Nine Stone Ridge colleagues attended a Sacred Heart network conference in June called "Roots That Give Us Wings". The Conference had over 130 Sacred Heart educators from all of the world and our group met Sacred Heart educators from as far away as Australia and Japan. The conference is designed to develop and nurture connections in Sacred Heart history, education, values, and traditions for faculty and staff that desire making a difference through Sacred Heart education. The conference initially began as a method to educate new Sacred Heart employees and has grown into a historical and reflective journey for those in Sacred Heart education. The conference was held at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, MO, home to the Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.
Heather Dempsey, the Director of Annual Giving said, “I was so blessed to have the opportunity to attend the Roots retreat. I found the history of Philippine Duchesne, Sophie Barat, and Mother Stuart so fascinating. To experience it with colleagues from across the nation, and across the world made for a wonderful shared experienced, and an exchange of ideas that wouldn't have been possible without the retreat.”
Dr. Jeanne Downey-Vanover, World Languages Department Chair, told us the Roots conference was fun, energizing and inspiring! Dr. Downey-Vanover enjoyed meeting people from a variety of Sacred Heart schools and learning how the mission is lived out in their schools. As a World Language educator, she was was especially inspired by Cecile Meijer's, RSCJ presentation on the international dimension of the Society of the Sacred Heart. She was surprised to hear that the Society is a presence at the United Nations as a non-governmental organization and as such can "make a lot of noise to urge diplomats to listen to the voice of the people". Sr. Meijer emphasized our call to global citizenship education and the need to act responsibly and move in solidarity with fellow citizens toward a more peaceful and sustainable world. She stated that we are "contemplatives in action, invited to transformative action. God counts on us to make salvation happen in everyday living."
Mater Admirabilis statue at The Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles
Welcoming arms - the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus