Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM)

The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary treasure the friendships
and associations we have shared with our students, faculties,
staffs, families, co-workers, and friends over the years. Many
of our colleagues and friends, women and men, have expressed an
interest in identifying themselves with our spirit.<br>
<br>
The desire for sisters and colleagues to connect in a mutually
enriching way led to the formation of the Sacred Heart of Mary
Extended Family. The SHM Extended Family embraces all who identify
with the spirit of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and
who want to share in the life-giving mission of Jesus Christ.</p>

November 13, the anniversary of the birth of our Venerable Founder Jean Gailhac, is celebrated throughout the Institute. In 2004 on that day, each province marked the beginning of the Sacred Heart of Mary Extended Family. November 13 will continue to be a special day for the Extended Family in the future.

Gatherings of the SHM Extended Family have generated much enthusiasm and also have raised many interesting questions. We hope to keep alive the enthusiasm for the Extended Family while exploring and discovering mutual and life giving ways of expressing this relationship.

The SHM Extended Family is taking many shapes and forms, reflecting the diversity of interests and gifts in the different parts of the world where the RSHM provinces are located.

Eastern American Province SHM Extended Family
Western American Province SHM Extended Family

Eastern American Province SHM Extended Family

The Sacred Heart of Mary Extended Family was introduced at the Eastern American Province celebration on November 14, 2004. Following that meeting, the Extended Family Core Group was formed to direct the activities of the Extended Family

There are many opportunities for participation in the Eastern American Province SHM Extended Family.

Sister Bernard Holohan with Ginny Burke Phelan of the EAP SHM Extended Family Core Group

RSHM living in the various geographical areas of the province host small gatherings. First Sundays at Marymount Convent provide an opportunity for those living near Tarrytown, NY, to gather for Sunday Liturgy followed by coffee hour and discussion to explore the RSHM focus on justice, peace and the integrity of creation, promoting “the life and dignity of all our sisters and brothers.” (RSHM Mission Statement). Weekend Retreats are held at Cormaria Retreat House in Sag Harbor, NY. Members are invited to attend province gatherings, including the November gathering each year which marks the founding of the Sacred Heart of Mary Extended Family.

For more information about the SHM Extended Family in the Eastern American Province please contact :

Sister Bea McMahon, 50 Wilson Park Drive, Tarrytown, NY; mcmahonb@mail2.aquinashs.org

EAP Extended Family Events

Western American Province SHM Extended Family

Within the Western American Province, a Board of the SHM Extended Family has been established. Journeying Together in Faith, a formation and education booklet prepared for the Western American Extended Family, provides insight into the RSHM heritage and mission. Sisters of the Western American Province wrote the short articles on specific aspects of our charism and life. This project is undertaken with the hope of offering a greater knowledge and deeper understanding of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary – who we are, have been and will continue to become as we listen to the Spirit in our midst. Included in Journeying Together in Faith are questions for personal reflection. These questions invite members of the SHM Extended Family to think about their spirituality and commitment to Gospel living in light of the RSHM charism.

From left to right: Dan Culbertson,theology teacher at Marymount, Moses and Vicky Valenzuela, Patrick, Margaret and Megan Lynch , Pam Rector and Grace.

The Extended Family in the Western United States and Mexico continues Father Gailhac’s legacy of hospitality and fellowship. At a recent meeting in Los Angeles, the festivities began with “snapshots” of RSHM life in Beziers, Mexico, Brazil, Portugal and Africa. These sketches of RSHM life around the world celebrated the international diversity of the RSHM and the Extended Family in the Western American Province. After singing and praying together the group enjoyed an outdoor barbeque, good conversation, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones all in honor of the life-giving charism of the RSHM.

For more information about the SHM Extended Family in the Western American Province please contact:

Sister Mary Genino, 441 North Garfield Avenue, Montebello CA; wap-jpic@rshm.org

WAP Extended Family Events

If you are interested in more information about the SHM Extended Family fill out and submit the form to which this link leads you

Should you wish to contact a specific RSHM, write to one of our administrative offices and we will be happy to try to make that connection for you.