(Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak)
SUN PRAIRIE — As the bells rang out from the church’s bell tower, people filled Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church for a special Mass culminating the parish’s year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 27.
“For 150 years this parish has been a beacon of light for our Catholic faith in this community,” said Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, pastor of the Sun Prairie parish, in a welcome message in the Mass booklet.
“It is a special gift to be able to celebrate together this anniversary. However, we know there are generations who have gone before us on whose legacy we are building. The awesome responsibility of continuing to pass on our wonderful Catholic faith to the next generation is ours. We know that God, who has begun this good work, continues to be with us in the exciting years that lie before this marvelous Catholic community of Sacred Hearts,” he said.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino presided at the sesquicentennial Mass, joined by 17 concelebrating priests, most of whom had served previously at the parish. Also involved in the Mass were Msgr. James R. Bartylla, vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and Fr. Gregory S. Ihm, master of ceremonies.
Bishop’s remarks
In his greeting at the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Morlino gave his “heartfelt congratulations” to all those filling the church. He especially thanked the pastor, Monsignor Moellenberndt, who has been a mentor to so many priests with whom he has worked at the parish.
In his homily, Bishop Morlino said that the people of Sacred Hearts Parish “stand on the shoulders” of their forefathers and foremothers and on the priests and Sisters who have served in the parish.
“They have done a lot, but today is not a day to rest on your laurels,” said the bishop. “It’s a day to look ahead to the race that is still to be run.”
He noted that for most of the past 150 years, we have lived in a culture with people who knew they needed God. However, today, “Many people don’t live as if they need God.”
Members of Sacred Hearts Parish must realize their need for God’s mercy every day. “Yours are the shoulders upon which your children and grandchildren will stand,” he said. “May those shoulders be very steady.”
Thanks from pastor
In the Sunday bulletin, Monsignor Moellenberndt gave special thanks to Lisa Gorecki for her countless hours as sesquicentennial chair. He also thanked Sharon Ouimette for helping to coordinate and decorate for the Mass, as well as Naomi Matthees for the music for the Mass and Jane McNally for the beautiful new banners for the church.
Parish mission
Founded in 1863, Sacred Hearts Parish strives to model its parish life and activities in the love of our Lord and our Blessed Mother, says a history on the parish website. “It is in this hope and love that we come together to celebrate the sacraments and bring the love of Christ’s Church to our Sun Prairie community.”
The parish of 1,423 families operates Sacred Hearts School, which currently enrolls approximately 475 students. The parish’s Christian Formation program ministers to more than 800 students in elementary and secondary education.
The pastoral staff is committed to the sick and the homebound. The pastoral staff make regular visits to area nursing homes, care centers, and hospitals, providing the sacraments to those who are not physically able to be present with us at Mass.
“Through prayer, catechesis, formation, the holy Mass, and spiritual renewal, our parish carries on the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all nations,” says the website article.