Ministries & Programs

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Sacred Heart Parish provides the opportunity for prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament Exposed. Parishioners are invited to spend time with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Join the dedicated corps of prayerful parishioners whose commitments of time make it possible for the Blessed Sacrament to be exposed. Pray in the presence of Christ for an increase in priestly and religious vocations, the renewal of family life, the Pope's special needs, and answers to your private petitions. Sign-up charts are located in the back of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Cursillo

Cursillo (Spanish for "short course") is a three-day weekend where lay people experience a deep personal encounter with Christ. This personal relationship with Christ becomes lived and shared as participants step out to evangelize their own environment. It provides Christians with the ability to go forward to live their "fourth day" for the rest of their lives through group reunions and ultreya, the reunion of faith sharing communities.

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter is a weekend designed for couples who have good marriages, to increase their communications with, and love for, each other. To join a Marriage Encounter contact the Marriage Encounter couple through the parish office.

Small Church Communities

These small faith groups do not take the place of "church"-they are church! Through small church communities, parishioners have an opportunity to know and be known, to help and to be helped, by sharing their faith experiences. This deepened Christian life is then brought to the entire community through Sunday Eucharistic liturgy. Please contact the coordinator of information.

RCIA

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Education of Adults) is the process by which interested non-Catholic adults become members of the Christian community of the Catholic Church. It involves approximately one to two years of preparation. There are four stages in this journey: inquiry, the catechumenate, the period of purification and enlightenment, and mystagogia or post baptismal catechesis. Both the laity and the clergy provide the education in the ways of the Lord and the beliefs of the Church. Lay sponsors, through their own example and by the development of a relationship of charity and trust, help support and guide the candidates in their journey of faith. The entire parish community is invited to become involved in the preparation through prayer and witness and by renewing its own commitment in faith. Anyone who is considering becoming a part of the Catholic community of faith may enroll. This would include those baptized in other Christian denominations, those unbaptized, and those baptized in infancy as Catholics, but not brought up in the faith. The Inquirers class meets by appointment with Brenda Kracht. The R.C.I.A. process does not have a "beginning time." Those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church may contact the parish office. R.C.I.A. meets from 9:00 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings in Sacred Heart School

Christian Initiation of Children

The Christian Initiation of Children is modeled on the R.C.I.A. program. It is designed to prepare children of elementary and high school age who are unbaptized, baptized in another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholic but uncatechized to enter the Church and receive the appropriate sacraments of initiation. The process is family centered, and monthly gatherings of parents and children are held. Elementary school children are also simultaneously enrolled in Sacred Heart School or Children's Religious Education (C.R.E.) classes. Call Linda Grady at 435-3167 (Mailbox 302) for information or to enroll your child.

Parish Outreach

Altar Society

The Altar Society is made up of women of the parish who meet monthly from September to May for prayer, business, and tea. In May they sponsor a Madonna Tea open to the whole parish. Volunteers from the Altar Society clean the altars and sacristies, and launder altar linens.

Catholic Daughters

This organization provides fellowship and an opportunity for parish women to serve others. Working together, the Catholic Daughters support many endeavors, including missionaries, vocations, assistance to unwed mothers, and Sacred Heart Church and Parish School.

Coffee and Doughnuts

This weekly gathering is held after the 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Masses on Sunday. A sense of community is carried over from the church into the parish hall, where parishioners, guests, and visitors can share in the fellowship of Sacred Heart Parish.

Co-op Nursery

Parents with very small children are invited to join a group of parents who take turns caring for these children during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Toys and space are provided in the playground adjacent to the Parish Hall-Ministry Center.

Hands Across the Bridge

On the first Sunday of each month, parishioners bring non-perishable food items to the church at all the Masses. This collection of food for the poor is used both to assist those in need in Coronado and to help a parish in San Diego.

Spirituality & Worship

Altar Service

Boys and Girls in grades four through twelve are welcome to be altar servers. They assist at Eucharistic and other liturgical celebrations. Training sessions are held regularly. Young people may join at any time during the year.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

All children in grades one through six are invited to join in the Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Grades one through three are taken to the choir room, and grades four through six to the Ministry Center, to celebrate with a leader at their own level. Readings are adapted for children, and a dialogue homily makes the meaning of the Scriptures for the day clear. The children rejoin their families in the church at the time of the Offertory. Volunteers, who serve once every three or four weeks, are welcome to assist, and training is provided.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion during Mass. Some ministers also carry the Blessed Sacrament from the communal celebration to those who are sick or homebound. Anyone who would like to serve in this ministry should contact the chairman of Eucharistic Ministers, or the parish office.

Hospitality

Members of this group extend a warm welcome to persons attending Sunday Masses at Sacred Heart Church. They greet members of the parish as well as visitors before Mass, and invite people to feel at home in the parish. Volunteers are welcome to join the greeters. Please call the chairperson for details.

Lectors

Lectors perform the important ministry of proclaiming The Word of God at Mass and at other celebrations of the parish community. Contact the chairman of Lectors for information on volunteering.

Musicians

Sacred Heart Choir (5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass) The Contemporary Choir, made up of high school singers and musicians, rehearses each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the church. New members are welcome to join this energetic group at any time. Sacred Heart Choir (9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass) This choir, known as the "Niners," meets at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room (behind the Ministry Center). The choir is diverse in its makeup, its members, and its instruments, as well as in the style of music shared. If you enjoy good liturgical music and wonderful fellowship, please consider joining. Sacred Heart Choir (11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass) The "Loft Choir" sings choral music of all ages and styles, leading the congregation in song and worship. The membership includes four professional soloist/section leaders. Rehearsal is every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room; warm-up on Sundays is at 10:15 a.m. in the same location. New singers are always welcome!

Ushers

Ushers perform an important service for our parish. They assist with seating, receive the collection, help people in emergencies, and hand out weekly bulletins. They may also attend to other needs as directed by the pastor.

Island Catholic Youth (ICY)

High School

Our Youth Ministry Coordinator works with a large team of parent volunteers. The aim of the group is to create a community in which young people share in the responsibilities of the mission of Christ's Church, and take joy in the Christian life. Activities include mission outreach, retreats, and social activities. Confirmation classes are a component of the high school program. Annual participation in Steubenville West in July, which will begin a San Diego branch in 2003, is a highlight for many of our young people. Please call the Youth Office for further information.

Middle School

Parent leaders plan activities for middle school students to develop fellowship and enhance their spiritual growth. Special events are also held. All seventh and eighth graders are invited to join. Please call the Youth Office for further information.