On Saturday, July 4, we will celebrate Independence Day Mass at 11:00 a.m. Come begin your observance of our nation’s political independence by remembering our radical dependence on God for every freedom and blessing. | | |
Dear friends in the Lord,
Years ago, on my first visit as a priest to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, I was invited to celebrate one of the daily Masses. When I arrived an hour before Mass, there were already a few people in the pews praying, and I assumed they were regulars. So, I approached a man in the front pew and asked if he would be willing to proclaim the first reading. He looked up from his prayerbook and shot back in typical New York style, “Father, I don’t ask you to help me in my work; don’t ask me to help you in yours!” (I love telling this story out loud, because I can imitate his New York City accent, which makes it even better!)
While the attitude that Mass is “priest work” may have been common a few generations ago, since the Second Vatican Council, we’ve been reminded that it was not that way in the beginning. In this space just a few weeks ago, I included St. Justin’s description of the Sunday Eucharist from the 2nd century, and in his account, we already hear of deacons, lectors, eucharistic ministers, musicians and ushers—in addition to “the one who presides.”
The collapse of all those early liturgical ministries into the office of priesthood happened during the Early Middle Ages, and although historians no longer use the term, for the Catholic liturgy, those were in fact “dark ages,” coinciding with an unfortunate malaise among the baptized and the rise of a clericalism that, in some quarters, lingers to this day.
“Liturgy” comes from the Greek word leitourgia, which can be translated as “the work of the people.” That wonderful reality is visible at the Basilica at every Mass, as we are blessed with many generous souls who exercise their baptismal priesthood in the same ways we see in the 2nd-century church. But because our Masses were relocated downstairs during the redecoration project, and because so many of our parish energies were directed to that holy work, it’s been a while since we invited parishioners to participate in these critical liturgical ministries.
On the weekend of July 11-12, there will be an opportunity after each Mass to learn more about the ministries of sacristan, lector, usher, altar server, extraordinary minister of holy communion, cantor and choir member. Whether you served in one of these ministries in the past, or if this would be your first time assisting at liturgy, know that brief training will be provided and a warm welcome awaits you!
It will be a great consolation to me to know that our new pastor, Father Tri Nguyen, will have plenty of co-workers in our sacred worship when he arrives on July 20.
Your brother in Christ’s word and work,
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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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Join a Liturgical Ministry this summer!
Join us next weekend (July 11-12) after all Masses to learn about the liturgical ministries of sacristan, lector, usher, altar server, extraordinary minister of holy communion, cantor and choir member.
Questions? Contact Deacon Marino at mgonzalez@sacredheartatlanta.org.
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Young Adult Gathering
All young adults are welcome to join us on Sunday, July 12 after the 5:00 p.m. Mass for a Happy Hour at Max Lagers (across the street from the Basilica). Meet us there at 6:00 p.m. or join us in the vestibule at following Mass and we will walk over together. New to the parish? Join our GroupMe: Cor Unum "One Heart".
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Venezuela Earthquake Relief (CRS)
Help families affected today with a gift to provide immediate relief.
CRS is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to quickly deliver emergency shelter, food, safe water, medical care and other critical relief to those affected by the recent earthquakes.
Your gift today will help get urgently needed supplies to families and communities in the difficult days ahead.
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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.
Informational Gatherings
Sundays after the 10:00 a.m. Mass
July 12, and 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.
| | Discover the rich history of our Basilica | | |
Tours of the church are offered throughout the World Cup. Open to parishioners and visitors alike, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover the rich history, inspiring architecture, and timeless beauty of our Basilica. We invite you to drop in and learn more during the days and times listed below.
Weekday tours:
(Following the 12:10 weekday Masses, from 1–3 pm)
Friday, 7/03;
Monday, 7/06; Wednesday, 7/08;
Monday, 7/13; Wednesday, 7/15.
Weekend Tours:
Saturday July 11: 1–3 pm
Sundays: 2–4 pm
July 5th & July 12th
| | Taizé Documentary at the Tara Theater | | |
Taizé: A Pilgrimage of Trust is a feature-length documentary that explores how a small ecumenical monastic community in Burgundy, France, has become a global beacon of peace, unity, and spiritual renewal. Set against a backdrop of growing division in the modern world, the film reveals how Taizé—founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz during the turmoil of World War II—continues to inspire millions through its message of reconciliation, simplicity, and trust.
Produced by Atlanta-based filmmaker (and one of our cantors!) Kathy Kuczka and Editor Kimberly O’Neill, the documentary captures the unique history, spirit and charism of Taizé and its enduring impact on young adults more than eight decades after its founding.
"At a time when many people are asking where young adults find hope and belonging, Taizé offers a remarkable answer," said Kuczka.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers.
A special public screening will take place Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 pm at the Tara Theater on Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta. The 1-hour film is appropriate for all ages; a Q&A with the filmmaker will follow. Purchase your tickets below, through Eventbrite.
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The Basilica Council is proud and happy that one of "our" seminarians who we supported with a stipend in the past is now a priest of the Archdiocese. Fr. Sean Lee was ordained on May 30 at the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church and celebrated his first Mass the next day at St. John Neumann Church. Fr. Sean is a fellow Knight of Columbus and is the nephew of our brother Knight and parishioner Mark Long.
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. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
For the sick of our parish, especially: Bernice Caruso, Deacon Pablo Cepeda, Henry Erbeck, Bobbie Overton, Ivan Pavlovich, Fred Pond, Beverly Shlapak, Mike Wazlavek, 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-May 31, 2026
Offertory (In-Pew): $453,813.59
Offertory (Electronic): $546,386.30
Total Offertory: $1,000,199.89
Offertory Budget: $966,000.00
Difference: 34,199.58
Offertory July 1, 2024-May 31, 2025: $921,462.12
Difference FY2025 to FY2026: $78,737.77
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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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