A Message from President Scudder Dear SHC Community,
sacred heart cathedral preparatory Excellence in Catholic Education since 1852 Enter to Learn; Leave to Serve Inspired by the Daughters of Charity and the De La Salle Christian Brothers, in partnership with families, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory’s mission is to provide the finest education in an
This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the merger of Sacred Heart High School and Cathedral High School. At the time of the merger, I was teaching civics and carried a very narrow view of the historical significance of what was being accomplished through the merging of these two long-standing institutions. As a teacher, my primary focus was on the school culture and tradition and not on the more powerful merger of our Vincentian and Lasallian charisms that would become the animating force of the newly formed Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. The two charisms, anchored in 17th-century French spirituality, could not have found more compatible partners to support their common vision of sharing God’s unconditional love for all, especially the poor. When St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac both died in 1660, St. John Baptist de La Salle was just 9 years old. But when you read the writings of our Founders, there is no doubt that de La Salle was influenced by the words and work of de Paul and de Marillac. All three saints clearly saw the terrible injustices that were forced upon the people of France, and the hypocrisy that existed in the way the Church was responding to the plight of the people. Our Founders wanted to provide a practical response that was rooted in the example set by Christ. Today this would seem obvious, but at the time it was quite extraordinary. I believe it was this practical and simple response, rooted in the Gospel, that fueled the worldwide expansion of both the Vincentian and Lasallian charisms. Today the Daughters and Brothers, along with their lay colleagues, are sponsoring hospitals and schools in more than 80 countries, serving millions of families. What does this mean for the young people of Sacred Heart Cathedral? It means that during their time at SHC they will form a community that is based on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. They will be part of a community that is tuned in to those who are hurting and in need of extra love and support. They will live within a community of learners who treat others the way they themselves expect to be treated. It is a community that at times shows its human frailties, but understands the importance of redemption and forgiveness. Not a bad way to live your high school years—or, for that matter, the rest of your life.
inclusive Catholic community of faith. We prepare our students to become
Sincerely,
service-oriented leaders with a commitment to living the Gospel.
John F. Scudder, Jr. ’73 President
Second Century
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