In fulfillment of the previous Strategic Plan, Angela’s Vision, Mrs. Mia Cooper was hired as the Director of Equity and Community for Sacred Heart Schools in July 2021. At that time, Dr. McNay said, “I feel very fortunate to solidify this important piece of the Strategic Plan begun by my predecessor, Dr. Cindy Crabtree, so many years ago. Mrs. Cooper boasts the right blend of collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills and experience facilitating and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She is a devoted Catholic who volunteers her time mentoring youth and young adults by serving in various roles throughout the faith community.”
As Angela’s Vision came to fulfillment and a new Strategic Plan was developed and begun, it became apparent that the role Mia was hired to fill would evolve with the needs of the schools and the Sacred Heart community. The new strategic plan, Sacred Heart Forever, began 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 include Mission Effectiveness) to ensure our Catholic identity and Ursuline charism and values are engaged throughout all schools. In July 2022, Sacred Heart Schools created the Office of Catholic Identity and Ursuline Charism to further these goals and aspirations. The office will consist of three staff: Vice President of Mission and Community, Director of Mission Formation, and Campus Minister.
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 has accepted the role of Vice President of Mission and Community.
In this capacity, she will continue 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. Mia gives much of her time, talent, and treasure to her parish by sitting on the Strategic Planning Committee and the Women’s Club and serving as a Hospitality Minister, Liturgical Dance Coordinator and Youth Mentor, Youth Sunday Coordinator, Altar Server Co-Facilitator, Youth Ministry Chair, Grant Writer, and Church Festival volunteer.
Mia looks to the new role with excitement and dedication, “I am humbly honored to step into this role standing on the strong foundation set by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. From the writings of St. Angela Merici, “With the help of God, you will do much good for others,” I look forward to continuing my service to Sacred Heart School’s mission of building a campus community that inspires diverse learners, empowers amazing staff and transforms lives for many years to come.”
The new Director of Mission Formation is Mrs. Jane Cruthirds.
Before her time at St. Michael, Jane was a Lead Theology teacher at Sacred Heart Academy. She taught Paschal Mystery, Ecclesiology, Sacraments, and Christian Morality and was a collaborator in developing the Ursuline Charism course now taught at SHA. Jane also served as the Service Coordinator for all service-learning projects school-wide. She was the Faculty Moderator for the Community Awareness Club, responsible for the yearly Sister Brendan Appalachian Gift Drive. Jane is an Ursuline Associate, has served as a Committee Chair for the North American Ursuline Convocation, and is a lector, RCIA catechist, Confirmation retreat catechist, choir member, past chair of Adult Formation, small-group facilitator of a Catholicism Series, and a Contemplative Prayer Group facilitator.
Mrs. Cruthird’s personal and professional mission and focus are to assist others in deepening relationships with Christ and others. She is overjoyed at this opportunity, saying, “I am excited to return to the Ursuline campus as the Director of Mission Formation. My deep connection to the Ursuline Charism began and was cultivated during my time as a Theology teacher and Service Coordinator at SHA. I look forward to sharing my passion for the Catholic faith and St. Angela with all who work to advance the mission of Sacred Heart Schools.”
Rounding out the office is our Campus Minister, Andrea Hoback.
