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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.”

Fr. Dominic, SCJ

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.”

Fr. Dominic, SCJ

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

Dear Friend of the Sacred Heart,

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.

It’s “Back-to-School” time! It is a time of year that fills me with a special joy and profound gratitude. Because of you, hundreds of children throughout the world are educated!

In Catholic grammar schools in the U.S., in open-air schools in the Congolese jungle, in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and in many other locations served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart, children are receiving a quality education. Your kindness makes it possible!

Furthermore, your generous gifts are not only helping the children, but also the seminarians at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. We rely on your prayerful support to help them complete their studies. I invite you to take a moment of reflection, smile and share my joy in all we are able to accomplish together.

My friend, be assured you and your intentions will be remembered in our daily Masses and prayers.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus reward your kindness with His divine love and everlasting grace.


Gratefully in Christ,