The most recent period in the history of the Society of the Sacred Heart has been shaped by the way in which numerous world events affect the quality and dignity of human life, and by the Church's own renewal manifested in its decrees from Vatican Council II. In this world/church revolutionary atmosphere, the Society of the Sacred Heart perceived the need for its own renewal and change. Among the many changes within the reform process, three dramatic shifts in the Society are central.

• In choosing to define itself as an "apostolic community," the Society of the Sacred Heart removed the rule of cloister at the General Chapter of 1964.
• In seeking to meet human needs in a world of rapid and constant change, the Society committed itself to follow the "signs of the times" and entered into a period of experimentation from 1967 to 1982. Together with the delegates to the international General Chapters rscj shaped the direction and priorities of the congregation that would be faithful to both the charism of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat and to contemporary and urgent needs of people.
• In articulating its renewed purpose and vision the Society wrote new constitutions. For Religious of the Sacred Heart, the Constitutions of 1982 are the foundation of their life radically rooted in the Gospel. These Constitutions express their conviction and commitment to be women of communion, to live lives rooted in prayer, and to work for justice in all its dimensions.

In the United States, the Society's work of education also changed dramatically during this time. Convent schools that were heretofore marked by uniformity, exemplified by a consistent curriculum of the Spirit and Plan of Studies and vicariate examinations, were shaped into a Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the mid-1970's. Within the Network, each school reflected the unique local and regional needs and educational requirements, but continued to share the same educational philosophy and spirit expressed in the Goals and Criteria for Schools of the Sacred Heart.