Society of the Sacred Heart

Who we are

We are the United States – Canada Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart, an international community of women religious in the Catholic Church, known as the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), founded in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. Our mission is to discover and reveal God’s love in the heart of the world through the service of education.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, we share 25 days of reflections from members of the Sacred Heart family. Click here to view.

From the Archives: Canonization of Madeleine Sophie Barat Virtual Exhibit

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s canonization. There are many wonderful items from her canonization held in the Society of the Sacred Heart United States – Canada Province archives. The archives building is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and so for those who are unable to visit in-person, we share…

Welcome Pope Leo XIV

Alleluia! Alleluia!! Our hearts were filled with joy as we heard the words “We have a new Pope!” Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo greeted the people of God with Jesus’ Easter message – Peace be with you! Our hearts are filled with gratitude, believing that Pope Leo will be…

Rehabilitation of chapel in Grand Coteau complete, altar consecrated

By Caroline Richard, Director of Le Petit Musée and Shrine of Saint John Berchmans in Grand Coteau, Louisiana The Chapel at the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Berchmans Academy in Grand Coteau has just completed an extensive and necessary rehabilitation. For almost two centuries, the Chapel has been the spiritual heart of the campus and…

Diane Roche, RSCJ, honored by Catholic Charities

April 10, 2025, Diane Roche, RSCJ was among seven volunteers recognized by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington at their annual Caritas! event. Sister Roche received the Father John O’Connor Award for Empowerment and recognized for her work at the Refugee Service Center. Catholic Charities wrote of Diane: Sister Diane Roche, RSCJ, is an impactful…

We mourn Pope Francis and pray that his soul rests in peace

Be humble,Be simple,Bring joy to others. Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat Dear Family of the Sacred Heart, Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn Pope Francis. Surely, he brought to life the above words of Saint Madeleine Sophie. Francis lived from the conviction that hope is born of love that finds its roots in the…

RSCJ visits Newton Country Day, shares about United Nations experience

Cecile Meijer, RSCJ, visited Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in early February to speak about her time and experience at the United Nations (UN). Sister Meijer served as the Society of the Sacred Heart’s first UN-NGO (Non-governmental organization) representative from 2003-2017. Sarah Malone, who teaches high school theology, extended the invitation to…

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Justice

We commit to justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC). Currently, we focus on four imperatives set forth by the international JPIC office of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Spirituality

As Religious of the Sacred Heart, we root our lives in prayer. With a mission to discover and reveal the love of God, our spirituality is based in love and contemplation. Our contemplative outlook is part of who we are, whether in prayer, in ministry or in our daily lives.

Education

Education lies at the heart of everything we do, from formal schooling and retreats to building and living in community. We are forming ourselves and others to be women and men of courage and confidence, makers of change and stewards of God’s love in the heart of the world.

Fast facts

RSCJ IN THE UNITED STATES – CANADA PROVINCE

ASSOCIATES IN THE UNITED STATES – CANADA PROVINCE

RSCJ IN THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY

COUNTRIES HAVE AN RSCJ PRESENCE

SACRED HEART SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES – CANADA PROVINCE

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