Dear Friends in Christ,
As we all continue to journey through waves of uncertainty in these ever-changing times, we must remember that Jesus is our navigator. He enters our boat and by his grace brings serenity to our storms, guiding us through each obstacle. We can take courage in the assurance that he remains constantly with us, even as we are called to adapt daily to challenges that arise.
At Sacred Heart, adaptability has been an essential part of our continuing efforts to provide the utmost quality education and faith formation to our seminarians, priests, and lay students throughout this year. Through the generosity of our community of supporters and exemplary faculty and staff, we have pivoted to meet the needs of our students while remaining steadfast in our commitment to deliver the New Evangelization to all who join our classrooms, either physically or virtually, through our hybrid and online courses. Thanks to your support, we have experienced great success with these programs through the eyes of both faculty and students.
“Our new dual delivery classroom, launched last fall, enables off-site students to participate in class at Sacred Heart almost as if they were present. It has been exciting to have class discussions in real time with students as far away as Grand Rapids, Windsor, Ontario, and Palm Beach, Florida,” said Dr. Mary Healy, professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart. “There have been a few technical glitches as we adapted to this new way of learning, but they are more than compensated for by the opportunity to reach students who would otherwise be unable to benefit from our unique focus on the New Evangelization.”
“I started at Sacred Heart Major Seminary with the plan of only taking one or two classes that interested me, but after the first one, I was hooked,” said student Jocelynn Jacobs. “I decided to finish my Certification in Theology, but now that I've completed all those classes, I don't want to stop learning. The teachers are outstanding and each class I've taken has been both enlightening and life-changing in developing my relationship with God and understanding my Catholic faith.”
It is through your continued prayers and generous financial support that it is possible for us to continue fulfilling the formation and education of our lay and ordained leaders. This year, around 50 percent of our lay ministry students who would be unable to attend Sacred Heart in person have continued their study and formation through virtual education.
Would you prayerfully consider making a gift in continued support of our mission during these uncertain times?
Every gift is cherished and makes a powerful difference, ensuring access to education and faith formation for our students in this time of increased barriers. While the past two years have not been short on challenges, I remain ever grateful that you have continued to support us with your prayers and generosity, fulfilling the vital need of ensuring that we have the resources to go forth in our mission.
Please be assured of my prayers for you and thank you for the generosity you have shown to our beloved seminary.
Trusting in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ,
Very Reverend Stephen Burr
Rector/President