Memories
April 28, 2024
As everyone knows, children always provide enjoyment during mass. As my then 3 year old was acting up during church, she was told to “shape up” or I would take her to the bathroom. After no improvement in her behavior, I started to take her out of church and as there was no singing or prayers being said, she yelled, “No Mama, no don’t beat me!”
Embarrassment washed over me!
-Amy Vincent
April 21, 2024
Remember when we moved from the festival to the outdoor auction? We had a big tent to protect us from the weather and often had used cars up for auction.
Doug Elia and Jeff Depasse would man the grill to provide food. If I remember correctly, the Boy Scouts helped with that.
April 14, 2024
A few short memories:
Sitting the the back of church waiting for
Fr. McBarron to hear confessions in 1960’s.
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week at Sacred Heart School.
- Sarah
April 7, 2024
My name is Laura (Mills) Madden and I graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1974. I remember Sister David Ellen ringing the bell for lunch and the Fall Festival where my parents (Jim & Lois Mills (Jim & Lois Mills) would run the roulette wheel. I still have many friends from school.
I also remember Father McBarron giving me First Communion.
Graduating Class of 1933?
The first Sacred Heart Church 1924
March 31, 2024
This church brings back so many fond memories of my grandparents, Cathy & Joe Pusich, and their love for the Church and our religion.
—Dawn Strole
March 24, 2024
Our first year in this parish at the festival, our boys, Mark and Eric, were running around enjoying the rain in the parking lot.
For one of my auction announcements, I wore a Tyvek suit over a tuxedo and when I removed the Tyveck suit, I announced myself as, “Elia. Doug Elia.”
—Doug Elia
March 17, 2024
We are happy and more comfortable in a small church.
Everyone is friendly.
We are happy with our priest and deacon.
In general we are happy with this church!
—Gary & Kathy Dean
February 25, 2024
I started coming to this church in 1997. It is the closest Catholic Church to my home. I was a Rock Bottom and thought if I started going to Church, god would just LEAVE ME ALONE!
After a while a parishioner started interacting with me, pushing me towards a weekend retreat which I had no interest in. As it turns out ,GOD had other things in mind and I was “forced” to go. If it were not for Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and its members I would be long dead.
-Anonymous
Youth Picnic 2014
January 7,2024
I came in towards the end of the festivals, but I remember that they took participation by the whole parish to make them work. There were rides and games and of course tons of food!
-Barb Black
I came in towards the end of the festivals, but I remember that they took participation by the whole parish to make them work. There were rides and games and of course tons of food!
-Barb Black
December 31, 2023
I remember when we took over the old convent and were converting it for religious education classes. We tore down walls and made a big mess! Lots of people helped and it all came together.
-Barb Black
I remember when we took over the old convent and were converting it for religious education classes. We tore down walls and made a big mess! Lots of people helped and it all came together.
-Barb Black
Biddy Basketball
November 26, 2023
Thankful for the many altar servers who have ministered over the years.
Thankful for the many altar servers who have ministered over the years.
November 19, 2023
Back in the day, Barb would take the servers out to Turkey Run to go kayaking, horseback riding and swimming to thank them for their service to the parish.
Back in the day, Barb would take the servers out to Turkey Run to go kayaking, horseback riding and swimming to thank them for their service to the parish.
November 12, 2023
We moved here in 1997. We did not have any friends or family here. Sacred Heart Parish became our friends, family and faith.
Mark & Eric were blessed to have 2 years at Sacred Heart School. They made lifelong friends!
Biddy Basketball was a huge part of our children’s fall and winter activities for many years!
All of our children were altar servers.
Six of our children received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Kateri was the only child baptized at Sacred Heart with Fr. Giannini.
Sean would ask very challenging questions of Fr. Giannini every chance he got.
We loved the Carnival Fundraiser in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s, and the Auction that came in later years.
St. Nick was a big part of our Christmas tradition@ The kids would buy family gifts there.
-Kathie & Doug Elia
We moved here in 1997. We did not have any friends or family here. Sacred Heart Parish became our friends, family and faith.
Mark & Eric were blessed to have 2 years at Sacred Heart School. They made lifelong friends!
Biddy Basketball was a huge part of our children’s fall and winter activities for many years!
All of our children were altar servers.
Six of our children received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Kateri was the only child baptized at Sacred Heart with Fr. Giannini.
Sean would ask very challenging questions of Fr. Giannini every chance he got.
We loved the Carnival Fundraiser in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s, and the Auction that came in later years.
St. Nick was a big part of our Christmas tradition@ The kids would buy family gifts there.
-Kathie & Doug Elia
September 17, 2023
Easter Sunday, 1987 was one of the happiest days of my life. On that Easter my husband, C. Frank Martin became a full participating member of the Catholic Church. A process he and Fr. Chuck Fisher had somewhat successfully kept as a secret ‘surprise ‘ for me until the final weeks.
Frank carefully carried his bowling ball out the door every Wednesday night as he made his way to the RCIA sessions! They even conspired with my Mother to keep the wonderful secret a surprise so she would be sure to visit us that Easter. God does indeed work in wondrous ways!!
- Betty Martin
September 10, 2023
September 3, 2023
First Communion 2023
August 27, 2023
Just thinking about all the sacramental ministers who have served at Sacred Heart since I have been the Parish Life Coordinator.
Fr. Rob Hausladen 2011-2013
Fr. John Hollowell 2013-2015
Fr. Steve Giannini 2015-2016
Fr. Joe Feltz 2016-2019
and of course
Fr. Darvin Winters 2019-present
We have been blessed with many inspiring ministers!
-Barb Black
August 20, 2023
Rest in Peace
Sister Adele was a native of Toronto, Canada. Before her passing, she ministered in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Adele, formerly Sister Joseph Therese, entered the Congregation on July 22, 1946. She professed final vows on January 23, 1954.
She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She also had a master’s degree in reading from Cardinal Stritch University, as well as another master’s degree in theological studies from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
She ministered as a teacher and in religious education in Indiana and Illinois. Sr. Adele was the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart during the 1990s.
Sr. Adele joined the heavenly host on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.
August 6, 2023
I remember my first visit to Sacred Heart and when I got my first communion here.
I love this church!
- Mattox
July 30, 2023
I remember when I first came to Sacred Heart.
Sr. Adele Beecham was the retiring DRE and she was a truly great person. Fr. Steve Giannini was the pastor and Lillian Shestack was our cook and cleaning person. She fixed lunch every day except when Fr. would take us out. Lillian was ahead of her time as she sorted the trash for recycling.
Everyone was so welcoming! I think we had 4 small faith groups going and I believe one of them may still be meeting!
Good memories!
-Barb Black
July 23, 2023
-Second grade at SHOJ and being carried from the church after passing out. I was carried out by Mrs Lawhead and Mrs. Kensor.
-Being disciplined by Sr. David Ellen for shooting spitballs while dismissing from school. She whacked us with a Bible. My mother asked her laughingly why she didn’t swat us in the head with the book instead!
-Playing the part of St. Nicholas without a beard.
-Anonymous
July 16, 2023
One Sunday when my children were particularly loud in church, I told Father McSween I was sorry they were so loud.
He said, “When you don’t hear children in church, the church is dead.”
I will never forget that!
-Becky Stewart
July 9, 2023
I first started coming to Sacred Heart when I was in school at UHSN in 1952. Fr. McBaron was priest here then.
Our 4 children were all baptized, made first communion and came here for Sunday School.
Our daughter, Lisa was here and had all 3 boys baptized and made their first communions here. She also taught Catechism for a few
years.
My husband, Herman, went to the grade school for awhile and had his funeral mass here in 1988.
It’s been around 70 years since we started coming here.
I remember going to church in the old school house before the present church was built.
—Joyce Fanning
July 2, 2023
“God blessed me indeed when serving as pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus, ministering along with Sister David Ellen Van Dyke, S.P., Sr. Adele Beacham, S. P., Barb Black and Janet Roth—we had a wonderful time with all of our parish friends! I was given a second blessing while serving as priest moderator with Barb Black as parish life coordinator from 2010 to 2015, and later coming back for weekend Masses from 2013 to 2015. Celebrating the Sacraments would be my highlights of course, along with having great altar servers, and the fun we had at the festivals, dinners, and celebrations. Congratulations to all who have been able to call Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish as their church home!”
Fr. Steve Giannini
June 25, 2023
Mary McCarthy and Kristine Southwood shared memories of Fr. Michael Bradley. Mary remembers him riding his bike to their house for dinner. Kristine said he would come over for cookouts and to play badminton.
After research, we discovered that Fr. Bradley was the associate pastor first with Fr. McBarron in 1972 and then with Fr. McSween in 1973-74. He was reassigned in 1975 and Fr. Benjamin Collins took his place as associate.
June 18, 2023
Congratulations to Sacred Heart on your 100th anniversary. I arrived in Terre Haute in July of 1990 to begin my first assignment as a pastor. When I arrived at Sacred Heart I was nervous but was met with open arms by countless numbers of people. My seven years as pastor were a great learning experience for me. I remember fondly the renovation of the church and the addition of the Holy Family Center. Thank you to the people who helped me grow as a pastor and as a priest. Your kindness will always be remembered. Be assured of my prayers during your centennial celebrations.
Peace, Msgr. Tony Volz
Easter Sunday, 1987 was one of the happiest days of my life. On that Easter my husband, C. Frank Martin became a full participating member of the Catholic Church. A process he and Fr. Chuck Fisher had somewhat successfully kept as a secret ‘surprise ‘ for me until the final weeks.
Frank carefully carried his bowling ball out the door every Wednesday night as he made his way to the RCIA sessions! They even conspired with my Mother to keep the wonderful secret a surprise so she would be sure to visit us that Easter. God does indeed work in wondrous ways!!
- Betty Martin
September 10, 2023
September 3, 2023
First Communion 2023
August 27, 2023
Just thinking about all the sacramental ministers who have served at Sacred Heart since I have been the Parish Life Coordinator.
Fr. Rob Hausladen 2011-2013
Fr. John Hollowell 2013-2015
Fr. Steve Giannini 2015-2016
Fr. Joe Feltz 2016-2019
and of course
Fr. Darvin Winters 2019-present
We have been blessed with many inspiring ministers!
-Barb Black
August 20, 2023
Rest in Peace
Sister Adele was a native of Toronto, Canada. Before her passing, she ministered in prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Sister Adele, formerly Sister Joseph Therese, entered the Congregation on July 22, 1946. She professed final vows on January 23, 1954.
She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She also had a master’s degree in reading from Cardinal Stritch University, as well as another master’s degree in theological studies from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
She ministered as a teacher and in religious education in Indiana and Illinois. Sr. Adele was the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart during the 1990s.
Sr. Adele joined the heavenly host on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.
August 6, 2023
I remember my first visit to Sacred Heart and when I got my first communion here.
I love this church!
- Mattox
July 30, 2023
I remember when I first came to Sacred Heart.
Sr. Adele Beecham was the retiring DRE and she was a truly great person. Fr. Steve Giannini was the pastor and Lillian Shestack was our cook and cleaning person. She fixed lunch every day except when Fr. would take us out. Lillian was ahead of her time as she sorted the trash for recycling.
Everyone was so welcoming! I think we had 4 small faith groups going and I believe one of them may still be meeting!
Good memories!
-Barb Black
July 23, 2023
-Second grade at SHOJ and being carried from the church after passing out. I was carried out by Mrs Lawhead and Mrs. Kensor.
-Being disciplined by Sr. David Ellen for shooting spitballs while dismissing from school. She whacked us with a Bible. My mother asked her laughingly why she didn’t swat us in the head with the book instead!
-Playing the part of St. Nicholas without a beard.
-Anonymous
July 16, 2023
One Sunday when my children were particularly loud in church, I told Father McSween I was sorry they were so loud.
He said, “When you don’t hear children in church, the church is dead.”
I will never forget that!
-Becky Stewart
July 9, 2023
I first started coming to Sacred Heart when I was in school at UHSN in 1952. Fr. McBaron was priest here then.
Our 4 children were all baptized, made first communion and came here for Sunday School.
Our daughter, Lisa was here and had all 3 boys baptized and made their first communions here. She also taught Catechism for a few
years.
My husband, Herman, went to the grade school for awhile and had his funeral mass here in 1988.
It’s been around 70 years since we started coming here.
I remember going to church in the old school house before the present church was built.
—Joyce Fanning
July 2, 2023
“God blessed me indeed when serving as pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus, ministering along with Sister David Ellen Van Dyke, S.P., Sr. Adele Beacham, S. P., Barb Black and Janet Roth—we had a wonderful time with all of our parish friends! I was given a second blessing while serving as priest moderator with Barb Black as parish life coordinator from 2010 to 2015, and later coming back for weekend Masses from 2013 to 2015. Celebrating the Sacraments would be my highlights of course, along with having great altar servers, and the fun we had at the festivals, dinners, and celebrations. Congratulations to all who have been able to call Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish as their church home!”
Fr. Steve Giannini
June 25, 2023
Mary McCarthy and Kristine Southwood shared memories of Fr. Michael Bradley. Mary remembers him riding his bike to their house for dinner. Kristine said he would come over for cookouts and to play badminton.
After research, we discovered that Fr. Bradley was the associate pastor first with Fr. McBarron in 1972 and then with Fr. McSween in 1973-74. He was reassigned in 1975 and Fr. Benjamin Collins took his place as associate.
June 18, 2023
Congratulations to Sacred Heart on your 100th anniversary. I arrived in Terre Haute in July of 1990 to begin my first assignment as a pastor. When I arrived at Sacred Heart I was nervous but was met with open arms by countless numbers of people. My seven years as pastor were a great learning experience for me. I remember fondly the renovation of the church and the addition of the Holy Family Center. Thank you to the people who helped me grow as a pastor and as a priest. Your kindness will always be remembered. Be assured of my prayers during your centennial celebrations.
Peace, Msgr. Tony Volz
