Missouri 2007-2008 | 06-07

Our Lady Help of Christians was in one of the poorest neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1913, but surely Italian parishioners valued a new parish school because over six hundred children enrolled the day the registration started! It was the first parochial school staffed by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the U.S.

This burst of enthusiasm from the first contacts with our sisters was a welcome sign. St. Louis became a source of many religious vocations since the faith and the devotion to the Sacred Heart were strong. In time the hub of activity was Fairmount Heights, or the “Hill” section, where a nursery, elementary and high school were established. Many missions spread in the metropolitan area. In addition to education and parish ministry, now Apostles serve in retreat and university settings.

Today the Apostles serve the people of metroplitan St. Louis in the following ministries:

Clelian House

The Clelian House mission was established in December, 2002 on the Hill in St. Louis.

At present, there are three sisters involved in this mission: (L-R) ; Sr. Maria Battaglia, sister in charge and teacher aide in the Good Shepherd program at Sacred Heart Villa; Sr. Ruth Aubrey, Italian and K-3 Music teacher at St. Ambrose School; and Sr. Sandra Krupp, teacher aide at St. Ambrose School and assistant in the P.M. program of Sacred Heart Villa. She also does pastoral work at St. Ambrose Parish.

Cor Jesu Academy

Cor Jesu Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory community in St. Louis, Missouri founded in 1956 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We provide an academically challenging environment and a program for the total education of talented, academically qualified young women. Inspired by the charism of “sharing the love of the heart of Christ” we empower students to embrace personal dignity and faith, integrity, and compassion and a commitment to serve others.

The faculty and staff of Cor Jesu Academy are composed of dedicated religious and lay professional. Currently there are five Apostles and forty seven lay men and women on the faculty.

Members of the Cor Jesu community are, (L-R) Sr. Theodore Bollati, Librarian; Sr. Kathleen Mary Coonan, Principal; Sr. Barbara Thomas, President; and Sr. Virginia Herbers, Faculty member.

Our Lady Queen of Apostles

From its earliest roots as a YWCA camp in the early 1900s, "Montebello" has been a place of respite. Located in Imperial, Missouri near the banks of the MIssissippi River, the property was purchased by the Apostles on the initative of Sr. Anita Marie Giampetro, Provinvial Superior, in 1969. Sr. Anita Marie was familiar with the property from her days as principal of Cor Jesu Academy , having utilized Montebello as a recreational facility for the students.

In 1989, Sr. Anita Marie was assigned as Superior of the community and opened a preschool which operated until 2006. Presently, the Queen of Apostles Center is a retreat and spirituality center. Throughout the year the Center hosts opportunities for spiritual growth and faith development for individuals and groups who desire to deepen their relationship with God. The Center is committed to serving all persons who seek spiritual renewal in silence, solitude and prayer.

The ministry of Queen of Apostles Community is diversified. Sr. Rosemary Buttice serves part-time at the Center in spiritual direction, in hospitality, and in presenting conferences for the retreats and faculty days of prayer both at the Center and in the parish setting. She also is Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) for RCIA and adult faith formation. Sr. Karen Skurat is a full-time religion teacher and campus minister at Cor Jesu Academy. Sr. Susan Marie Krupp is the Vocation Director for the Apostles' United States Province and the Center serves as a home-base for her when she is not traveling for vocation meetings, retreats, conferences, or interviews.

Our Lady of Hope

The Our Lady of Hope community was established in July, 2005 in the North County region of St. Louis. Sr. Patricia Kofron is pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Sr. Bridget Smith teaches 2nd grade at Christ Light of the Nations School and Sr. Mary White teaches In the Physician Assistant Education program at St. Louis University in the Doisy College of Health Sciences

(L-R) Sr. Patricia Kofron, Sr. Bridget Smith Sr. Mary White.

Sacred Heart Villa

Sacred Heart Villa began in 1940 as a childcare service for working parents on “The Hill”, in St. Louis, MO. Since its beginning, the Villa has been dedicated to the education and care of preschool age children in their formative years.

The sisters serve as administrators, teachers, and catechists along with a dedicated lay staff. Many families in the metropolitan St. Louis area choose the Villa as the first school for their children. Emphasis is placed on the child’s total growth and development with particular attention to early learning needs and nurturing the Catholic values. The entire program and the environment reflect our commitment to God’s little ones.

Sisters in the Sacred Heart Villa community are, (L-R) Sr. Vivian Chiodini; Sr. Anthony Novara, Financial Manager; Sr. John Catherine Coleman, Director; Sr. Matthew Maria Rancillio, responsible for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program; Sr. Eugenia Maria DaSilva, teacher aide; and Sr. Catherine Antinora, Assistant Director.

St. Ambrose Convent

The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus have served at St. Ambrose School on the Hill in St. Louis since 1941.

 

The members of the St. Ambrose Community are Sr. Christian Price, Sr. Margaret Mary Stoverink, teacher; Sr. Laurentine LaGrutta, and Sr. Carol Sansone, Principal. .