On February 19, 1821, the cornerstone of the new church that was to stand beside the convent was laid in a very simple ceremony, but the joy it gave was great. The church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus had begun to rise and the cornerstone was presented by Philippine Duchesne. Her beloved St. Francis Regis had been chosen as a secondary patron of the church and a special shrine in his honor was to be arranged in the convent chapel.
Now the nuns could assist at all the parish Masses from their own little side Chapel. It is known that Mother Duchesne welcomed all priests when they came to visit. She felt called to give them hospitality no matter how poor the community was and often priests were renewed in energy after the care and rest they received.