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

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.