Past Events

Journey In Faith
Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Cathedral High School
5:15pm supper: spaghetti, garlic toast, corn, dessert with PBJ sandwiches available
6:00-7:50 learning session beginning in the auditorium this month

CONFIRMATION RETREAT - What Now God? Discipleship, Empowerment & Discernment
Sunday Jan 29 begins at 10am Mass and concludes at 5pm.
Candidates, parents and sponsors: Join us at this liturgy for a blessing that begins the retreat.
Watch for important details and plan to be involved.

National Migration Week: Welcoming Christ in the Migrant
Just as on the road to Emmaus, Christ's disciples met him in the guise of a stranger, this year's theme helps remind us that Christ makes himself present to each of us in the lonesome traveler, the newcomer, and the migrant. We are called to open our hearts and provide hospitality to those in need. It is our duty to create a space of welcome and acceptance to the migrant who finds himself or herself far away from home and in a vulnerable situation.

Fr. Daniel Groody writes on the theology of migration in "Theology in the Age of Migration: Seeing the image of Christ in The Eyes of A Stranger." read more.....

SPANISH CLUB
Hola Amigos! Anyone interested in conversational Spanish and Latin American Culture?
In preparation for our delegates from Cristo Rey we hope to understand and appreciate their language and life.
Join us on Sat January 28 at 9am-10am at Deacon Joe's office (meeting room) at Sacred Heart Parish with Padre Freddimir.

A “Take Heart” CPR class for Bystanders
A “Take Heart” CPR class for bystanders will be offered at Sacred Heart on Saturday, January 21st at 2 pm. This class is intended for people who are not trained medically and who do not need CPR certification for their jobs. The class is accessible to everyone. Please contact the office to register. (251-8115)

Parish Meetings
These September meetings reflected on parish life; reviewed a long range plan articulated by the Pastoral Council; explored where to invest the $300,000 realized on the sale of the school property and building; examined our current financial picture; and reflected on what it means to be a stewardship parish.
Read more here...

Weekly Justice Challenge for 3rd Week of Advent – December11, 2011
3rd Week of Advent – December 11, 2011
Justice Challenge: The First Reading on Sunday has Isaiah proclaiming a special mission for the Messiah who was to come: “to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners…” This Sunday we light the pink candle to rejoice in the fact that the birth of the Messiah is close, and our Advent season of expectation and hope is halfway to its goal. Your challenge this week is to bring the Good News of Jesus and his message of freedom to someone who has been weighed down by darkness or sadness—due to illness, financial stress, relationship problems or whatever. As a family, choose one person—or one family—who needs you. How can you help “liberate” this person or family from whatever is keeping them from living a free and full life?

Advent Vespers
Come and pray the vespers, 4pm, on November 28, December 4, 11, and 18, in the lower level at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Vespers is part of the Liturgy of the Hours and consists of psalms, hymns, scripture, and silence. Advent Vespers is a joint venture of our parish and other area parishes.
 

Weekly Justice Challenge for 32nd Week in Ordinary Time – November 6, 2011
32nd Week in Ordinary Time – November 6
Justice Challenge: November 3 is the feast day of St. Martin de Porres. Martin was the
son of a knight and a freed slave woman. His passion and life work were dominated by
his care for the sick, the poor, and slaves in Peru. While we don’t officially have slaves
in our country today, we do have people who are unjustly bound. There are victims of
human trafficking in our cities who are working for unjust wages or are caught up in
the commercial exploitation of sex. Many of them are immigrants, and many are
children—both innocent victims of crimes which deny them their basic human rights.
Your challenge this week is to educate yourself—as an individual and as a family—on
one of the ways in which people are treated as slaves in our country. Then pray for the
victims, and pray for the perpetrators of the injustice. Do one thing—send an email,
make a phone call, talk to others—to advocate for safeguards which will prevent this
crime from happening in our country and our world.
Alternative Gift Market

Sacred Heart Parish, Sauk Rapids invites you to our sixth annual Alternative Gift Market, Sat. Nov. 19 from 9 am to 3 pm at the church. Titled “Gifts for the World, Gifts from the Heart,” the event features an array of fair trade items such as coffee, chocolate, crafts and small household items. In addition, shoppers have the opportunity to support charities that assist people locally and worldwide by purchasing a share of an animal through Heifer International, or by donating to groups such as Kids Against Hunger. For more information, contact Maureen Otremba at 251-8115. We hope to see you there!

Stressed? or Blessed!
A retreat for all who are looking for ways to make the holidays less stressful and more bless-full! Sunday, November 20th 2:00 – 5:00 pm (Sister Mary Weidner, OSB will help us explore alternative ways to celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas, concluding with evening prayer and a light supper.) Come ready to share your own ideas and practices that have blessed your observance of these special seasons!

Walk-ins welcome. Advanced registration preferred. Contact JoAnn at 251-8115 or parish@sacredheartsaukrapids.org There is no charge for this retreat.
Childcare available with registration prior to Nov 16th.

Grieving During the Holidays
You are invited to a program for those who are experiencing loss (however recent) on Sunday, November 27 at 2pm at Sacred Heart Church. The presentation is by Jim Otremba, a licensed Christian Counselor. it will be followed by dessert and coffee. All are welcome; no RSVP necessary. For more information, contact Maureen at 251-8115, ext. *817
 

Praise & Worship Sing-A-Long
A Praise & Worship sing-a-long will be held before 5:00 Mass on Saturday, November 19th. Praise Choir will lead the music will beginning at 4:40.

Work A Thon
The annual Work A Thon for St. Katharine Drexel School is Saturday, October 15. If you are unable to rake your yard and would like assistance, please call 251-2376 by Tuesday, October 11.

Senior High Youth Rally
Sunday, October 30 at St. John's University from 12noon-7:30pm. Awesome music, interesting workshops, games, dance, food, Mass with Bishop Kinney and fellowship with youth from around our Diocese. Forms available in the kiosk and on the web site. Contact Deacon Joe for more details.

Anointing of the Sick
There will be anointing of the Sick after all Masses the weekend of October 29-30. Contact the Parish Office for more details.

Boomers & Zoomers
Ages 55 and beyond
Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education is sponsoring a workshop on Brain Balancing with Bobbie Rice, Health Kinesologist on Tuesday, October 18 from 1-3pm in the Gathering Space at Sacred Heart. Bobbie will show you how to get a jumpstart to a clear head; how allergies can be the cause of some of the symptoms our bodies experience. It is free, but you are asked to call 258-1577 to register so plans can be made for treats and refreshments.

Journey In Faith - (Intergenerational Faith Formation Starting Soon)
Wednesday, September 14th 5:00-6:00 Supper 6:00-7:15 Activities including: prayer, video, program information, children's games, and registration 7:15 Confirmation student/parent information (grade 10 and above) Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 - Faith Formation registration after Mass.

PET BLESSINGS IN CELEBRATION OF ST. FRANCIS
strong>Blessing of the Pets : Sunday Sept 25 at 1 PM.
All God’s creatures are invited to bring their humans to gather for our annual blessing of the pets.
Come and enjoy the Music, hospitality and community.
Details: Jim Neppl jim@spiritsatwork.net or 320.266.0182 or Ruth Hinnenkamp rahinnenkamp@charter.net or 320.224.7638.

WELCOME TO SACRED HEART'S PARISH FESTIVAL AUGUST 27 & 28 Sunday 10am Polka Mass, Bingo, Live Music, Books, children's Games, Dunk Tank, Sumo Wrestling, Grand Raffle (win a car) - Quilt Raffle, Cake Paddle, Jewelry, Craft & Fancy Work, Green Plants, Food, Refreshments, Basket Bidding and much much more!!!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Exciting week for all!!
Take a walk on the WILD side! Children ages 4 through grade 4 are invited to participate in Vacation Bible School at Sacred Heart, August 15-19, 9am-noon.




A TASTE OF VENEZUELA: Celebrating Our Sister Parish Partnership With Cristo Rey
Wednesday, June 22 at 6:00 PM
Enjoy traditional Venezuelan food and music, along with a trip sharing presentation by Henry and Mary Ann Padgett, delegates from Sacred Heart Parish on the recent mission to Cristo Rey.

Parish Volunteer Celebration
All Sacred Heart Parish Volunteers are invited to attend a celebration and dinner after the Saturday, June 11th, 5pm Mass. This event is in honor of the many gifts and talents that volunteers have shared with our faith community.

Celebrate Retirements of Jim Storms and Rita Pederson
Please join the parish community on Sunday, May 29th at the 10am mass as we celebrate the retirement of Jim and Rita. Following mass there will be a festive reception in the Gathering Space.

WE CELEBRATE CONFIRMATION
Congratulations to the 61 Candidates who received the sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, May 19th. May the Holy Spirit fill these youth with the strength and courage to witness the good new of Christ to all they encounter.

CONFIRMATION LITURGY LIVE STREAM AND ARCHIVE

WE CELEBRATE FIRST COMMUNION
Congratulations to the children who received their first communion this weekend and next. As they receive for the first time, may they come to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. More importantly, may they see in our witness what it means to be the body of Christ to those we encounter each day.

Journey In Faith, May 4th, Wednesday only
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the celebration as we consider how we can “Pray Always” Note: Wednesday, May 4th is the only Journey In Faith Gathering in MayRead more...

Sacrament of Reconciliation at Sacred Heart
Communal Services: Friday, April 15th at 7pm; Saturday, April 16th at 12noon. Individual Times: Wednesday, April 6 at 5pm; Thursday, April 7 at 5pm; Friday, April 8 at 12noon, 4pm & 6:30pm; Saturday, April 9 at 12noon, 3:30 & 6:30pm; Tuesday, April 12 at 5:30pm; Friday, April 15 at 7am, 12noon, 3, 4, & 5pm. Other times by appointment.

Fish fry April 8th, St. Augustine's Parish Center
Fish fry April 8th, St. Augustine's Parish Center - Dinner will be served from 4-8pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-12 (ages 3 and under eat for free!). You can purchase tickets at the door, or at the St. Katharine Drexel School office. Students and their families are also selling tickets. While you're here, check out the silent auction baskets, meat raffle and ice cream social! This is a Catholic United Financial Matching Grant fundraiser in support of St. Katharine Drexel School.

LENTEN - A SCRIPTURE REFLECTION GROUP:
Meets on Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., at the Janson House. Come during Lent or whenever you are able. No long term committment is required.
For more information, contact Joan in the Parish Office, 251-8115.

April Journey in Faith - “The Church of ACTS: A Call To Service.”
“The Church of ACTS: A Call To Service.” - Develop a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the early Christian church found in the Acts of the Apostles - Recognize the importance of the communal life in the early Christian church - Discover how we, as the Church today, can continue to live as followers of Jesus Christ is the focus of our next Journey in Faith gatherings. Gatherings are: Noon, Sunday, April 3; 6pm, Wednesday, April 6; and 5:30pm, Thursday, April 7. A meal is served before all gatherings, with serving beginning 45 minutes beforehand. Read more...

Movie Night Saturday, April 2nd at 6:15 pm
Sacred Heart Parish Theater is Now Showing: "The Keys of the Kingdom" [1944] Starring: Gregory Peck, Thomas Mitchell, Vincent Price and Roddy McDowall After losing his parents and his childhood sweetheart to tragedy, Francis Chrisholm (Peck) joins the priesthood and devotes himself to a life of service and compassion. But Chrisholm's unorthodox beliefs raise eyebrows among his superiors, especially Bishop Angus Mealy (Vincent Price). And when he is sent to the farthest reaches of China to repair an abandoned mission, Chrisholm faces his greatest challenge of all: to tame a hostile land, win over a superstitious people and save his parish from an invading army.
Run Time: 137 minutes. There will be an intermission with light snacks. Brought to you by the Stewardship/Discipleship Committee. No admission charge.

The Road to Conversion
Join us this week as Fr. Charlie Smiech, OFM leads on the Road to Conversion. Sessions are: Sunday, noon; Monday through Thursday, 6:30pm. A meal will proceed all sessions. read more...
 
 
MINNESOTA MARDI GRAS at SACRED HEART... complete with Hot Dish
"It's sure bin a long cold winter, eh?" Saturday, March 5th at 6:15 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share and celebrate this time of warmth and fellowship before we begin our Lenten journey. Hot dish will be provided. Bring da whole fam'ly, eh!"

32nd Annual Sacred Heart Fish Fry
Date: March 11
Location: St. Katharine Drexel School (former Sacred Heart School campus)
Time: Serving from 4-8pm
Sponsored by Sacred Heart Catholic United Financial (matching grant activity) in cooperation with St. Katharine Drexel School.
Tickets:
Advance -- Adults $7.50; children 5-12 $4.50
At the door -- Adults $8.50; children 5-12 $5.50
Pre-schoolers are free.
Take out available (251-2854) Tickets available at the School or Parish Offices.

"Health Care Directives: A Gift to your Family"
Date: March 20
Time 1:00pm at the church
Presented by Karen Kleinschmidt, RN
What is a Health Care Directive? It is a written document that informs others of your wishes about health care. It allows you to name a person to decide for you if you are unable to decide. After the presentation, people will be available to assist individuals with Health Care Directive questions.
Sponsored by the Health & Wellness Committee.

Sermon on the Mount as performed by TV star Frank Runyeon
SERMON ON THE MOUNT as performed by TV star Frank Runyeon. The performance is followed by HOLLYWOOD vs. FAITH, in which Frank discusses, with humor, the very different beatitudes the media are teaching us, and the choices we face daily as Americans and as people of faith. Sunday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church - 2405 1st Street N, St. Cloud AN EVENT FOR ALL AGES Jointly sponsored by area parishes in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and Waite Park. A Free Will Offering will be taken Read more...

"COOKIE MORNING" RECIPE FOR PARISH LIFE
Join fellow parishioners on Saturday, February 12th at 10:00 am to help bake and decorate Valentine cookies for weekend hospitality. All ages - Children come with a parent, bake and take a cookie home!
Hosted by the Stewardship/DiscipleshipCommittee. Bring an apron, children, a friend. Baking supplies will be furnished.

Sister Parish News
Henry and Mary Ann Padgett will be joining the St. Cloud Diocesan Delegation to Maracay, Venezeula on February 7, 2011. As part of the trip they will visit some of the faithful of Cristo Rey parish. They are asking us to join them on the trip by submitting questions and something about ourselves, which they can share with the faithful of Cristo Rey. Submit your question here

Bella
The Peace and Justice Committee invites you to review and reflect upon the movie Bella, Saturday, January 22, 2011, 7:00pm, at Sacred Heart Church. Bella is beautiful and touching film that focuses on the value of human life and doing what is right in the face of adversity. The movie is rate PG-13 Preview here

Palliative Care: When There Is No Cure
Join us Sunday, January 23, 2011, 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Sacred Heart Church for a presentation by Merryn Jolkovshy, MD. Palliative care focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people with serious illness. It aims to reduce suffering, protect dignity, and improve quality of life for patients and families. This presentation is sponsored by the Health and Wellness Committee.

Confirmation Retreat
The time and place for the Confirmation Retreat on Sunday, January 16 has been changed. The retreat will be at the school from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Lunch will be provided.

Happy New Year
Join us as we welcome in the New Year with prayer and celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, January 1, 2011, 9:11am

Journey in Faith
A Walk Through the Mass is the topic of our January Journey in Faith gatherings. The sessions will explore the four-fold movement of the Mass: gathering, storytelling, meal sharing, and sending forth. Our next gatherings are: Sunday, January 9, noon; Wednesday, January 12, 6:00pm; and Thursday, January 13, 5:30pm. A meal is served beginning 45 minutes before the start of each session.

LIVE IT SCHEDULE CHANGE
The "Live It" session for students in grades 5-8 scheduled for Wednesday, December 1st has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 8th.
December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Day Mass is at 6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church. Following Mass, from 7:00 to 8:00pm, there will be a "Live It" gathering at the Janson House (the yellow brick house across the parking lot from the church).
Come and bring a friend!

Journey in Faith
The Gospel of Matthew is the focus of our next Journey in Faith gatherings. Our guides to explore Matthew are: Maureen Otremba, David Fremo, Deacon Dr. Charles Bobertz. Gatherings are: Noon, Sunday, December 12; 6pm, Wednesday, December 15; and 5:30pm, Thursday, December 16. A meal is served before all gatherings, with serving beginning 45 minutes beforehand. Read more...

Christmas
Join us as we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation at our Christmas masses. Mass times on December 24th are: 4pm and 6:30pm. Mass times on Christmas Day are: Midnight and 9:30am.

Immaculate Conception
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception recalls Mary's conception. On this day we thank God for preparing Mary for her role as His Son's mother. Mary who is without sin, agreed to be part of the plan of salvation as she replied to the angel, "May it be done to me according to your word. Mass times are 9am and 6pm, on Wednesday, December 8.

Journey in Faith
Check out some of the handouts from our November session on reading the Bible. read more.

Thanksgiving
Before the Turkey; Before the Football Games; Before the Shopping; Before the Napping --- Come celebrate the Eucharist, Thanksgiving morning 9am, and give thanks to God for blessings received. Our collection on Thursday will be given to the Food Shelf of Catholic Charities.
 

Work-A-Thon
The Saturday, October 9, Work-a-Thon is an Autumn Fundraiser for St. Katharine Drexel School. In addition to raising funds for our school, it addresses our commitment to Community Service, Being Christ's hands in the world, by providing free service to senior and handicapped citizens in the Sauk Rapids and east St. Cloud area who are in need of special assistance.

Starlite Ball
The 3rd Annual Starlite Ball is Friday, October 15, beginning at 6pm, at the Coyote Moon Grille. Enjoy an elegant eveing of food, friends, dancing, and fun. The Starlite Ball benefits St. Katharine Drexel School. Tickets are available at both St. Katharine Drexel Campuses.
 

Deacon Carl Nord
Please keep in your prayers Carl and his wife Nancy as they mourn the death of their mothers, Elizabeth Julien and Audrey Nord , both of whom died this past week.

Journey in Faith
Reading the Bible is the topic for November. Choose to attend one of the following: Sunday, Nov 14, 11:15am to 2:00pm; Wednesday, Nov 17 at Cathedral High School, 5:15pm to 8:00pm; or Thursday,Nov 18, 5:00pm to 7:30pm. A meal will be served before all sessions.

Blessings of Pets

In the honor of St. Francis of Assisi, please join us for a Blessing of Pets on Sunday, October 3rd at 1:00 pm. The blessing will take place on the church parking lot. All pets are welcome. Leashes and carriers are encouraged. Treats will be served for all!

St. Katharine Drexel School

We are proud to announce the beginning of the 2010 - 2011 school year. St. Katharine Drexel will open its doors on September 7 at both the St. Cloud and Sauk Rapid's campuses. St. Katharine Drexel School builds upon the legacy of Sacred Heart School and will meet the challenges of today and tomorrow with innovative programming.

Keep abreast to the developments of St. Katharine Drexel School unification.
 

Dead Sea Scrolls
Explore the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century—the Dead Sea Scrolls, which include the earliest known texts of the Bible. These 2,000-year-old, authentic text fragments are steeped in scientific, religious, and cultural significance. Also on display the St. John's Bible. Join your friends on a coach bus from St. Cloud, Tuesday, September 28. For more information contact the parish office.

What Does it Take to Help a Child Grow Up Catholic
Bill Huebsch will lead a conversation about how you can shape the faith of your children, grandchildren. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and common sense, he will provide a menu of options for all families today. more...

The Winner is .......
Duane Orton took home Used Car grand prize and Bonny Popp was the winner of the Vacation Get-Away. Check out the complete list of 2010 Grand Raffle Winners.

The 12 Keys to Spiritual Vitality Workshop
This workshop begins on September 16 and will continue for 12 weeks. It will focus on the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of growing better with age for persons age 50 and better. The workshop will be held Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Hospitality Room at Sacred Heart Church. It consists of a DVD presentation by Dr. Richard Johnson and conversation facilitated by Sr. Georganne Burr, OSB. For additional information and registration form see the brochure or contact Joan in the Parish Office.