SacredHeartDNA
SacredHeartDNA is the flagship initiative of the Young Adult and Vocation Ministry Office of the Society of the Sacred Heart United States – Canada Province.
SacredHeartDNA is a growing community of young adults who collaborate with Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) to organize, facilitate and lead programs for young people and young adults (~ages 17-35) who are seeking a spiritual community of support as they discern, discover and navigate their life call.
SacredHeartDNA programs are intergenerational, international, intercultural, and interfaith. SacredHeartDNA draws from and beyond the vast network of collaborators across the international Society of the Sacred Heart – Sisters, Associates, educators, friends, Sacred Heart schools, alumnae/i and other partnering organizations – to create formative experiences rooted in the Society of the Sacred Heart's mission to reveal God's love in the world.
Five core values of SacredHeartDNA
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
The alignment of heart, mind, and will so that actions match personal beliefs.
SPIRITUALITY
A conscious formation of interior life by engaging in contemplative practices and prayer.
BELONGING & COMMUNITY
A desire to form authentic relationships and a genuine understanding of the importance of community.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
A belief in the inherent dignity of all and a commitment to serving the common good.
TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION
Collaborative actions in favor of a dignified life for all that flows from a spirituality connected with the heartbeat of the world.
“We want to continue to walk with young people. Many have a passion for justice and a concern for the future of the planet. Others are marginalized, lost and have no sense of any future for their world or themselves. Some have a desire to give their lives generously in the service of others. We need to be present with them all in their search for God, meaning and the value of life.”
– Society of the Sacred Heart, General Chapter of 2008 Document
What is SacredHeartDNA?
Current/Upcoming Programs and Events
Check back for upcoming programs and engagement opportunities!
Past Programs and Events
SacredHeartDNA Volunteer Opportunity in Puerto Rico
This past June, young adults journeyed to Puerto Rico and had the opportunity to spend a week connecting with RSCJ, volunteering at a children's camp as well as serving the elderly through programs at el Centro Cultural y de Services de Cantera.
Navigating Life’s Calling through Self-knowledge
Friday, April 19, 2024
A presentation led by Dr. Nancy Kehoe, RSCJ. Participants delved into the profound exploration of 'Navigating Life’s Calling through Self-Knowledge.'
Explore a Discernment process with Sacred Heart
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Sister Barbara Quinn, RSCJ, led us through a discernment process focused on the Sacred Heart.
2024 Lenten Calendar (Click here)
Belong and Act as One: Discovering Our SacredHeartDNA
Twenty-three young people connected to the Society of the Sacred Heart and five Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) journeyed to Rome in July 2023 in anticipation for the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. The group-representative of four countries, gathered at the historic Villa Lante—on whose grounds Society founder Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat once walked, and which currently houses the Society’s general archives. Participants explored and deepened their understanding of the history and roots of the Society of the Sacred Heart as well as grew as a community before traveling to Lisbon together for World Youth Day.
Learn more about the program and get a firsthand look at the experience through a series of videos (click here).
SacredHeartDNA hikes El Camino De Santiago
In May 2023, six young adults and Diane Roche, RSCJ, participated in El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) spiritual pilgrimage in Spain. The group walked a portion of the Camino route called "The English Way," walking for one week from the city of Ferrol in northwest Spain to the tomb of St. James within the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
SacredHeartDNA Passport
In 2023, SacredHeartDNA launched the SacredHeartDNA Passport on Instagram, a 20-week, daily self guided reflection series.
The SacredHeartDNA Core Team, RSCJ, students, alumnae and Society of the Sacred Heart staff gathered for the official launch of SacredHeartDNA on February 24, 2023. The launch took place in two different forms – virtually and in-person at the Society's United States – Canada Provincial Office in St. Louis, Missouri.
Young Adult Engagement Week
Young Adult Engagement Week (January 23-27) was a 5-day campaign aimed to connect with young people through interactive posts and a live stream on the SacredHeartDNA Instagram channel.
Connecting Generations Through Our Shared Purpose
Part one of a two part Zoom series, this presentation focuses on understanding Gen Z's values, needs and hopes and the intersection between these values and the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
“The State of Religion and Young People” and the Intersections With Our Shared SacredHeartDNA (Click here to watch)
Dr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute on “The State of Religion and Young People” followed by a panel of speakers on “The Intersections of Our Shared Sacred Heart DNA.”
