YOU ARE THE KEY
You are not a pope, king, or queen, but haven't you been greatly blessed by God's generous gifts? You are today's aristocracy! You are cultured! You are blessed! You see the cultural vacuum in our society and you can do something about it, not only for yourself and your children, but also for centuries to come. A new Renaissance in the sacred arts in Philadelphia . . . is this possible?

You can cast your vote for possible! Please join Sister Paula in this cultural endeavor with your generous donation. The American Academy of the Sacred Arts is a 501(c)(3) corporation and is solely supported by donors like you. The Academy is not affiliated with any specific church, or other organization. Your donation is fully tax deductible.

A HOME
At the dawn of the Millennium, a property was purchased to house the Academy. Having been vacant for some time, the building was in need of extensive repairs. Funds are now needed for programs, operating expenses, ongoing renovation and expansion.

THE SPIRIT
AN ARTIST'S CREDO
Sister Mary Paula Beierschmitt, I.H.M.

Faith is the first gift from which all others spring. It is not merited but freely given by the Creator to His beloved children. As we come to know this loving Father through the light of the Spirit's illumination, wherein we open our eyes to see the Word made flesh in the person of His Son, we come to know how He humbled Himself to become our brother. And, as we extend our hands to reach Him, we feel the strength of His arm and protection of His mighty shield.

In the course of life's journey, wondrous discourses develop as the Word falls like soft rain on fertile soil;  then, when winter comes in its stead, the fire of love in the sanctuary within continually thaws the frozen layers worldly power attempts to form.

God is surely the most personal Being. We are one Body. This is clearly perceived in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, the Gift above all else. It is in this silent Presence that we believe without a slight doubt in the Son of Man, Who gave Himself up for our sake, Who humbled Himself to become one with us that we might understand His limitless love and see Him as He is.  It is in this silent Presence that we believe in the Bride of Christ, the Church, flowing from His side on Calvary. This spotless Bride washes away the folly of children, mourns for the arrogant who refuse mercy,  and looks to the Handmaid with hope in her discreet motion to stay the Enemy with her simple grace.

Yes, we have come to realize the Son of Man had to assume the posture of an artisan,  for in so doing,  all was redeemed by the touch of hands pinned to the beams of a trade embraced from the beginning.  In this act of total annihilation, these torn hands hammered to the tree of salvation, opened the gates of paradise forever.

Alas, the age of innocence still ebbs too soon. Though we long to see the face of God and feel His touch, we have grown tall;  the clouds that surround us obscure His face and the layers of ice coating the sanctuary of our souls have a numbing effect. Agnus Dei,  qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis!

Come, Lord Jesus! Artisan who welcomes the poor in spirit, take our hands in yours and let us proceed together. Bless your creation with other hands now. Transform the world your Father made by giving your Body eyes to see beauty, balance and goodness...ears to hear clearly sounds pleading and pure. But, above all,  gentle Jesus, take our hands pinned to the cross the Father has chosen for us.  Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem! Amen.

THE FUTURE
Although visual artists laid the foundation for the Academy, writers, composers, poets, architects and actors are contained in its vision. Beyond the current location, it is hoped that a larger center will follow to attract creative artists in the area who have a similar calling to the sacred arts. This facility would be a place for such artists to grow spiritually, support each other, learn their craft, exhibit and sell their work. It would also function as a gallery, containing performance, exhibit and conference space.