Our Spiritual Director
Father Dominic Peluse, SCJ, brings compassion, joy, and an abiding devotion to the Sacred Heart in his role as Spiritual Director.
Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, he is the second of three boys in a devout family. Deciding to pursue his vocation upon graduating high school, he visited a seminary operated by the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ). In a matter of days, he had found his home.
“There were such wonderful priests and brothers at the seminary. They talked about Fr. Dehon and about the Congregation. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be part of them,” he recalls. In 1967 he professed his first vows. He was ordained in 1974.
“Except for a short time doing vocation work, most of my priesthood has been in parish ministry. I really loved it; being in a parish, making friendships, being part of people’s lives in both good times and bad. It is a way that we can be Eucharist to others.”
Fr. Dominic’s pastoral experience underpins his role as Spiritual Director. “It’s just that now the congregation is bigger,” he chuckles.
“Being present to others and being supportive is a way to give joy and hope. You can’t buy joy, but in giving of yourself you receive joy. That’s what I learned in parish ministry, and that’s what I bring to my work as Spiritual Director.”
Father Dominic In Action
Fr. Dominic enjoys meeting benefactors and sharing with them as much as he can about the SCJs. He feels blessed to be able to visit SCJ missions around the world and get to know the people served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart. He’s proud of the Congregation for its ministry among the poor and needy, and for its spirituality.
“Being an SCJ has expanded my knowledge of who the Body of Christ is. The Body of Christ is the people, the people of our world.
What makes me proud to be an SCJ is that we are trying to be a living Gospel for others and helping to bring that out in those to whom we minister. We are the Body of Christ.”
Pray with Father Dominic
Father Dominic invites you to find inspiration and strength in the abundant love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Join him in prayer and view devotional videos.
A Message from Father Dominic
On behalf of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, I want to thank you for your gifts. Your prayers and generosity allow our priests and brothers to spread the message of Christ’s love and peace throughout the world.
“… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Notice the words “in all circumstances.” This can be hard to comprehend when the world tempts us to see only our pain and struggles. How can we possibly give thanks in every circumstance?
Because, despite what worldly circumstances try to extinguish, light remains. There is still joy. There is still kindness. I know this to be true, because of you. You chose kindness when you supported our mission. You looked beyond worldly circumstances … and I thank you.
My friend, be assured you and your intentions will be remembered in our daily Masses and prayers. Through your support, you touch and enrich the lives of the poor and needy served by our ministry.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus embrace you with His abiding peace, today and always!
Gratefully in Christ,
