O'Connor, and Sister Amyot.  On June 29, 1842, she returned to St. Louis with Father Varhaegan, S.J., then went to St. Charles for the last decade of her life.

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

To her niece, Mother Aloysia Jouve, R.S.C.J.

June 19, 1816 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to her niece, Mother Aloysia Jouve, R.S.C.J., "Whatever happens, you are sure that the Will of God is being accomplished, and we must bless His Will, whether it consoles us or makes us suffer.  We all have our troubles just now, and the Heart of Jesus lets us experience what our title requires of us: a consecration to the sufferings which pierced that Heart."

Taken from the book:  "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus Window
by Emil Frei Studio circa 1924

For Friday, June 15th

Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lord Jesus, Who through Thy tender love for the Church, Thy spouse, hast been pleased to open to her the riches and sweetness of Thy Divine Heart, grant that our hearts may be enriched with the treasures therin contained, and replenished with its overflowing delights.  

Taken from Special Devotions Compiled for the Children of the Sacred Heart

To St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

artwork by Bridget Bearss, rscj

June 13, 1818 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, "The heart suffers from sacrifices whose value is known only to faith and love. But even in distress love cries out bravely: 'My God, gladly have I offered You all things.'" 

Taken from the book, "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

Written by Mother Duchesne in her office book

Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
as seen on the campus of
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

June 9, 1825 ~ Mother Duchesne writes in her office book, "Remember, O most loving Jesus, that it is unheard of through all ages that anyone ever had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart and implored Its help without obtaining relief.  Confiding, therefore, in Thy infinite goodness, I cast myself before Thee, O Heart, King of all hearts, and humbly supplicate Thee to hear my prayers, to receive my soul as Thy spouse, and to take upon Thyself the care of my salvation."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

118th Annual Commencement Exercises for Jospehinum Academy

Congratulations to the 2012 Graduates of Josephinum Academy!

I enjoyed attending the 118th Annual Commencement Exercises for the 2012 Graduates of Josephinum Academy on Saturday, June 2nd and tried to capture some of the hightlights of the ceremony. Below is a video of Stephanie Castro, 2012 Class Valedictorian.

On behalf of the Associated Alumnae/i of the Sacred Heart, I welcome all 2012 graduates as you now become the newest members of AASH.   Please know that we wish you much success this fall as you enter college and I encourage you to stay connected!

To Mother Adeline Boilvin, American RSCJ

June 1, 1837 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, "To satisfy fully the love and longing of the adorable Heart of Jesus, the heart you desire to give Him must be prepared for this divine union by marks of resemblance to His Heart.  What special resemblance? He Himself has told us: 'Learn meekness and humility from Me'."

Taken from the book: Through the Years with Philippine Duchesne