My dear parishioners,

“Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.” That is the exact prayer intention that the Holy Father Pope Leo asks the whole universal Church to pray during the month of August, as you have known of the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. It is very appropriate for us to take this invitation and calling seriously, as our parish is located right in the middle of the city of Atlanta.

I have not been here long, but I do notice the diverse background of the people who come to Mass every week. Ours is not a typical parish: in addition to the regular parishioners, there are transients, college students from nearby colleges, and regular visitors and pilgrims in the pews. I really resonate with the Holy Father's prayer intention: how can we find ways to proclaim the Gospel and discover creative paths to build community? Let us, as a community of evangelizers, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to take up this calling to build up our community.

We have to start from somewhere. Beginning in September, I would like to have coffee/donut tables in the side parking lot along “Sacred Heart Way” after the Masses at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 12:30 pm every Sunday. My hope is that these simple gatherings will give us an opportunity to linger after Mass, meet someone new, welcome our visitors, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and fellowship within our parish.

I am asking our ministry groups and individual parishioners to help make this possible by volunteering to provide the donuts and/or staff the tables. It may seem like a small effort, but creating a welcoming space where people can pause, talk, and get to know one another can be a meaningful first step toward building a stronger community.

I hope you will consider being part of this effort. Please let me know if you or your ministry would be willing to help.

I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and walking together as we continue to build a vibrant and welcoming community here at Sacred Heart.

May the Holy Spirit guide us and the Sacred Heart of Jesus unite us.

In the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

All ministry leaders are encouraged to make plans to attend a meeting with Father Tri on Sunday, August 30, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Parish Hall.

As we look ahead to the coming year, this will be an important opportunity to gather together, share ideas, and discuss our parish ministries, goals, and priorities for the year ahead. Father Tri looks forward to meeting with our ministry leaders and working together as we continue to build a vibrant and welcoming parish community.

(If you, as the leader of a parish ministry, are unable to attend, please send a member of your ministry in your place).

Curious about the Catholic faith? Whether you're exploring Christianity, thinking about becoming Catholic, or looking to complete your sacraments, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a welcoming place to ask questions, learn about the Church, and grow in faith. Those who continue the journey will prepare to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil on March 27, 2027.

An informational gathering is offered this Sunday, August 23, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass in O’Hagan Parish Hall (lower level).

We look forward to meeting you and accompanying you on your faith journey! Learn more: sacredheartatlanta.org/OCIA.

Registration for our 2026–2027 Faith Formation Program is now open for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12, including those preparing for the Sacraments.

Classes will be held Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., beginning Sunday, September 20.

Our Faith Formation Program includes Sacramental Preparation for parish children preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, as well as Confirmation Preparation for eligible youth. The Confirmation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, and First Holy Communion Masses will be celebrated on Sunday, May 2.

Important Confirmation Update: The Archdiocese is transitioning to sixth grade as the typical age for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. As part of this transition, students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 who are eligible will participate in Confirmation preparation during this program year.

To register, click on the link below or visit our parish website, sacredheartatlanta.org/faith-formation/. Questions? Contact Robert Rivers at rrivers@sacredheartatlanta.org.

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 Andy Foresman at aforesman@bellsouth.net.



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, and Council 15848 as the council connected with the church.

The need is closer than we think. 

Across Georgia, families are facing rising rent, food insecurity, and medical hardship. These challenges are not distant. They show up at kitchen tables and front doors right in our community. Our faith calls us not to look away, but to respond. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers (“Vincentians”) walk with neighbors in crisis, offering practical help and a steady presence. If you have been considering joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society, we invite you to join us at the Basilica on November 7th at 9:00 am for an Ozanam Orientation. (The meeting will be held in O'Hagan Parish Hall).

Core Topics Covered:

• History & Heritage: Life of founder Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and the 1833 founding in Paris.
• Spirituality: Vincentian charism and growing in holiness through service.
• Home Visits: Best practices and simulated guidelines for meeting those in need.
• Structure: Overview of local conferences, council life, and understanding poverty.  

Register here for Orientation: https://svdpgeorgia.org/event/ozanam-orientation-sacred-heart-catholic-church-atlanta-ga-november-7-2026/

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email reatx@yahoo.com to reach our President, Ruth Gates.  

The Georgia Martyrs’ beatification Mass is scheduled for Oct. 31 in Savannah at the Savannah Convention Center. To learn more about the Georgia Martyrs and the event, please visit thegeorgiamartyrs.org.

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. Masses that show in green are available to schedule. The schedule is open four months in advance.

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 Adoration 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.

Please note: beginning in September, Adoration will be offered Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m, and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Offertory - FY2026-2027

July 1, 2026-July 31, 2026

Offertory (In-Pew): $43,851.00

Offertory (Electronic): $43,822.89

Total Offertory: $87,673.89

Offertory Budget: $75,000.00

Difference: $12,673.89

Offertory July 1, 2025-July 30, 2025: $85,367.27

Difference FY2026 to FY2027: $2,306.62

Give through Venmo! @BasilicaATL

Register for Online Giving (through Our Sunday Visitor) by clicking here.

Click here to easily increase your online giving through OSV!

Questions about online giving? Please contact Michelle Rivers, Financial Manager, mrivers@sacredheartatlanta.org or 404.974.2246.

Archbishop's Annual Appeal

Thank you for your generous participation in the 2026 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

Please fulfill your pledges so that together, our parish will reach and hopefully exceed our goal. Once pledge payments have surpassed our goal, additional funds are returned to our parish for use in our ministries.

Parish Goal: $93, 630.50

Total Received: $80,680.63

Under goal: ($12,949.87)

Percent received: 86.17%

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 (Church doors open 11:00 am-1:00 pm)

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