The Society of the Sacred Heart, United States – Canada Province oversees four "welcoming communities" within the United States that offer a variety of ministries, retreat programs, and year-long programming for young adults.
What all welcoming communities have in common:
- Intentional, regular programing for young adults
- A commitment to justice and spiritual growth
- A space where young adults are welcomed for meals, conversation and prayer
Welcoming communities differ with regard to:
- Overnight housing
- Volunteer work
- Frequency and types of programs
Sophia House
Outreach to women and young adults in Berkeley, California
Sophia House is a welcoming community located in Berkeley, California. The mission of Sophia House is to reach out to women and young adults in the greater San Francisco Bay area. Currently, five Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) live in the community. The community at Sophia House places an emphasis on simplicity of life, care for the environment, contemplation and community life. RSCJ regularly welcome people to Sophia House, as individuals and groups, for prayer, meals, discussion, and celebrations. Each RSCJ community member carries out her own ministry, but each has also committed herself to the shared ministry of the House.
For more information on visiting Sophia House, contact Mary Jo McFayden, RSCJ.
Anne Montgomery House
Welcoming young adults in Washington, D.C.
Anne Montgomery House is an intentional community located in Washington, D.C. founded to provide a one-year experience of community living for young women interested in spirituality and justice. The house is named for Anne Montgomery, RSCJ, a dedicated peacemaker who lived her Sacred Heart spirituality primarily through volunteer work with two groups: Christian Peacemaker Teams bringing peace to war-torn regions worldwide, and the Plowshares Movement, working for nuclear disarmament through nonviolent protest.
Three Religious of the Sacred Heart live in the community – Sisters Diane Roche, Julie Yachtis and Clare Pratt. There is room for between 2 and 4 young adult community members. Every member of the community contributes actively to social justice in some way, whether it be advocacy, protest, community organizing, or some forms of direct service. Organizations where members are (or have been) involved include, Sojourner Magazine, Network Lobby, Center for American Progress, (CAP) and the Stuart Center of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
Typical community activities at Anne Montgomery House include:
- two liturgies, one at the start of the year and one near the end
- community morning prayer and reflection Monday through Friday
- three evenings of Taizé prayer a year
- workshops on topics such as discernment and centering prayer
- gatherings of young adults for sharing over a meal
- neighborhood engagement
- composting and recycling
- partnering with groups such as the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Living Wages, the Franciscan Action Network, Little Friends for Peace, and the Associates of the Society of the Sacred Heart
All members of the Anne Montgomery community help prepare meals, lead prayer and help with household chores. When we are not hosting events in the house, we maintain a moderately quiet atmosphere conducive to prayer and study.
Interested in living in community with RSCJ?
The application process for Anne Montgomery House begins each March and consists of a written application which, if approved, is followed by an interview (either in person or by video call). The cost for participation varies, but can range from $510/month for a shared room to $700/month for a private room. The monthly fee included program costs, utilities, food, internet and housing.
To inquire or for questions, please contact Diane Roche, RSCJ.
Rebecca House
Rebecca House is an RSCJ community located in White Plains, New York and committed to welcoming young adults seeking an experience of community, reflection and social action. Short- and long-term volunteers ages 21-30 from the U.S. and abroad are welcome! For more information contact Reyna González, RSCJ, or Imma De Stefanis, RSCJ.