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Dear friends in the Lord,
When I learned in January that Father John Howren had died, I was, like most of you, shocked and distraught. John and I had been friends for many years. He followed me as pastor in Lawrenceville in 2015; and when I retired for health reasons in 2023, I was delighted that John was then the rector of the Basilica, the neighborhood parish of my retirement apartment. He and I shared many dinners and Atlanta Symphony concerts over those years.
When I saw the call coming through from the Archbishop that sad day back in January, I knew what he would ask, and it made sense: I was available; I lived nearby; I was a somewhat familiar face, having celebrated many Masses here when John was away; and, as a friend who esteemed John’s remarkable work at Sacred Heart, I could be counted on to carry his vision forward to the best of my ability until a new pastor could be appointed.
This will be my last weekend with you as Administrator. Several of you have thanked me in recent days for accompanying the parish since January. It is I who should be thanking you.
I thank you for your love for Sacred Heart and its rich history and its important mission as a beacon of Catholic faith and Christ-like service in downtown Atlanta.
I thank you for responding so readily and generously to my stewardship appeal back in April, at a challenging moment in our parish history. I tried to write to everyone who made a one-time gift then. But I take this opportunity to thank all those who, at my pleading, increased their regular gift to the parish offertory to help us keep up with rising costs going forward—and all who will do so today because of this gentle reminder!
I thank you for showing me that, although I no longer enjoy great health and stamina, I can still lead a parish—at least for 7 months!
On Monday, Father Tri John-Bosco Nguyen will become Sacred Heart’s 27th pastor. He will be a wonderful priest to this lovely community. Please give him the same encouragement and support you have given me. I will make myself scarce for the rest of the summer so that you can get to know Father Tri. But when fall arrives, he’ll know that I’m ready and willing to help however I can, and I still live just up the street.
Your brother in Christ,
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Father Tri Nguyen
Archbishop Hartmayer has appointed Father Tri John-Bosco Nguyen as pastor and rector of the Basilica, and he will arrive on July 20. Monsignor Jowdy will return to retirement on the same date.
Be sure to join us for a special Ice Cream Truck Social after all Masses on the weekend of July 25-26 to welcome Father Tri. Please keep Father Nguyen in your prayers as he prepares to begin his ministry among us.
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Have you ever wondered what the Catholic Church teaches or considered becoming Catholic? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a welcoming opportunity to explore the Catholic faith, ask questions, and learn more about the teachings and traditions of the Church.
Whether you are simply curious, considering becoming Catholic, or seeking to complete your sacraments, OCIA provides a supportive and informative journey of faith. Participants who choose to continue the process will be prepared to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil on March 27, 2027.
End of summer informational gathering:
Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. Mass
July 26
Location: Double Classroom (lower level)
For those unable to attend in person, Zoom sessions will also be offered two Thursday evenings each month. Email Robert Rivers for a link to the Zoom sessions.
We look forward to meeting you and accompanying you on your faith journey! Learn more: sacredheartatlanta.org/OCIA.
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Registration for our 2026-27 Faith Formation programs for grades K-12, including Sacramental Prep, is now open. Classes will be held on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 pm., beginning September 20.
The program includes Sacramental Preparation for the children of the parish who prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Also, the eligible youth of the parish will be prepared for Confirmation. The Confirmation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, and the First Communion Masses are on Sunday, May 2.
Special announcement regarding Confirmation Preparation:
The Archdiocese is moving toward 6th grade as the typical age for Confirmation. As part of this process, youth in Grades 8, 9, and 10 will be prepared for Confirmation this year.
To register, click on the link below of visit our parish website, sacredheartatlanta.org/faith-formation/. Questions? Contact Robert Rivers at rrivers@sacredheartatlanta.org.
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Inspired to get involved with the Knights of Columbus? We are recruiting men to join us in the many good works we perform for the parish and the community at large. Our Council allows like-minded Catholic men to live out their faith through fellowship and action. For more information, contact Russ Ford at rlfordga@gmail.com or 706-819-8391.
To join as an online member, click on the link below:
Join Us | Knights of Columbus (kofc.org) When completing the online application form, enter the promo code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY to join for free, enter Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as your parish, Council 15848, as the council connected with the church.
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Let us pray...
For our faithful departed, especially: Martina Castañeda. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
For the sick of our parish, especially: Bernice Caruso, Deacon Pablo Cepeda, Henry Erbeck, Mark Long, Bobbie Overton, Ivan Pavlovich, Fred Pond, Beverly Shlapak, Mike Wazlavek, Cathy Weaver, and Gift of Grace House residents.
For our men and women in uniform, especially: Christofer Arguedas, Madison Bips, Paul Brieske, Brock Campbell, Rafael Duralde, Grier Jobson, and Devin Thomas.
Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for July: For human life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
To add or remove names from our prayer lists, please contact Kelly Schreckenberger: kschreckenberger@sacredheartatlanta.org.
Visits to the Sick & Homebound
If you (or a family member) is sick, homebound, or in the hospital and would like to receive Holy Communion or the Anointing of the Sick, please contact the parish office directly at 404-522-6800 or email Kelly Schreckenberger at kschreckenberger@sacredheartatlanta.org.
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Mass Intentions
Visit: sacredheartatlanta.org/mass-intentions/ to view current and available intentions.
A mass intention is a specific request for a Mass to be celebrated for a particular person or purpose.
Common reasons for a mass intention include:
For the deceased: To pray for the repose of the soul of a loved one who has died, believing that these prayers can help them on their journey to heaven.
For the living: To pray for the healing of a sick person, to offer thanks, or for other personal needs and concerns.
For special occasions: To commemorate an event like a wedding anniversary, birthday, or other significant life moment.
If you would like to schedule a Mass Intention, click on Request Mass Intention to view available dates and schedule your Mass Intention online.
Altar Flowers
Flowers may be ordered in memory or in honor of a loved one. The arrangement will be displayed at the altar from the Saturday Vigil Mass through the 5:00 pm Mass on Sunday. If no other events require special flower arrangements, the flowers will remain during the week. The intention for the flowers will be listed in the bulletin. Two arrangements are available each week at the cost of $100.00 each. (You may purchase one or both arrangements). Names will be listed in the bulletin.
To view available dates for Mass Intentions, Altar Flowers, and Candle Intentions, visit: https://sacredheartatlanta.org/mass-intentions/.
Exposition of the Eucharist
Weekly Exposition of the Eucharist is offered on Tuesdays following the 12:10 p.m. Mass from 12:45- 3:00 p.m. in the Marist Chapel.
| | Our Stewardship of Treasure | | |
Offertory - FY25-26
July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026
Offertory (In-Pew): $481,953.59
Offertory (Electronic): $647,581.80
Total Offertory: $1,129,535.39
Offertory Budget: $1,040,000.00
Difference: 89,535.39
Offertory July 1, 2024-May 31, 2025: $1,005,334.47
Difference FY2025 to FY2026: $124,200.92
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We look forward to seeing you!
Saturday Vigil: 4pm
Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12:30pm (Spanish), 5:00pm
M-T-W-F: 12:10pm Daily Mass
TH: 12:10pm Communion Service
Confessions: Friday 11:00 am and Saturday 3:00 pm.
Exposition of the Eucharist: Tuesday 12:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (To access, please ring the office doorbell)
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm
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