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The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.)
Studies A Conservation Easement Proposal in Wareham
The Congregation of the
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) is studying a proposal that
would transfer parcels of its property at Sacred Hearts Retreat
Center in Wareham to a conservation easement.
The easement involves
an exchange of land usage rights and would create a legally
enforceable preservation agreement between the Congregation of the
Sacred Hearts, Mass Audubon, and the Wareham Land Trust. Mass
Audubon permanently protects more than 31,000 acres of land across
Massachusetts. The Congregation would still own and be able to use
its 118 acres. However, those portions of the property under the
easement would remain undeveloped as protected conservation land.
The Congregation of
the Sacred Hearts (SS.CC.) is currently in consultation with the
conservation groups to determine which parcels of property would be
included in the easement. At this time, weighing in these
discussions is the Congregation’s desire to reserve the right to do
construction within certain areas that would come under the
easement. For example, maintaining or expanding the waterline that
leads to the retreat center’s boat house.
Sacred Hearts Retreat
Center, formerly the Herrick Estate, was obtained by the
Congregation in 1943 through the efforts of then Fall River Bishop
James E. Cassidy D. D. It served as the Congregation’s third
novitiate house for lay-brothers in the early 50s. As vocations
declined, and the laity began seeking directed, guided, and private
retreats the USA East Coast Province took on, as part of their local
mission, the re-development of Wareham. Today, the retreat center
strives to provide its retreatants hospitality and spiritual
enrichment in a natural and home-like setting. On average, the
Sacred Hearts Retreat Center serves over 200 retreatants monthly,
but because of limited space, has to decline over 300.
Father Jim McDonough,
ss.cc., director of Sacred Hearts Retreat Center and formerly a
missionary in Japan was assigned to oversee the retreat ministry in
2003. Commenting on having to turn people away he said, “The only
sadness I have felt while living here is that our limited facilities
prevent us from welcoming more people who would like to spend time
with us.”
He added that the
natural beauty of the retreat center’s grounds is in itself a deep
reflection of God’s goodness. “Among the many characteristics
distinguishing the ministry in Wareham is its pristine setting. The
whole area is a cathedral proclaiming the presence of its Creator.”
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