Page 3 - SPIRIT-Fall2016

from the president

Dear Friends,

What an exciting year for Cor Jesu!

As we launched our 60 anniversary at the start of the school year, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the
th
journey that has brought us to this moment in history. From the faith-filled wisdom of Cor Jesu’s founding
principal, Sr. Anita Marie Giampetro, ASCJ to the seven CJA principals who have followed, carving their own
distinctive marks upon the school, the tradition of excellence in Catholic faith-based education for young
women continues to thrive, right here in Affton, Missouri. As president of Cor Jesu, my role is to ensure that
the charism and mission of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are lived out each day in all that Cor
Jesu does, and I couldn’t be more inspired by the simple but profound message that Mother Clelia taught her
daughters: “Education is a labor of love.”

Melding a strong faith tradition with academic rigor and innovation has been the hallmark of a Cor
Jesu education since the school opened its doors in 1956. Currently evidenced by the construction of a
performance gymnasium, student commons and our four new state-of-the-art learning centers and a dance
studio/multipurpose room, Cor Jesu continues to look forward, striving to effectively equip the young women
entrusted to us to go out and transform the world – for good.
I hope that as you read this issue of Spirit, you will celebrate not only the successes of our students and
faculty, but also all that you, as members of the CJ community, have contributed to our 60-year journey – as
alumnae, parents, grandparents, professional organizations and friends. You have helped Cor Jesu serve as a
significant witness to six decades of young women, grounding and nurturing them intellectually, spiritually
and morally.

I am most grateful for the many blessings and gifts that the Sacred Heart of Jesus has bestowed upon our
school community for the past 60 years. May His abundant grace continue to guide, protect and enlighten us
to a fuller understanding of God’s love in our lives and His call to serve one another.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ
President

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