As we begin the new year, we look to the five Goals of Sacred Heart education — the essence of our principles and values, shared by the 25 Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the U.S. and Canada. Both timeless and timely, these Goals and their supporting criteria express what is at the heart of Sacred Heart education.
This month, we will focus on Goal 1: a personal and active faith in God. Amaya Firestone, Marketing and Communications Assistant and Admissions Coordinator, shares some exciting news in the Archdiocese.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart and the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, under the leadership of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Bishop DuBourg, have a deep shared history of missionary zeal, perseverance, and frontier grit. In 1818, the same year of our foundation, Bishop DuBourg chose St. Louis as the episcopal seat of what would become the archdiocese of the western frontier. He shared Philippine’s incredible vision for the region, which at the time was a scarce and poor land. How far we have come from then to now: “The Rome of the West.”
The Academy joyfully joins the Archdiocese of St. Louis in celebrating their Bicentennial Jubilee Year. The Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne has been designated one of 14 official pilgrimage sites for the Bicentennial Jubilee Year, where the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence. From Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archbishop of St. Louis:
It is a joy to recognize the Shrine with this special honor, and I am grateful for the spiritual hospitality you offer to all who will visit during this sacred time.
We hope our entire community will celebrate our Catholic heritage and our special place in the region’s history. Mrs. Sandy Ahlheim, Shrine Director, will have the open for personal prayer Sundays and weekdays 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tours of the Shrine and historic spaces are by appointment or by calling 314-750-8429.
From private prayers to events and destinations, below are a few suggestions for marking the Bicentennial Jubilee Year. Watch Thursday Mail and social media for how our students are diving deeper in religion and theology classes. We are excited to begin the year sharing our commitment to Goal 1 with our community and the entire Archdiocese of St. Louis that we call home.
Celebrate the Jubilee Year
Attend parish events- Receive a plenary indulgence at the Shrine
- Tour the Shrine and historic areas
- Pray to Archdiocese patron saints St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (faithful leadership and justice), St. Louis IX (missionary prayer and perseverance), and St. Vincent de Paul (compassion and care for the poor)
- Pray for Archbishop’s Monthly Intentions
- Visit other sites, museums, and historic destinations in the region
- Share the regional Catholic heritage with friends and family
