Last Journey on Earth

The April 14, 1899 headline in the Denver Post read "Remains of Horace A. W. Tabor Laid Away in Calvary Cemetery." Many pages were devoted to the story of Tabor's fortune, amassed from the silver mines of Leadville, and his rise to power as US senator from Colorado. The newspaper recalled his many civic contributions and donations to charity, as well as his graciousness after losing his money. The Post made no mention of Tabor's scandalous divorce and remarriage to Elizabeth"Baby" Doe. The body was drawn by hearse from the state capitol at Colfax and Grant to Sacred Heart Church at 28th and Larimer as thousands watched the procession. Denver Mayor Johnson and Colorado Governor Thomas were in attendance, as well as William Byers, founder of the Rocky Mountain News, and M. J. McNamara, president of the the Denver Dry Goods Company. The Reverend Edward Barry delivered the funeral oration. "To many it was a surprise that he became a Catholic in his old age, but to us it was not. That he entered into the full joy of religion is shown by his dying words, 'This is the happiest moment of my life.'"

Sacred Heart 1899

The Denver Public Library has many treasures in its Western History Department, including several bound volumes of the church calendar and school journal from 1899. Much like the parish bulletin of today, the publication lists the "order of services" with Mases on Sunday at 6, 7, 8:30 am. A children's Mass at 9:30, High Mass and sermon at 11, Sunday school at 2 pm. Vespers, rosary, sermon and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament were held at 7:30 pm. Numerous parish organizations were listed including the League of the Sacred Heart, individual sodalities for married and single men and ladies, several choirs and the "Bona Mors," the Happy Death Association. The parish was also home to many benevolent societies such as the Ladies Aid Society, the Knights of St. John and the St. Cecelia Auxiliary.

The news portion of the bulletin is informative and neighborly with such entries as "Mrs. Frank Walter, lately of 2926 Gilpin Street, has removed to Cripple Creek."

"Mr. James Nixon of 3036 Stout Street, had a very severe attack of appendicitis last month."

"Rev. Father Casey's memorial sermon at Mt. Olivet on Decoration Day was a masterly piece of eloquence-patriotic, philosophic and pious."

The parish was a vibrant community and the "Journal" reflects that. As the church prepares for its 130th anniversary, we hope to instill that same excitement and devotion.

Sally and David Solano

If you spend any time at all at Sacred Heart Parish you are likely to meet Sally and David Solano, long-time Denver residents with roots in Sacred Heart and Sts Peter and Paul parishes. Now retired from Quest, Sally and David devote their time and energy to Sacred Heart, volunteering for the food bank at the church, working with the parish council, the stewardship committee and numerous volunteers. Their most important undertaking for the parish, however, has been the religious education program.

Religious education will resume on Saturday, September 5th and continue to the end of May. Recent renovations and improvements have resulted in 10 brand new classrooms able to accommodate as many as 200 students. Studies include preparation for First Communion or Confirmation with the cost for instructional materials-$35 for First Communion, $45 for Confirmation-being the lowest in the diocese. A week of faith-based summer camp will be offered in June. Religious education for adults, including Baptism and Confirmation, is also available.

Sally and David Solano hope their enthusiasm will encourage parishioners to take advantage of the opportunities to broaden their faith. For further information, call 303-294-9830.

Sacred Heart Parish Picnic

As people gathered at Cuernavaca Park on Sunday, June 28, Father Gene Emrisek began with celebration of Mass in both English and Spanish, praising mothers for accepting children from God, and young people for their enthusiasm and courage. Father Gene encouraged parishioners to be thankful this week for the blessings in our lives.

Mass was followed by an enormous variety of food, entertainment and parishioners and families visiting with one another.

Pastor Gene Emrisek

Left to right, Rosa Mendoza, Teresa Mendoza, Gloria Aguilar, Yesica Masias, Mere Hexcugtla and (back) Jorge Reyes lent their musical talents to the celebration.

Rubel and Jose served up the hamburgers and hot dogs.

Sacred Heart Parish Picnic

It's finally summer and we're going to hold a picnic on Sunday, June 28 at Cuernavaca Park at 20th and Platte Street, from 11 am to 5 pm. We will begin with the celebration of a bilingual Mass at 12 pm and follow with food, fellowship and games for the children.

Bring a plate to share, such as salads, beans, pasta, fruit or other dishes. Contact the parish at 303-294-9830 for directions or more information.

Block Party

What better way to start the summer and meet the neighbors than to hold a block party? That was the idea behind the activities at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, May 30th. Visitors could meet members of the parish, pastor Father Gene Emrisek, and the new director of religious education, David Solano and his wife Sally. Parish volunteers dispensed information about the church, the programs available and the ongoing restoration. There were free hot dogs from the grill, popcorn and snow cones. Entertainment was provided by two different bands and the Grupo Tlaloc Aztec dancers. It is hoped that there will be a new awareness of Sacred Heart in the neighborhood and that visitors will return again.

Grupo Tlaloc dancers provided historic Aztec dances.

Pat Archuletta grills a mean hotdog!

Block Party May 30

Sacred Heart Parish at 2760 Larimer Street in Denver will be having a block party, Saturday, May 30th from 10 am until 3 pm. There will be music, hot dogs, popcorn snow cones, entertainment and a chance to meet your neighbors. 

The beautiful, 130-year-old church will be open for viewing and information will be available about some of the church's better know parishioners, Blessed Julia Greeley and Molly Brown. The festivities will be held in the area just south of the church and all are welcome. Call 303-294-8032 for more information.