Liturgical Identity

of the

Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (CRSHJ) embody a liturgical identity that is profoundly rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition(1), particularly the Latin Rite, while maintaining full autonomy from the jurisdiction of the Holy See. This dual fidelity—to the sacred rhythms of Catholic worship and to the freedom of ecclesial self-governance—defines the Institute’s unique spiritual character and theological posture.

At the heart of CRSHJ liturgical life is the Eucharist, celebrated with reverence, precision, and theological depth. The Institute affirms the doctrine of the Real Presence—Christ truly, wholly, and substantially present in the consecrated species of bread and wine—as the central mystery of faith and the summit of its liturgical expression. The structure of the Mass, the use of traditional vestments, the observance of the Liturgical Calendar, and the chanting of the Divine Office all reflect a deep continuity with Roman Catholic liturgical norms. The CRSHJ draws inspiration from the Roman Missal and the General Instruction of the Roman Rite, ensuring that its liturgical celebrations resonate with the sacred cadence familiar to Catholic faithful across the world.

Yet, the Institute’s independence from the Holy See allows it to cultivate a liturgical ethos that is both inclusive and pastorally responsive. Freed from canonical constraints imposed by Roman jurisdiction, the CRSHJ is able to extend sacramental /…

…/ and liturgical participation to individuals who may be excluded or marginalized in traditional ecclesial settings. This includes divorced and remarried persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others whose spiritual lives are often lived in tension with institutional norms. The liturgy, in this context, becomes not only a celebration of divine mysteries but also a sanctuary of radical welcome and healing.

The CRSHJ’s liturgical identity is also shaped by its commitment to theological integrity and historical continuity. Drawing from the Didache, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the Rule of St. Augustine, the Institute integrates ancient Christian wisdom with contemporary pastoral insight. Its liturgical formation program emphasizes not only rubrical fidelity but also the spiritual interiority of the celebrant, ensuring that each Canon Regular approaches the altar with humility, clarity, and devotion.

In sum, the Canons Regular of the Sacred Heart of Jesus offer a liturgical life that is unmistakably Catholic in form and spirit, yet courageously independent in governance. Their worship is not a departure from tradition, but a deepening of it—one that honors the sacred while embracing the human. By aligning themselves with the Roman Catholic liturgical heritage while remaining free from its juridical structures, the CRSHJ stands as a living witness to the possibility of orthodoxy without exclusion, and reverence without rigidity.

(1)

We define ‘Liturgical identity… rooted in the Roman Catholic Tradition’ as literally, FULL COMPLIANCE and ADHERENCE to the Roman Catholic Official Liturgy rites, texts and formulae as approved by the Holy See. All our liturgical books are acquired from the official Latin Rite publishers and carry the ‘NIHIL OBSTAT’ and the ‘IMPRIMATUR’ as standard.

Our Standard Liturgical Formulae

  • A religious book with a red cover, gold details, and four ribbons in green, red, purple, and gold attached to the spine.

    The Roman Altar Missal

    The Roman Altar Missal is the Church’s principal liturgical book for celebrating the Eucharist in the Latin Rite. Rooted in apostolic tradition and refined through centuries, it embodies the Church’s lex orandi, guiding priests in offering the Holy Sacrifice with reverence, theological precision, and pastoral fidelity.

  • Book cover titled 'The Rites, Volume One' with a cross-like symbol on a red background.

    The Rites of the Catholic Church Volumes I and II

    This study edition contains the following ritual texts currently in use: Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, and the Order of Christian Funerals. 
    It also contains the following ritual texts which were previously approved for use, but which have since been revised or re-translated: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Baptism of Children, Reception of Baptized Christian, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside Mass, and Marriage, Institutions of Readers and Acolytes; Ordination of Deacons, Priests, and Bishops; Rite of Religious Profession; Blessing of Persons: Abbot, Abbess; Consecrating to a life of Virginity; Rite of Commissioning Special Ministers of Holy Communion; Dedication of a Church and Altar. Appendices include: Reception of the Bishop in the Cathedral Church, Blessing of Pontifical Insignia, the Rite of the Blessing of Oils, the Rite of Consecrating the Chrism, Crowning of the Image of the Blessed Virgin.

  • Black hardcover book titled 'A Shorter Roman Ritual' with the subtitle 'Rituale Parvum' and a gold emblem featuring Greek letters on the cover.

    Rituale Parvum

    This is a compilation of selected rites and blessings from the liturgical texts of the editiones typicæ issued after the Second Vatican Council in the character of the former Collectio Rituum. Features include a side-by-side Latin-English format. The presence of Latin in an otherwise English-language collection gives appropriate witness to the importance of the Latin language in the Roman Rite and is in harmony with what was stated by the Second Vatican 'The use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites' (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 36)."

  • Book titled 'Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum' with a dove holding an olive branch on the cover.

    Pastoral Care of the Sick

    The Pocket Edition of Pastoral Care of the Sick from Catholic Book Publishing contains the complete texts of the Rites in a small, handy format for personal use. All the features of the large edition are here, including Communion of the Sick, Anointing of the Sick under various circumstances, and Pastoral Care of the Dying (Viaticum within and outside Mass, Commendation of the Dying, Prayers for the Dead, and Rites for Exceptional Circumstances). The Pocket Edition of Pastoral Care of the Sick from Catholic Book Publishing is an indispensable resource for Catholic chaplains and other ministers who care for the sick.

  • Red book cover titled "Eucharistic Adoration" with a gold monstrance illustration, subtitle "Prayers, Meditations and Devotions".

    Eucharistic Adoration

    Pocket size with the complete Rite of Exposition and Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, readings and materials for meditation.

  • Red book cover with a black ornate drawing of a decorative object in the center, surrounded by a black border with decorative corners.

    Manual for Eucharistic Adoration

    The official book in use by Saint Joseph Adoration Monastery, in the care of the Poor Clare Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Liturgy manual received the Nihil Obstat by the Rev. Fr. Matthew Kauth STD, and the Imprimatur by the Most Rev. Roman Catholic Bishop of Charlotte on the 15th of February 2016.