Many Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) have called the campus of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart home since its founding in 1960. Sharon Karam, RSCJ, has resided in “the White House” on the school’s grounds since 1996. On Friday, January 17, many gathered to celebrate Sister Karam as she prepares to move to the RSCJ community in New Orleans this spring.
Sister Karam’s departure marks an historic moment in the life of the school and larger Sacred Heart community in Houston. The entire Duchesne school community, along with faculty and staff from the nearby Regis School of the Sacred Heart, and RSCJ from around the United States – Canada (USC) Province came together for a prayer service in honor of Sister Karam. Many wore red for the occasion, Sister Karam’s favorite color.
During the liturgy there was a special blessing of Sister Karam and a commissioning of the entire community — students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumnae and alumni— by Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, Provincial of the Society of the Sacred Heart USC Province.
“We know with certitude that the significant work of manifesting God’s love through the service of education begun in 1960 in Houston will continue for generations to come,” said Sister Cooke.
During the service Sister Karam received a quilt handmade by Duchesne students and faculty and a book of letters from students, friends, and former colleagues. The Upper School Choir students sent off Sister Karam singing “For Good” from the musical Wicked.
Many former and current faculty and staff, alumnae, and parents of alumnae gathered to show their gratitude to Sister Karam during an evening reception following the prayer service. Former Duchesne faculty members shared stories about the impact Sister Karam has had on their lives. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and Sister Karam said she was speechless.
“Her impact on the community has been immeasurable,” wrote Duchesne Head of School Hillary Feerick-Hillenbrand in a message to the Duchesne community. “We will continue to glean morsels of her wisdom when she visits us regularly after her move to fulfill her duties as a member of the Board of Trustees at Regis School of the Sacred Heart.”
Ms. Feerick-Hillenbrand added that Duchesne has been incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed the presence of the RSCJ since its inception and continues to be blessed by the participation of three RSCJ on its Board of Trustees.
Angela LeGrange Scott, co-chair of the Associates Leadership team and staff member at Regis, said of Sister Karam, “To know her is to know love. She has an incredible gift to be present and make you feel as if you are the most important person in the world. She has an unwavering commitment to those in need and an extraordinary ability to be still and open to the Spirit. I will miss her daily presence, and I am eager for her next visit!”
On January 26, Sister Karam along with Sister Cooke joined the Regis community for Mass to kick off Catholic Schools Week. During Mass, Sister Karam was recognized and presented with flowers.
Caroline Waller, Communications Coordinator at Duchesne Academy, contributed to this article. Photos courtesy of Duchesne Academy and Regis School of the Sacred Heart.
