Catholic Identity and Ursuline Charism

Sacred Heart Schools' strategic plan, Sacred Heart Forever, begins with this Aspiration: To purposefully engage students and our community in the Ursuline core values, in meaningful service to others, and in opportunities to experience our broader world more deeply.

One of the goals of this aspiration is to build upon and integrate within all schools the teaching mission of Jesus and the inspiration and witness of the Ursuline Sisters’ legacy and mission. Its first objective was to implement an Office of Catholic/Ursuline Identity and Mission to ensure our Catholic identity and Ursuline charism and values are engaged throughout all schools.

President Dr. Karen McNay says, “The strategic importance of this office moving forward is immeasurable. The Louisville community has been taught and served by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville for generations. Our duty and privilege are now to carry their mission into the future. Sacred Heart Schools is fortunate to fill these positions with highly qualified and mission-centric Catholic leaders who share a great affection for the Ursuline Charism and a deep devotion to their Catholic faith.”

Mrs. Mia Cooper is the Vice President of Mission and Community. In this capacity, she continues her important work in increasing equity and community in keeping with the  Schools’ focus on the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ and the long-held messages of Catholic Social Teaching. In addition to her work with Sacred Heart, Mrs. Cooper is deeply involved in her parish, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and sits on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities. 

The Director of Mission Formation is Mrs. Jane Cruthirds. She was most recently the Director of Evangelization and Discipleship at St. Michael Catholic Church. Before her time at St. Michael, Jane was a Lead Theology teacher at Sacred Heart Academy, teaching Paschal Mystery, Ecclesiology, Sacraments, and Christian Morality, and was a collaborator in developing the Ursuline Charism course now taught at SHA. Jane is an Ursuline Associate and has served as a Committee Chair for the North American Ursuline Convocation. 

Rounding out the office is our Campus Minister and Catechetical Program Manager, Andrea Hoback. Andrea has served Sacred Heart Schools in this role since August of 2012 and is completing her 10th year leading this ministry. She will continue the important work of providing opportunities for our campus community to gather as a Catholic community for mass, prayer service, bible study, sacraments, and more.

International-mindedness lies at the heart of an International Baccalaureate (IB) education.