From Sacred Heart

OUR MISSION

Sacred Heart Congregation recognizes our engagement in the Mission of Jesus to build the Kingdom of God here and now. We affirm God's gifts to this diverse community and strive to live out the following beliefs:

• WE BELIEVE that we are the living presence of Jesus. We gather to celebrate and proclaim the Good News by our active participation through our worship life.
• WE BELIEVE that we are called to provide Christ-centered formation and education for all our members based on Scripture and Catholic Tradition. We recognize the need to nurture growth in faith in all ages.
• WE BELIEVE in the dignity of all people. We dedicate our faith community as servants for others within our parish and in our community. Our efforts will reflect our dedication for social justice and concern for the poor.
• WE BELIEVE in the just stewardship of time, talent and treasure through the cooperative efforts of the pastoral team and parish membership.
• WE BELIEVE that we must strive to help all people share more fully in the love of Jesus Christ by being an inviting and welcoming community.

OUR HISTORY

Following World War I Racine was expanding. Development on the northwest side suggested the need for a new parish. There already was a gathering of Italian immigrants at a small basement chapel on the corner of Blake and Kewaunee Streets dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They were not served by a regularly assigned priest and in 1916, Fr. Peter Entrietto, in residence at St. Mary’s Hospital was helping them out. When the need for a new parish was envisioned this group became the catalyst for the effort and Fr. Entrietto was assigned as the first pastor of the new Sacred Heart Parish. While Sacred Heart was not organized as an ethnic Italian parish as such, the Italian parishioners have always been a treasured asset, sharing their customs and their spirit. The new Sacred Heart Church and School were dedicated on the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6, 1916. Whenever a summer festival is held it is close to that date and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother. In our out ninety-second year Sacred Heart continues to be a vital Christian community serving in Racine.