Janet Erskine Stuart Centenary Celebrations and Feast of the Sacred Heart Celebrated in England

Top L-R:  Superior General, Kathleen Conan, RSCJ and Anne Wachter, RSCJ,
Headmistress Sacred Heart School Halifax; Sacred Heart Students;
Robert Kaggwa, Chaplain, Digby Stuart College;
Helen McLaughlin, RSCJ (Superior General 1982-1994) and
Muriel Cameron, RSCJ; Mon McGreal (ENW) and Kathleen Friel, RSCJ (IRS);
Dorothy Bell, RSCJ and Joan Faber, RSCJ (both from ENW);
Helen Ryan Sinclair, Principal Stuartholme, Brisbane and Jane Maltby, Provincial for England - Wales Province

This past Friday, I celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton, England.  What a spectacular day!  In the morning a group of us (RSCJ, Sacred Heart alums, and educators) took the Number 72 bus into Hammersmith and toured the Sacred Heart High School that opened in 1893.  Our tour guides (Catherine and Nicole) were delightful and charming young ladies.   

Afterwards I headed via the tube to Mayfair to visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Farm Street.  I was told that this is the very same church where in the Sacred Heart Chapel, Janet Erskine Stuart was received into the Roman Catholic Church.  I arrived in the afternoon as Mass was being said for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.  

My day culminated with a very special mass celebrated in the Digby Stuart Chapel in Roehampton.  It was a treat to see so many familiar faces and to meet many new folks that were in town for the Janet Erskine Stuart Centenary Celebrations.   

The Seeking Spirit Conference begins on Sunday June 29th until Wednesday, July 2nd - so stay tuned  or follow me on Twitter as I will try to post more photos and stories of my most memorable trip this summer!

RSCJ and Alums Celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart

Photo taken in England at the July 22-26, 2013 Opening Conference
Celebrating the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart 

One heart and one mind in the heart of Jesus!

The Society of the Sacred Heart and Sacred Heart alums all over the world (AMASC)  celebrate the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus today.  Some of our young students still in school, as well as, many alums from all over the world will gather today with members of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ) to celebrate mass and participate as the RSCJ renew their vows with the following prayer:  

CELEBRANT:  I now invite the Religious of the Sacred Heart to renew their vows.

RELIGIOUS: Trusting in the fidelity of God and the love of my sisters, I renew with all my heart the vows that I have made to follow Jesus Christ until death by obedience, poverty and chastity in the Society of the Sacred Heart, and I commit anew to its mission of manifesting the love of Christ by the service of education, according to our Constitutions.

RESPONSE OF THE CONGREGATION: May God who is the source of all good intentions enlighten your minds and strengthen your hearts.  May God help you to fulfill with steadfast faith all you have promised.  Amen.

I will celebrate with RSCJ, Alums and Sacred Heart Educators in England, and many others who like myself have come from all over the world this week to participate in the Janet Erskine Stuart Centenary Celebrations.  I look forward to seeing many familiar faces such as: Superior General Kathleen Conan, RSCJ, as well as members of her General Council; Provincial Jane Maltby, RSCJ for England Wales Province; and Pam Snyder, President of AMASC.  The Feast of the Sacred Heart mass will be hosted in the Digby Stuart Chapel here in Roehampton, England.

Our group will stay here on the beautiful campus until Sunday when we depart for High Leigh Conference Centre in Hertfordshire.  

So stay tuned as the #JES celebrations unfold and watch for postings to my Sacred Heart photo album which can be accessed on the right of this blog post.

Quote from Janet Erskine Stuart: "It takes twelve falls to make a horsewoman."

Horsewoman painting by Rudolf Frentz

June 26th


"It takes twelve falls to make a horsewoman."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - (click here to order).  

This quote reminds me of the wonderful talk given last year at the Society's Spirituality Forum by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ.  Sr. Osiek's topic was "Discovering Janet Erskine Stuart and her Equine Legacy".   

"Mother Janet Stuart was so multi-faceted that it is difficult to know where to begin in order to understand her. One approach is through an aspect of life that she knew and loved deeply: her life-long love of horses. As a young woman, she was an expert hunter and handler of horses, and these skills were not forgotten when she traveled around the world during both her time as companion to her predecessor Mother Mabel Digby and her own tenure as Superior General of the Society."

Quote from Janet Erskine Stuart: "So we must remember..."

June 24th

"So we must remember that it is better to begin a great work than a small one..."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order  And, to order your very own Janet Erskine Stuart Centenary Memorabilia - click here. 

Quote from Janet Erskine Stuart: "...I say 'Let go' and so does God!"

June 23rd

"God wants to take you sailing out into the glory of His thoughts and Love, and through sheer fright you cling to the rope... I say 'Let go' and so does God!"

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

This week many Sacred Heart alums and friends of Janet Erskine Stuart will be traveling to England to take part in Centenary Celebrations.  I am joyfully returning to England to take part in some of the events.  So to those I know and those I will meet along the way; I wish all attendees a pleasurable journey and a very rewarding time together!   

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order  And, to order your very own Janet Erskine Stuart Centenary Memorabilia - click here. 

Quote from Janet Erskine Stuart: "When no-one else understands, He does."

Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue - Atherton, Calf

June 22

"When no-one else understands, He does.  When no-one else is aware, He is; so that in reality we are never alone."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

Quote by Janet Erskine Stuart: "The way to do much in a short time is to love much."

Sacred Heart Chapel - Roehampton

June 21st

"The way to do much in a short time is to love much.  People will do great things if they are stirred with enthusiasm and love."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

Quote by Janet Erskine Stuart: "Day by day..."

Courtyard near Sacred Heart Chapel - Roehampton University

June 19

"Day by day we write the story of our lives; no day in our life is without influence on the last, for ourselves as well as others."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

Quote by Janet Erskine Stuart: "...do the very best we can..."

As seen in the garden of Sacred Heart Schools Atherton, Calf

June 18th

"It is always here and now, there is always the present moment to do the very best we can and the future depends on the ways these moments are spent."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 -1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

Philippine Duchesne writes to her sister: "Is Divine Providence as good to you as to us?"

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
 as seen at
 Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Houston

June 16, 1815 ~  Philippine writes to her sister Amelie, (Madame Constans de Mauduit): "Is Divine Providence as good to you as to us? God is always good, but sometimes He gives His justice the right of way, and it is in this sense, also that I use the word good.  Well, whether you suffer the miseries of life or enjoy the more pleasant attentions of Providence, we are all having the same experiences."

Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne

Quote by Janet Erskine Stuart: ..."Don't attempt the impossible..."

June 15th

"Beware of extremes, beware of inhuman efforts, of violent measures, of all that drives you off your balance...Don't attempt the impossible...Take yourself as you are, whole, and do not try to live by one part alone and starve the other."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 -1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

Our American Voice Summit Celebrates Students' Civic Engagement

On June 10, 2014 more than 300 Chicagoland middle grade students from 18 different schools convened for the third annual Our American Voice (OAV) Summit at the UIC Forum in Chicago, IL. The purpose of the Summit is to bring together OAV student participants to share and celebrate their successes and accomplishments.

The OAV program sponsored by the Barat Education Foundation teaches students the four core principles of civic engagement and gets them immersed in working on projects that matter to them, their school and community.  These school initiatives completed in collaboration with community agencies and elected officials include: creating safer surrounding environments for students walking to school; cleaning up neighborhoods; putting an end to bullying; assisting and becoming more respectful of others. 

"Our OAV participants with guidance and support of their teacher/facilitators have worked diligently to make a difference and to positively impact their communities," says Sheila A. Smith, Barat Education Foundation CEO and Chair. "We are pleased to host this summit to recognize their achievements and contributions as young citizens." 

The following schools participated in the 2014 OAV Summit: Mary E Courtenay Language Arts Center; John B. Drake Elementary School; Charles W. Earle Elementary School (Earle STEM); Emerson Elementary School; Evergreen Academy Elementary School; Freedom Middle School; Lionel Hampton Fine and Performing Arts Elementary School; Heritage Middle School; Hiawatha Elementary School; Edward N. Hurley Elementary School; Irving Elementary School; Komensky Elementary School; Arthur A. Libby Elementary School; Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School; Pershing Elementary School; John J. Pershing Elementary Magnet School ("Pershing East"); Piper Elementary School and Ida B. Wells Preparatory Elementary School.

The OAV Summit included Opening Remarks by the following: Sheila Smith, Chair, Barat Education Foundation; Suzy Evans, Program Manager, Our American Voice; Dr. Mara Grujanac, Director, Barat Education Foundation and Jacques Agbobly, former OAV participant.  

Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, the students engaged in four activities:

• Activity 1: Who are We? 
• Activity 2: Most Important Thing About Our American Voice
• Activity 3: Our American Voice in Words: Capturing the OAV Experience
• Activity 4: Our American Voice in Images: Evoking OAV Through History

followed by a Panel Discussion with Our American Voice Civic Capitalism Participants.

In the afternoon, Suzy Evans, Program Manager, Our American Voice called each school up to the podium to be recognized for their project work.  The OAV came to a conclusion when Karina Giraldo, Piper Elementary School introduced the topic: Where Do We Go From Here?.  One of the participants answered: "I pledge to stay involved and find ways to stop the violence in my community".  Never were words so powerfully spoken and meaningful!  This was from just one of over 300 middle grade school students, who have learned how to creatively solve problems in their communities due to their participation in Our American Voice!

Top - Bottom: OAV Registration; participants get settled;
Activities; Jacques Agbobly addresses the audience;
18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane with students; three young participants;
Dr. Allan Gitelson with Sheila A. Smith, BEF Chair

The Our American Voice Program is a nonpartisan, in-school/after-school project based learning initiative that links the basics of American history, government and civics with technology and community involvement to educate, engage and empower elementary and middle-grade students to become participative citizens in their communities.  The Program teaches students critical thinking, collaboration, leadership skills, and that citizenship starts not with the big issues but with issues that are close to home.  More than 1500 young girls and boys across the Chicago metropolitan area, as well as in Roanoke Virginia and southern New Mexico, have participated in Our American Voice.  

OAV is operated and licensed by the Barat Education Foundation and receives partial support from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Alice B. Drake Endowment.  For more info about the Our American Voice program, visit www.ouramericanvoice.org

Further reading published on June 13, 2014: "Berwyn kids clue in the adults" by Marlen Garcia, Sun Times Reporter 

Photo Album of the Our American Voice - 2014 Summit
click on center to start slideshow 

BARAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Barat Education Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) organization that develops and seeks support for innovative scholarships and entrepreneurial educational ventures which reflect the deep commitment to: intellectual, spiritual, and ethical values; empowerment of women; social awareness that impels to action; and the building of community.  For further information and/or to help support the BEF, please visit www.thebaratfoundation.org

Quote by Janet Erskine Stuart: "Life faces you with courageous challenges...

Stuart Center - Washington, D.C. 

June 8th - 

"Life faces you with courageous challenges at every step of the way."  

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 -1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - click here to order

#ThrowbackThursday: Esprit de Coeur Magazine - Summer 2013

Esprit de Coeur ~ Summer 2013 (PDF copy)
St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Window as seen in St. Cecilia Cathedral Omaha, NE

This issue of the Esprit de Coeur was painstakingly prepared and unfortunately never printed and/or distributed last year (Summer 2013).  An entire fiscal year for the Associated Alumnae/i of the Sacred Heart has past and there has been very little communication and/or sharing of stories about our wonderful alums. Recently I have heard directly and indirectly from many alums concerned as to  why so little is happening with AASH.  While I do not have the answers, I do have this issue of Esprit de Coeur to share on #ThrowbackThursday with you!  I hope you all enjoy reading this issue cover to cover. May the many photos and stories that you read have you reliving the Joy that you experienced as a Sacred Heart alum!

Inside this non-published Summer 2013 issue of Esprit de Coeur you will find: Many photos and stories relative to the 39th Biennial Call to Conference that was hosted in Omaha April 10-14, 2013; Highlights from Sacred Heart Preparatory (Atherton, Calf) 2013 graduation; Details on the Joan Lueder Coffey IVC Service Award; Sacred Heart Alum Authors are highlighted  in 'Top Shelf'; Tributes to the 2013 Cor Unum Recipients and Janet Erskine Stuart Spirit Award Recipients; Keynote address at the Cor Unum Luncheon given by Shirley Miller, RSCJ;  Provincial Update and News from the RSCJ; AASH Past President Profile features Margaret McLaughlin; Regional Resolutions Adopted at the Conference and so much more! 

Editors Note: To continue reading more about all things relative to the Society of the Sacred and its Alumnae/i visit this blog often. If you wish to receive an email notification after I post to this blog you can subscribe by entering your email address in the upper right hand corner or follow me on twitter - click here.

With Heartfelt Gratitude: Fr. John Cusick Retires from Old St. Pat's Church

Mass program cover.  The colorful vestments above were all designed by Artist John David Mooney

Today we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension.  And, for many parishioners of Old St. Patrick's Church the 11:15 a.m. Mass was bittersweet. Because today we honored Fr. John Cusick who is retiring after 44 years of priestly ministry! Fr. Cusick grew up in Chicago's South Side but he has called Old St. Patrick's Church his home for the past 30 years!  

Taken from today's Mass program: "Fr. John Cusick, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, was ordained in 1970.  He was the creator, coordinator, and director of Young Adult Ministry from 1977-2013.  This past year, he served as a consultant to the Office. Crain's Chicago Business named John Cusick as one of seven clergy persons profiled as "preachers to seek out in Chicago."  In February 2012 he received the Blessed John XXIII Award from the Association of Chicago Priests for "excellence in priestly ministry and significant contributions to the life of the Church in Chicago." Those of us who gather at Old St. Patrick's know and appreciate him for his gifts of preaching, leadership, creativity, and compassionate service that he so generously shares with us.  We are grateful to Fr. John for all that he has done to contribute to the life and spirit of Old St. Patrick's and her people!

Photos above L-R: Fr. Jack Wall, Fr. John Cusick and Fr. Tom Hurley, Pastor of
Old St. Patrick's Church; John David Mooney, Fr. Cusick and Denise Stauder, SR'62, MV'66

After communion kind words were shared by Fr. Jack Wall, former Pastor of Old St. Pat's and Fr. Tom Hurley, current Pastor.  A check to help with travel expenses and a framed customized rendering of Old St. Pat's was bestowed on Fr. Cusick as Fr. Tom Hurley, Pastor of Old St. Pat's Church said, "A priest never really retires; not until he is lying vertically in the middle aisle of the church is a priest considered retired."  So fortunately for all of us, Fr. Cusick plans on being back at Old St. Pat's later in the year, perhaps November or December to help with presiding Masses.   

Some of you are reading this and wondering what is the connection with Sacred Heart?  Well, six degrees of separation. Besides it history: Old St. Patrick's is the second parish founded in the city of Chicago and the city's oldest public building.  Old St. Pat's windows were designed by Thomas A. O'Shaughnessy whose many descendants are Sacred Heart alums. 

But the Sacred Heart connection here is woven in the vestments that you see Father Cusick wearing in the top photo. They were all donated by a Sacred Heart alumna! Five years ago, Old St. Pat's parishioner Denise Stauder, an alumna of Sacred Heart Schools (Sheridan Road) and Maryville College had come into some money.  Denise went to Fr. Cusick and asked what was most needed and his response was new vestments to complement the church's newly renovated interior. 

Instead of just purchasing vestments, Stauder decided to contact John David Mooney, an artist friend of hers to design the vestments.  Mooney, an alumnus of Notre Dame is described as a "very creative, esoteric and spiritual man with a great heart and an absolutely expansive mind".  To read more about John David Mooney and the "Legacy in fabric" - click here.