Parish Celebrates 130 Years

The sun shown on the gathering crowd as the bell in the steeple announced the celebration - Sacred Heart Parish was 130 years old on September 19. Visitors admired the many renovations to the historic structure including the restoration of the original red brick surface, the cleaning of the stained-glass windows and the rebuilt stairway to the front of the church. Less visible were the extensive heating and air conditioning upgrades and an additional fire escape that brought the buildings up to current fire codes. Many elderly parishioners were particularly grateful for the elevator that brings worshippers from the ground floor to the main body of the church.

The open house was followed by a celebration of the Mass by Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Two choirs of the parish sang as several councils of Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians processed ahead of numerous clergy, parishioners and visitors. In his homily, Archbishop Chaput reminded the congregation of the work of those had come before - the founders, the Jesuits and Capuchins - and gave special recognition to Father Marcus Medrano for "keeping the faith" for so many years. The archbishop focused on the gospel of Mark, which teaches us that "If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all." The archbishop added that churches should be “schools where we learn how to love, making ourselves like children, simple and dependent on God.”

The celebration continued at Centro San Juan Diego, the former Sacred Heart School, at 2860 Lawrence Street.

The parish invites visitors to the church with daily Mass at 8 am in the chapel on the ground floor, and Sunday Masses at 8 am, 9:45 am (Spanish) and 11:30 am.

Long-time parishioner, Erma Zamora, describes plans for the prayer garden.

Archbishop Chaput selected Spencer to demonstrate how Christians should become like children before God.

130 year Celebration at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart Church, Denver's oldest continuing operating Catholic church at 2760 Larimer Street, will celebrate its 130 year anniversary on Saturday September 19th. The festivities include:

4:00 – 5:00 p.m: Open house - Walk through the Church and the Parish Office to see the new construction and renovation. Enjoy the details of a 130 year old structure.

5:00 – 6:30 pm: Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Chaput, in appreciation of the many years of Catholic service to the City and County of Denver. 6:30 – 9:00 pm: Reception at San Juan Diego Center, the former Sacred Heart School at 2740 Lawrence.

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.