The Washington Times noted a recent study by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, directed by Patricia Murphy, RSCJ, a chaplain at Rush and an assistant professor of religion, health and human values, that indicates that in patients diagnosed with clinical depression, "belief in a concerned God can improve response to medical treatment." Read the complete article here.

Ever since St. Philippine started the first free school west of the Mississippi, providing education for underserved children has been part of the Sacred Heart tradition. Continuing that tradition, on January 26, 2010, Joan Magnetti, RSCJ, was appointed Executive Director of the six inner-city Bridgeport schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport, by the Most Rev. William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport.

Two new positions at the Oakwood retirement community for Religious of the Sacred Heart in Atherton, California, have been announced by Paula Toner, RSCJ, Provincial, and the U.S. Provincial Team. On January 18, 2010, Susan Perkins became Administrator of Oakwood, and in February, Clare Pratt, RSCJ, will become Director of the Oakwood RSCJ Community.

With profound gratitude, the Religious of the Sacred Heart thank all those who have contributed to earthquake relief in Haiti through the RSCJ community. As of January 25, 2010, gifts in the amount of $49,164.00 - a total of 241 donations – have been received. These gifts go to the Haiti Fund and directly support the work of the RSCJ in Haiti and the needs around them that they feel are most desperate. The U.S. province is one of the five provinces responsible for the mission in Haiti, together with Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

On January 1, 2010, the Oakwood Community celebrated the long-anticipated ONE HUNDREDTH birthday of Claire Saizan. RSCJ. A nine o’clock Liturgy of Mary the Mother of God was offered for Sister Saizan, ending with a sung blessing and a rousing “Happy Birthday to you!”

Information about the Duchesne Fund for Ministry has been posted, including the criteria and guidelines as well as the application form. Click here for more.

The work of Natalie Runfola, RSCJ, is mentioned in a recent article about the "kindness extended by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart to a South End program that helps the needy" in the Albany Times-Union. Titled "Convent may be empty, but it still fills need," the article describes the connection between the St. John's/St. Ann's Church Outreach Center and Kenwood and the "welcome table" for the homeless at Thanksgiving and Christmas. To read more, click here.

The October 28 edition of the Albany Times Union included a sensitive and touching tribute to Sister Ludwika Sofja Andrzejewska, who “was so tiny, her feet never touched the ground when she sat in a pew and prayed.” The tribute was written by Paul Grondahl.