Visitors to our Web site occasionally ask questions about the Priests of the Sacred Heart and the Catholic Church. In all likelihood, others have those same or similar questions. With this in mind, we would like to share these questions and our answers with all our visitors.
- What does SCJ stand for?
- How many Priests of the Sacred Heart are there?
- If I make a gift to the Priests of the Sacred Heart, is my contribution tax deductible?
- What are my gifts used for?
- Are you affiliated with Father Jack Kurps and the Sacred Heart League or with Fr. Stephen Huffstetter and Saint Joseph's Indian School?
- Does it make a difference to whom I send a gift?
- I am concerned about clergy sexual abuse. Where do you stand on this issue?
- How is the feast of the Sacred Heart determined?
- May I visit the Monastery? When is the best time to do this?
- I really like the artwork you use. May I use this artwork for my parish?
- How many mailings can I expect in a year?
- What is the difference between diocesan priests and religious order priests?
- The word "Novena" is often used in your printed materials. Would you please explain what a novena is?
- Can I attend Mass at the Monastery?
- I received a personalized item from your office. Can I order additional personalized items?
- I made a reoccurring donation on your website. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to donate. How do I stop the donations?
- I make my donations to your organization by check. How does the Priests of the Sacred Heart process my donation?
- The Priests of the Sacred Heart have electronically processed my check. Can you return my original check?
- I prefer not to have my checks electronically processed. Is this possible?
- Who is the author of the Safely Home poem? I love the wording, can I have your permission to reprint it?
SCJ stands for three Latin words: Sacerdotum Cordis Jesu. This is translated as "Priests of the Sacred Heart."
2. How many Priests of the Sacred Heart are there?
There are currently approximately 2,400 Priests of the Sacred Heart in more than thirty countries on five continents. There are 130 Priests of the Sacred Heart in the United States.
3. If I make a gift to the Priests of the Sacred Heart, is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes, it is. The Priests of the Sacred Heart is a religious, non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Wisconsin as a 501 (C) 3.
4. What are my gifts used for?
Your gift will help the Priests of the Sacred Heart to continue their mission in the Church to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart, support the home and foreign missions, operate the largest second-career seminary in the United States, and provide medical and housing assistance for their retired priests and brothers.
Yes, we are. All of us are members of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. However, each of us raises funds for different causes.
Here at Sacred Heart Monastery, I raise funds for spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart and helping people grow in their spiritual life; for supporting mission work in the United States and overseas; for the education of priests; for medical and housing assistance for retired priests and brothers.
Father Charles and the Sacred Heart League raise funds principally for the support of the Sacred Heart Southern Missions in northern Mississippi and the Apostolate of the Printed Word.
Brother David and Saint Joseph's Indian School raise funds principally for the support of Saint Joseph's Indian School and the various ministries of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in South Dakota.
6. Does it make a difference to whom I send a gift?
Please feel free to support whichever group most appeals to you.
7. I am concerned about clergy sexual abuse. Where do you stand on this issue?
The Priests of the Sacred Heart do not condone sexual misconduct of any kind.
We have established detailed policies which demand that immediate action be taken should any accusations be made against any of our priests or brothers. Our concern is that any injury be healed and that those in need of help be helped.
8. How is the feast of the Sacred Heart determined?
The Feast of the Sacred Heart changes each year, depending on the date of Easter. It is always celebrated on the tenth Friday after Easter Sunday.
9. May I visit the Monastery? When is the best time to do this?
Yes, you may visit the Monastery. The best times are between 8:00 and 4:30, Monday through Friday and between 10:00 and 3:00 on weekends. We would really appreciate it if you would call ahead to let us know you are coming, especially on weekends. Please call our Shrine office at 414-425-3383.
10. I really like the artwork you use. May I use this artwork for my parish?
The artwork we use belongs to the companies which do our printings. Since the art does not belong to us, we may not give permission to use it.
11. How many mailings can I expect in a year?
Usually we mail to our friends ten or eleven times a year. We also mail full issues of Reign 2 times a year with periodicals 2 additional times. Some people prefer fewer mailings and we accommodate their requests. Please let us know your preferences.
12. What is the difference between diocesan priests and religious order priests?
Diocesan priests are men who are ordained for the service of a particular diocese. They are directly subject to their local Bishops. They do not have a vow of poverty. They usually serve only within their particular dioceses.
Religious order priests are men who are ordained for religious communities. They are directly subject to their religious superiors. Like all religious men and women, these priests takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They generally live in community with other religious priests and brothers. They can be transferred to serve in apostolates of their religious communities and are usually not restricted to serve in one diocese.
The word "novena" comes from a Latin word which means nine. It refers to devotions which take place over nine consecutive days or, in some cases, one day a week over nine consecutive weeks.
Novena practices have been popular for many centuries and usually are performed to obtain a special grace, for a particular intention, or to honor Christ, His mother, or one of the Saints.
The Priests of the Sacred Heart have adopted this pious practice by offering "novenas" of Masses for our friends and benefactors. We offer a Novena of Masses on the first nine days of each month for the intentions of our benefactors. We also offer special Novenas of Masses throughout the year for special feasts such as Easter, Mother's Day, the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Christmas, and the like.
Novenas are ways by which we approach God in prayer and demonstrate our perseverance and devotion.
14. Can I attend Mass at the Monastery?
Yes, Mass is held at the Monastery every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and you are welcome to attend.
15. I received a personalized item from your office. Can I order additional personalized items?
Unfortunately, we do not have the capability at our office to personalize additional items. The initial item you received was our special gift to you.
Please contact our office. The telephone number here is (800) 448-7674. Our offices are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central time.
When you make a donation to the Priests of the Sacred Heart by check, you authorize us to electronically process your check using the information on your check. If we electronically process your check instead of depositing it, the electronic debit to your checking account may be on the same day we receive the check by transmitting the amount of the check, routing and transit number, and check number to your bank. Be assured that this process is secure and provides a new layer of privacy. It also saves much needed money for the support of our missions.
The physical check is processed and then destroyed. You can receive a copy of your check by calling our office. The telephone number here is (800) 448-7674. Our offices are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central time.
19. I prefer not to have my checks electronically processed. Is this possible?
You can request not to have your checks electronically processed. Please attach a note to each check saying "do not deposit electronically" and we will be glad to honor your request.
The author of the Safely Home poem is unknown. Therefore we cannot give permission to use the words.