Ministries, Groups, and Devotions
Sacred Heart Church is known for Basic Ecclesial Communities (Comunidades Eclesiales de Base) which originated in the Catholic Church in Latin Americare.
They are small groups who meet to reflect upon scripture and apply its lessons to their situation.
Comunidad Santa Cecilia
St Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians. The Church celebrate her on November 22nd. Members of this ecclesial community are called to live the brotherhood at all times, assisting each other their in needs, praying at all times ( good and in bad ), and always seeking to be a faithful community to our parish cooperating in each and every one of the celebrations.
Comunidad Nuestra Senora de Fatima
“She is our refuge”, say the members of this ecclesial community. Refuge of our needs ( illness, prayer, and support). We commit ourselves to prayer at all times, to respect each other, to be obedient and above all to love Jesus Christ. The apparitions of Fatima have to do with the three children Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Bishop José Alves Correia da Silva declared the events worthy of belief on 13 October 1930.
Comunidad Santa Teresa de Calcuta
We members of this ecclesial community are committed to follow and live the FCI: Fraternity, commitment, Identity. Fraternity: support, trust, affection, respect and brotherhood. Commitment: with God and with his church, in prayer and action. Identity: formation, growth, learning and knowledge in the image and likeness of Christ.
Comunidad Santa Lucia
We members of this ecclesial community exhorts each other to follow Jesus Christ and to persevere in our Faith. It is like a united family, we feel the love of God in our hearts. We praise, we pray, we share our joys and sorrows. We express the immense love of God and his mercy. St. Lucy is venerated on her feast day, December 13, by a variety of ceremonies. In Sweden , St. Lucia’s Day marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration. On that day the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears as a crown an evergreen wreath studded with candles. The festival is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. St. Lucy, Italian Santa Lucia, (died 304, Syracuse, Sicily; feast day December 13), virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily) and of virgins. Because of various traditions associating her name with light, she came to be thought of as the patron of sight and was depicted by medieval artists carrying a dish containing her eyes.
Comunidad San Francisco De Asis
Family, Love, Peace, Team! We members of this ecclesial community are a family in christ where we exhort each other to continue growing in our faith while supporting each other. We unite in prayer, we encourage each other, we console each other, we also rejoice in celebrating special moments in our lives. Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Conchita Cabrera
Concepcion Cabrera de Armida was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, in 1862, the seventh of nine children. Later known as Conchita, she experienced mystical gifts even as a child, including having the baby Jesus as a playmate. She was a mother of nine, widowed at age 39. While raising her children as a model of Catholic parenthood, she also became a prolific spiritual author whose diary alone includes more than 60,000 pages despite no formal schooling. A regular in eucharistic adoration, Blessed Conchita received messages from the Lord regarding the need for sanctity in priesthood. Church authorities have accepted her writings, which are quoted in the Congregation for the Clergy’s booklet on priestly holiness and spiritual maternity — the idea that priests have motherlike duties in spiritual life. In 1907, she received a message from Jesus: “I must be offered by you at every moment.”
Altar Servers
We welcome our children in the age of reason that is to say those who have received sacraments of Baptism and First Communion to serve in this ministry. For any inquires please contact the Parish Office at 210- 227-5059
The following guidelines were prepared by the Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. According to the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the suggested guidelines have been slightly revised. They may be used as a basis for developing diocesan guidelines.
• Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the instituted acolyte's liturgical functions to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. 100 (except for the distribution of Holy Communion) and nos. 187 - 190 and no. 193 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
• The determination that women and girls may function as servers in the liturgy should be made by the bishop on the diocesan level so that there might be a uniform diocesan policy.
• No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers." The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte.
• Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
• Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. The formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.
• Since the role of the server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.
• Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the same liturgical vesture.
• Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant, when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
• Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
• Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
• Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop.
• The Order for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers (Book of Blessings, nos. 1847-1870) may be used before servers first begin to function in this ministry.
Lectors
Thank you for being a lector at Sacred Heart Parish! The ministry of lector is one of the most visible roles and service in the sacred liturgy. We are grateful for your faithful service, careful preparation, and loving commitment to proclaiming the Good News in word and deed.
ROLE OF THE LECTOR:
“When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks
to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel”
(General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 29).
SPIRITUALITY:
Lectors should strive to live the Catholic Faith in spirit and in truth.
Regular Mass attendance, daily prayer (especially meditation on the
Scriptures and Eucharistic Adoration), regular Confession, and
participation in faith formation and the life of the parish are key. To
proclaim the Word of God in a compelling and powerful manner, lectors
should heed the Lord’s invitation to ongoing conversion and friendship
with Him. We cannot give what we do not have, so we rely on the Lord
to fill us with his strength.
Consider this prayer as the basis for your spirituality as lector: The Lord
be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart that I may worthily proclaim
the words of salvation.
PREPARATION:
Practice the readings several days in advance of your assigned Mass.
Read the texts aloud, pray about them, and consult Bible commentaries
and pronunciation guides as needed.
DRESS CODE:
Lectors should dress neatly, in a way consonant with the dignity of their
role. Good taste and common sense are the best guides in this area. What
you wear sends signals to the assembly about how seriously you take
your ministry. Dress how you proclaim – with dignity and respect. Never
wear anything that will detract from the scripture. The focus must
always be on the reading, not the reader.
Please avoid wearing jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip-flop sandals, shoes
with loud heels, and distracting patterns and colors. Men are encouraged
to wear a tie and/or suit jacket. White and black attires are required
while proclaiming the word of God at Sacred Heart Parish.
For more reading concerning lectors, please browse the USCCB online:
Eucharistic Ministers
I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.-John 6:35
Thank you for being an Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Sacred Heart Parish! It is a privilege to be an Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We are grateful for your faithful service, careful preparation, and loving commitment to proclaiming the Good News in word and deed. Being an extraordinary minister takes more than a few minutes at Mass when you distribute Holy Communion. Good extraordinary ministers take their spiritual growth seriously.
GUIDELINES FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
• At least 18 years old
• A Catholic who has received First Holy Communion and
Confirmation,
as well as one who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to
be assumed.
• Free from any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared
- Reverential, respectful of his/her faith and the Blessed Sacrament, and
of good moral character
• Possessed of the necessary ability and talents to proclaim the Word of
God in a clear, dignified, and effective manner; and
• If married, be in a valid marriage according to the law of the Catholic
Church
DRESSCODE:
Please dress in a dignified manner. Athletic wear is not appropriate, and
you are expected to wear your “Sunday best” when serving in this role.
Ushers
MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY
Ushers and Greeters are called to be Ministers of Hospitality. They are
entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming and belonging to all the
faithful assembled for worship. They are the first point of contact for the
communal celebration of the Liturgy and because of this, should take
special steps in being living representatives of the Parish Mission
Statement. Ministers of Hospitality minister to the entire community in a
very active way. By freeing each person of their own personal
impediments to the Mass through a welcoming atmosphere, ministers of
hospitality take an active role in enabling each person to come to a freer
expression of God in the Liturgy.
USHERS OR MINISTER OF HOSPITALITY:
In general, ushers carry responsibility for the following:
1. Seating those assembled for Liturgy and especially taking special
efforts to seat the faithful during the natural breaks in the Mass.
2. Attending to the needs of the disabled through such things as holding
doors open, or locating nonsloped areas places for wheelchairs and
walkers.
3. Making sure that the gifts of bread and wine are in their proper places
before Mass and asking members of the assembly to bring forth the gifts
at the Offertory
4. Checking the worship space to make certain that it free from clutter
5. Assisting in the Rite of Preparation:
• Circulating the collection receptacles (there should be a sufficient
numbers of ushers to facilitate the collection in a timely and
orderly fashion)
• Adhering to the Guidelines from the Diocese of Orange Office of
Finance specifically pertaining to the collection of monies during
the Mass.
• Assisting in the Offertory Procession
6. Assisting the handicapped in receiving Holy Communion as well as
facilitating the Communion procession. However, it is not necessary to
stand at each row while that row goes to Communion, which has the
appearance of “keeping track” of who goes and who does not receive
Holy Communion.
7. Offering the parish bulletin to the faithful as they exit the church
GREETERS In general, greeters carry the responsibility for the
following:
• Opening doors to make sure the entrance into the church is
welcoming to all
• Giving full attention to the gathering assembly by offering a “Good
Morning” (keep in mind that the sense of touch can be sometimes
more powerful than words. A handshake or a hug can speak
volumes.)
• Smile, which not only magnifies your true inner sincerity and
sensitivity, but is an international sign of welcome to all the
faithful.
PREPARATION:
1. Pray.
2. Seek Christ in everyone.
3. Embrace your Parish Mission Statement.
Youth & Young Adults
Dear young people... It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and socially, making the world more human and more fraternal. (St. John Paul 11)
Young adults are persons in their late teens, twenties, and thirties who represent diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, educational, vocational, social, political, and spiritual backgrounds. They are college students, workers, and professionals; they are persons in military service; they are single, married, divorced, or widowed; they are with or without children; they are newcomers in search of a better life. The Archdiocese of San Antonio is delighted to serve the Young Adults of our communities! The needs and gifts of Young Adults are varied; so are the different ministries that aim to connect Young Adults to Jesus and the Church, calling them to live God’s love in communion with their peers and the wider Church, while finding ways to answer God’s call to place one’s gifts at the service of others. We accompany Young Adults in their journey of faith as they encounter Jesus Christ by: • Creating and/or hosting events and initiatives that help young adults encounter and grow closer to Jesus Christ, the Church, as well as their peers in a vibrant community of faith through spiritual formation, service and fellowship opportunities. • Building bridges of community, collaboration and lasting friendships among young adults • Assisting new parish young adult groups with their startup processes or the revitalizing of existing groups • Supporting the young adult events provided throughout our Archdiocese by other Catholic agencies and providing a forum for the sharing of these events
Choirs
The great composer Johann Sebastian Bach said, & quote;The aim and final reason of all music is none else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit." Our church is blessed to have gifted singers and skillful instrumentalists, both professional and lay musicians, who participate in our ministry week after week. It is our goal to present music that glorifies, edifies, and ministers to the saints who worship with us.
Acts (Mens' & Womens')
ACTS: Adoration, Community, Theology, Service®
For more than 33 years, the ACTS Retreat has served as a parish-based
evangelization tool to offer a unique opportunity for an encounter with
Christ to our fellow Brothers and Sisters and to build parish community.
ACTS Missions provides training, support, resources, and materials to
make the ACTS Retreat available to Men, Women, and Teens in English
and Spanish.
Your gift supports our mission.
"When it came time to give our first ACTS retreat, I was asked to be the
Director. I’ve always been very organized and through the Director’s
Training, I came to appreciate the underlying organization of the retreat
and how God’s love unfolds for each individual through the various
activities. It’s very impressive. Having received so much from receiving
and from giving the retreat, I truly believe in helping to support ACTS
Missions."
Janet P., Lexington, KY
Every donation counts. Can we count on your gift to fuel our mission?
Thank you and may God bless you.
Matachines
On costumes that are part of a centuries-old tradition honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe . The Virgen de la Guadalupe is also known as the Patroness of the Americas, though she holds a special place in Mexicans' hearts.
Matachines ( Spanish singular matachín; sword dancers dressed in ritual attire called bouffon) are a carnivalesque dance troupe that emerged in Spain in the early 17th century inspired by similar European traditions such as the moresca . The term danza de matachines is also used to refer to their characteristic dance and music. The dance was documented in the 1642 treatise Discursos Sobre el Arte del dançado by Juan de Esquivel Navarro. [1] The tradition was imported into Latin American countries such as Mexico and Peru. The Matachines dance for a deeper religious purpose, since most of them join to venerate either Mother Mary ( Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, Immaculate conception, etc.), a saint (the group usually chooses the saint that pertains to the church they belong to), or simply to worship Christ or God the Holy Trinity, demonstrated by the three forked items symbolized as a "Sword of the Holy Trinity". Dressed in traditional ceremonial dress and clothing, the chief characters are El Monarca (typically Moctezuma or other tribal leaders), the captains (usually consist of 2-4 and are Moctezuma's main generals), La Malinche or Malintzín, the Native or Mestizo woman; and El Toro, the malevolent comic man of the play (also symbolizes Satan, or the Devil, according to Roman Catholic religious interpretations), dressed with the skins of the buffalo and wearing the horns of this sacred ancestor; Abuelo, the grandfather, and Abuela, grandmother. With the help of a chorus of dancers, they portray the desertion of his people by Moctezuma, the luring of him back by the wiles and smiles of La Malinche, the final reunion of king and people and the killing of El Toro, who is supposed to have made all the mischief. Much symbolism is seen in these groups. The basic symbolism of the dance is good vs. evil, with good prevailing.