Leadership

Each province in the congregation of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is led by a Provincial Superior, who is assisted by a Vice Provincial, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Treasurer, and a team of Councilors. The Provincial House is located in Hamden, Connecticut, on a 125-acre property known as Mount Sacred Heart.

Provincial Superior, Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ

Provincial Superior, Sr. Barbara Thomas

A Connecticut native, Sr. Barbara Thomas grew up in the greater New Haven area. She entered the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1971 and professed her perpetual vows as a sister in 1979.

Sr. Barbara holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Albertus Magnus College and a master of arts in liberal studies in mathematics from Wesleyan University. She began her ministry in elementary education and later went on to teach at Catholic high schools across the country, including Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis and her alma mater, Sacred Heart Academy. While ministering in St. Louis, she obtained a master’s degree in educational administration from St. Louis University and transitioned into the ministry of educational administration, serving as principal of schools in St. Louis and locally at St. Rita School in Hamden.

In 2007, Sr. Barbara returned to Cor Jesu Academy as the school’s first-ever president. She was appointed provincial superior of the United States Province of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in July of 2019.

Provincial Council

The current provincial council was installed July 14, 2019. Pictured from left are Sr. Diane Mastroianni, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, Sr. Barbara Thomas, Sr. Mary Lee, Sr. Angela Gertsema, and Sr. Sharon Kalert.

History

The Congregation was founded in Italy by Blessed Clelia Merloni in 1894. On June 16, 1902, six Italian Apostle missionaries sailed to Boston, Massachusetts, to minister to Italian immigrants who were seeking a better life.

Within a short time of their arrival in Boston, the missionary Sisters from Italy had gathered about 200 children from the area and organized Christian doctrine classes for them. By 1905, 15 other Sisters had come from Italy.

In 1906, the Apostles moved into the Archdiocese of Hartford, establishing the first Provincial House and Novitiate in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1953, the Provincial House moved to its current location in Hamden, Connecticut, known as Mount Sacred Heart. Formerly known as "Cherry Hill," the 125-acre parcel is one of the highest spots in the surrounding area. Purchased from the family of Manley Chester in 1946, reminders of the Chester estate remain—orchards, magnificent trees, and the family's stately home, which is used by our Sisters in formation.

Over the years, the Apostles were invited to minister in other dioceses across the United States. Today our sisters serve in Connecticut, New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Florida, and in foreign missions in Benin, Ireland and Italy. Learn more about our ministries here.

Former Places of Ministry