By Dr. Michael Campos, High School Religion, Theology and Spirituality Faculty
Summer Institute 2023
Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education (SHIFT)
Sophie’s Farm, Northern Samar
The Summer Institute is a formation program offered through the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation (SHIFT). Hosted by Sophie’s Farm in Samar, far away from the bustle of Manila, the Institute offers participants an expansive space to step “outside” work and ordinary time to reimagine emerging needs in their ministries. Three weeklong seminars comprise the Institute: Retreat & Recollection-Giving, Ministry & Management and Spirituality & Service.
Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ, SHIFT Executive Director, envisioned the Institute as a platform to support the formation of local and national leaders working in churches, government and private organizations. While lessons in practical skills are offered, the Institute aspires to “empower participants to undergo creation of new experiences, leading to conversion [of] hearts, to ultimately live out their mission.” The RSCJ’s international network grounds the seminars in global conversations that deepen participants’ understanding of their contexts.
The Summer Institute is the result of an extensive collaboration between churches, government agencies, educational institutions and social service organizations. Sr. Lydia acknowledges the many hands that birthed the project to life, extending particular thanks to the following, without whose generosity the “miracles” of the first summer seminars would not have been possible:
- The United States Mission Center
- School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco, California
- Mission Partners
- De La Salle University, Manila
- Philippine Normal University
- Diocese of Catarman
- Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
- Families, friends and the numerous anonymous mission partners who prayed and supported the 2023 Summer Institute from its inception.
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 