The adult Children of Mary Sodality, founded in the 1830s, was seen by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat as an important outgrowth of the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Its growth followed closely the establishment of Academies and Colleges of the Sacred Heart, enabling alumnae and friends to continue their religious formation as adults. Today there are Sodality groups in several cities in the United States which meet monthly, as well as for an annual retreat or days of recollection. These foster the spiritual and apostolic lives of the members and those who join them. "That which is life-giving attracts."