Faith

Following the example of Euphrasie Barbier, Sacred Heart College fosters a deep and active commitment to the Catholic faith and Gospel values, and seeks to grow each young person into being "an active agent of change", following Christ's call to "Come, follow me" (Luke 18:22).

Sacred Heart College aims to bring the healing, inclusive love of Christ to all through our learning and learning programs, extracurricular offerings, pastoral care and formation activities - preparing students to live their faith in the world with Compassion, Courage and Respect.

Through prayer, liturgy, service and witness, we invite every member of our community to grow in faith, Always Striving Upwards - to you, our God.

Our Faith Story / RNDM Charism

The RNDM Sisters (Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions) were founded in Lyon, France in 1861 by Euphrasie Barbier, Mother Mary of the Heart of Jesus. Euphrasie was a woman of contemplative prayer and missionary action, who longed for the story of God’s love to be lived everywhere in the world. 

The RNDM Charism is based in the Trinity and Mary. Through the Holy Trinity, all of humanity is drawn into a conversation with one another and God, and then sent out on mission to wherever God’s work is found – in the classroom, the office, the shop or the family.

In practice, this Charism consists of three elements: Contemplation, Communion and Mission, and values the importance of friendship, community and hospitality.

The Sisters model for their missionary work is Mary, the first missionary, who said “Yes!” to God and filled with joy, carried Jesus in her womb to visit her cousin Elizabeth. We too are encouraged to ‘visit’ others, to be witnesses to God’s love. 

The two patronal feasts of the Congregation are Pentecost and the Visitation.

The Mission of the RNDM Sisters is to be present to and work with those who are vulnerable and neglected, those marginalised in our world, with particular regard to women, children, youth, indigenous peoples.

Around the world today, the Congregation is present in 23 countries, with nearly 1,000 Sisters, including Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Laos, Philippines, Myanmar, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania. 

The Spiritual Pillar of Our Four Pillars

Faith is at the core of our Spiritual Pillar which shapes extracurricular life. Through weekly masses, liturgies, reflection days, retreats and outreach programs, students and staff deepen their connection to their Catholic faith and give witness through action.

Prayer & Liturgy

Regular liturgies include whole-school Masses in the Koort Centre, House Feast Day Masses and year-level celebrations. Weekday celebrations of the Eucharist are held every Tuesday and Friday morning with PCG clases and are open to our whole College community. These Masses and liturgies are celebrated by Fr Cyprian and Fr Tri (Our Lady of the Missions Parish Whitfords) and Fr Hyginus (Our Lady of Grace Parish North Beach).

Mission & Outreach

As Christians, we are called to be God’s hands and feet, to bring His face to others and make Him present in the world through our words and actions. This ‘faith in action’ is at the heart of who we are, fostering empathy and a culture of service that reflects the RNDM Charism, particularly in our care for the marginalised and vulnerable. A highlight is our Year 11 Kimberley and Vietnam Immersions, pilgrimages focused on walking the footsteps of the RNDM Sisters in these regions, developing cultural understanding, fostering friendships and standing in solidarity with those on the margins of society.

Our Young Vinnies group, comprised of students in Years 7-12, demonstrates faith in action by partnering with Catholic organisations who support those experiencing homelessness or vulnerability. Through providing meals, donations and offering social connection, they bring hope, compassion and dignity to members of our community.

Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals and Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter Laudato Si’, our Eco Hearts students work to promote sustainability within our school, as well as our local and wider communities.

Retreats

The College holds annual retreats for each year group, which are an integral part of life at Sacred Heart. These days are designed to provide reflective time outside the classroom and assist students in growing in their faith, love of God and relationships with others. 

Students in Year 12 take part in a three-day residential retreat that invites them to pause and reflect on their life journey. The Year 12 Retreat is always a highlight of the school year for our graduating class, deepening relationships strengthening their spirituality and affirming their Catholic identity and faith.

Each year reflects a different theme and aims to connect students to the spirit of the RNDM Charism and explore our College values. 

Year 7

• Charism focus - Communion
• Euphrasie Barbier and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions

Year 8

• Core Value focus - Respect
• Peer relationships and responsibility

Year 9

• Core Value focus - Compassion
• The RNDM Charism

Year 10

• Core Value focus - Contemplation
• Responding to the needs of others through Jesus

Year 11

• Core Value focus - Courage
• Personal leadership

Year 12

• Charism focus - Mission
• Past, present and future

Christian Service Learning

At Sacred Heart College, Christian Service Learning is central to forming young people who live with Courage, Compassion, and Respect in the spirit of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. Inspired by the Gospel call to love and serve others, the Christian Service Learning program encourages students to put their faith into action in their homes, parishes, and wider communities. Through acts of service, reflection and connection, students grow in their Catholic identity, strengthen relationships with God and others, and develop a lifelong commitment to social justice and being "active agents of change" in the world.

Formation for Staff

The College has a holistic approach to faith formation. Staff participate in formation days and mission-related events, such as volunteering to travel to Vietnam to teach English to the RNDM Sisters, which serve both pedagogical and spiritual development. These initiatives reinforce the shared mission of strengthening faith across the community.

MS MICHELLE MORETON
Dean of Campus Ministry
michelle.moreton@cewa.edu.au