On October 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels, those recognized as Saints and those whose presence and absence guides us in a time when we are physically distant but connected through our contemplative lives.
In this season of change, as the leaves teach us again to let go of what is no longer needed and release into the promise of Spring resurrection, we draw upon the wisdom of Saint Francis.
Birth: May 2, 1932
Profession: July 21, 1963
Death: September 22, 2020
Religious of the Sacred Heart, Ann Johnston, RSCJ, died September 22, 2020, in Albany, New York. She was eighty-eight years old, and a religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart for sixty-six years. Ann was born on May 2, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph Andrew Johnston and Janice Alsup Johnston. She entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1954 at Kenwood, in Albany, New York, and pronounced her First Vows there in 1957. She made her Final Profession in Rome in 1963.
This moment in religious life is generating interest and energy around how congregations can adapt to what is been asked of us today in the cries of the world and cries of the earth. This book brings together God's call, the world's needs and charisms in consecrated life in a way that dynamically engages the vows, prayer, community and ministry for the particular time and contexts in which we live. Here is a valuable theological and pastoral resource for the conversion, transformation and revitalization needed in consecrated life today.
Hear me, O Lady of Sorrows …
my heart has been cracked open …
by all that tempts my disillusion …
Birth: July 18, 1952
Profession: June 28, 1987
Death: September 14, 2020
Maureen O’Halloran, RSCJ, 68, of Newton, Massachusetts, died peacefully on September 14, 2020 in Newton. Maureen was the daughter of the late William Edward O’Halloran Esq. and Alice (Dunbar) O’Halloran of Newton.
By Erin Everson
September 8, 2020
As a person who was raised Catholic and a product of catholic education from kindergarten through college, I, no doubt, have been shaped by the Catholic faith, and this foundation informs my spirituality today.
Twenty-five weeks ago, we found ourselves heading towards a new frontier, not of our choosing. From east coast to west coast, and the from the most northern tip of the United States – Canada Province to the Gulf, we gathered to listen, to be heart-grounded and to share what we could in this time of pandemic unrest.
Birth: October 9, 1930
Profession: February 4, 1962
Death: September 1, 2020
Sister Anne Leonard, RSCJ, was born on October 9, 1930, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was a daughter of Norma Lilian Gray and Thomas D’Arcy Leonard, the third of five children. Anne began her education in Toronto with the Sisters of St. Joseph and spent the last two years of high school at the Sault au Recollet in Montreal, a school run by the Society of the Sacred Heart. Anne continued her post-secondary education at St. Michael’s College in Toronto.
A gift from these months of uncertainty caused by the pandemic has been the knowledge and experience of our being united in prayer.
August 5, 2020
The Society of the Sacred Heart, United States – Canada (USC) Province is pleased to announce that Provincial Sheila Hammond, RSCJ, is being honored with the ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This award is ACPE’s highest recognition bestowed upon members and is awarded for long, outstanding service and leadership to the association.
