As the first Sacred Heart school in this country, it was an honor and a privilege to host the 50th Anniversary Prayer Service for the Network of Sacred Heart Schools live-streamed from the Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne on Sept. 18. The prayer service launched the year-long celebration for the 25 Sacred Heart schools in the United States and Canada. Middle School students gathered in the Shrine, while younger students watched in Rauch Memorial Gym.
Mr. Tim Horner, Head of School, welcomed the Sacred Heart family to celebrate our united mission, followed by a procession representing Network Schools. Academy students participated with readings and reflections, in song and prayer, joined by thousands of students, faculty, staff, RSCJ, parents, alumni and friends across North America.
Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, Provincial of the United States – Canada Province, shared a reflection on the foundation of the Network, “The words from our 25 school communities that were just captured in the video remind us of the sheer joy of being gathered here today to celebrate 50 years of shared vision and shared mission … today, not only do we in the United States and Canada celebrate 50 years of shared mission, but we’re part of something that is shared across the globe in 43 countries. This is stunning!”
“We are also, in addition to being bound together by our past, brought together by hope in the future. In a very real sense, it’s our past … our tradition that gives us both our collective memory and our collective vision.” — Catherine “Kit” Collins, RSCJ
In 1974 the Network was born, a vision of a group of Religious of the Sacred Heart and lay educators that formally articulated the essence of Sacred Heart education — the Goals and Criteria. Since then, the Goals and Criteria, which beautifully and uniquely distinguish Network schools, was reimagined to the current version, published in 2020.
“So today – we look forward,” shared Sister Cooke. “Where will we be in 50 years? Who will we be? Let us pray for ourselves today that we have a sense of joy.”
We are grateful to the outstanding Network committee, as well as Mrs. Tammy Strother who helped plan the prayer service and prepared our students. In addition, Will Yates, Director of Technology and Web Administrator supported the live stream crew.
As a Sacred Heart school, the Academy is a part of something bigger, and this connection with our sister schools was deeply palpable.
To view the Prayer Service, click here.
For a Behind the Scenes video, click here.
