Sacred Heart marks its 125th

Instead of a pastor and several associate pastors, a deacon and his wife now live in the rectory, fulfilling many of the administrative and pastoral needs of parishioners.

Such is the story of Sacred Heart Church, which marks its 125th anniversary June 11 with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and priests who formerly served there.

Since beginning as administrator last year, Deacon William Gorman has gotten used to his new ministry there, and parishioners have grown more comfortable with not having a priest-in-residence.

"The people have been very welcoming. It's been a change; but for the most part, people have moved into transition very well and been supportive," he said.

History

A temporary, wooden building at 25 Erie Street served as the first church; it was built in a week in 1874 by parishioners under the direction of Rev. Francis Maguire, the first pastor.

Two years later, the cornerstone of the permanent church was laid at Walter and North Second Streets. The church was dedicated in 1880, and many parishioners donated their time and labor to build it, including the father of a future bishop, Edmund F. Gibbons. Through time

Father Maguire remained as pastor until 1898 and was succeeded by Rev. James Peyton, who served until his death in 1906. Other pastors who have served at Sacred Heart include: Rev. John Hayden, 1906-09; Rev. Francis Toolan, 1909-27; Rev. Dennis Mahoney, 1927-28 (administrator); Rev. Ernest Neville, 1928-30;

Rev. John O'Connor, 1930-47; Rev. John Gaffigan, 1947-69; Rev. Donald Doyle, 1969-72; Rev. John Rooney, 1972-96; and Rev. Thomas Hayes, 1996-98 (administrator).

The entire church property, including the church, hall and parish house, were renovated during Father Neville's pastorate, and the parish catechetical program also began at that time under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Father O'Connor was both editor of The Evangelist and pastor of Sacred Heart during his years at the parish.

Education

When the Sisters weren't teaching catechetical instruction, they performed many types of social work, such as home visitations, taking the parish census and even chaperoning high school students' activities. Their ministry led many Catholics back to the parish and increased the number of Baptisms.

Father Rooney's pastorate came at a time when the Irish population of the parish and neighborhood was changing to one that was more ethnically diverse. More work was done on the church and rectory, but the school was closed and eventually became an adult home.

Loyal people

"We've seen a great deal of loyal support from parishioners over the years," he said.

Now that Sacred Heart no longer has a priest living at the parish, it's up to parishioners to deal with the change and see that it can be a new beginning.

"You have to go through the grieving process; and as we do, a new life will emerge," he said. "It's a parish of the future. There's a tremendous opportunity for a lot of creative, innovative work. It's sad, in a sense, but you can be glad for this new model."

New style

"It's so important to me to preach. You've got these people for one hour a week, and in that one hour, you've got seven minutes to get your message across," he said. "When they leave, they've got to have learned something and feel good about the Gospel."

Rev. Kofi Ntsiful-Amissah, administrator of St. George's Black Apostolate, is the main celebrant for Mass, but other priests, including Father Rooney, also help. Rev. John Diem Dinh Tran, CNC, is director of the Vietnamese Apostolate at the parish.

(Several priests who have served at Sacred Heart over the years are expected to attend the 125th anniversary Mass at 5:30 p.m. on June 11, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Dinner follows at Wolfert's Roost in Albany. More than 300 people have signed up for the occasion.)

(06-10-99) [[In-content Ad]]