When anyone tries to narrowly define something which encompasses a broad perspective, it is always dangerous. Yet, I think it is periodically worth our time to TRY to capture what I would call our essence. It helps us all understand what this unique Academy is really meant to be about. A prominent Sacred Heart educator, Sister Kay Baxter, once summed it up in three words. Sacred Heart education, she said, is:
- Relational
- Incarnational
- Transformational
Whole papers could be written to flesh out the depths of how these three principles relate to what, how and why we do what we do on a daily basis. Here, in a few sentences, is what I can say about each:
Relational – To be known, to know one is known, to experience oneself as cared about (cared about to the point of being invited to growth with reverently given honest feedback), to learn to love oneself and to learn how to be in healthy, authentic and respectful relationships with others is the CORE of our educational process and is one of our major educational goals. Relationship is also the very core of how we understand God. God is a BEING IN RELATIONSHIP. This facet of God’s Very Being is captured in the theological doctrine of the Trinity.
Incarnational – To understand the Incarnation is to understand that the Divine not only transcends us but vivifies us! It is to understand that this Mystery we call God is at the very core of who we are. As Catholics we capture this by talking about the Christ-within-Creation. God’s Very Self not only transcends creation but shines through creation. Human beings are certainly a part of the created world, so, of course, God shines in and through us as well. In fact, we have a unique role in this incarnational revelation of the divine. Some of the greatest saints in our history implore us to not only worship Christ, but to BE Christ in all our thoughts, words and actions. The Church supports our participation in this process in many ways. For example, eucharistically we are invited to become what we receive.
Transformational – Having awakened to / discovered / come to know the God-Within who loves and is desirous of being in a loving relationship with us, we are changed. With hearts that are open, we do indeed BECOME what we have come to experience within us. Having met Christ, we become Christ. We reveal Christ in our very loves and in every part of our lives. And, by allowing ourselves to be transformed into the face and hands and heart of Christ, we help to transform those we encounter on the journey of life. Love changes all. Our education is meant to be transformational because it is an education based on love. Our hope is that the students we send out into the world, by leading lives of love, in turn, help in transforming the world into a better place.
I pray to be united with each of you through the Sacred Heart, a Heart which is God’s Heart in human form, a Heart which calls us to be in relationship, a Heart which, when known, transforms us so we can participate in the transformation of the world, thus contributing to creating homes, communities, nations and a planet filled with God’s Goodness, Grace and Wisdom.
Maureen Glavin, rscj
Head of School
