Welcome!

Welcome to the Shrine of the Sacred Heart! Serving the Mount Pleasant community of Washington, DC for over 100 years, we strive to live out our mission to be the Heart of Christ at 16th and Park through ministries of Worship, Faith Formation, Service, and Community Building. We hope that you will let these ministries serve you, and we hope that you will be inspired to become involved in some of these ministries and help us in our mission to serve others.

Worship

Eucharistic Ministers - Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist the priest with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and to the homebound. This ministry is open to fully initiated Catholics at least 16 years of age. Training and certification is provided by the Archdiocese.
Contact: Michael Healy at eucharist@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Altar Servers - The altar servers assist the priest before, during, and after Mass. This ministry is open to those who have made their first communion.
Contact: Laura Elkins at servers@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Lectors - The Lectors proclaim the Word of God for the Sunday Liturgy.
Contact: John Hughes at lectors@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Music Ministry - The music ministry is charged with enlivening the mass with soulful and uplifting music. This ministry is open to all musicians and singers interested in participating.
Contact: Charlene Lockwood at music@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers and Greeters) - Ministers of Hospitality greet and welcome parishioners as they enter the church; distribute hymnals, song sheets, and bulletins; take up the collection; facilitate the Communion Procession; direct parishioners to social events, meetings, and other special events; and straighten up the church after Mass.
Contact: Brian Tefft at hospitality@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Liturgy Committee - The Liturgy committee works to plan and coordinate the liturgical life of the parish.
Contact: Barbara McCrabb at liturgy@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Homily Group - This group of parishioners gently advises our priests on how the style and substance of their homilies are received.
Contact: Fr. Matthew Palkowski at 202-234-8000 or homilies@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Faith Formation

CCD and RCIC - The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) is a religious education program for school-aged children who do not attend Catholic schools. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) provides additional education and formation for children of ages 7 and older who have not yet been baptized. Teachers are needed for Sundays after church and other times.
Contact: Monica Arce at ccd-rcic@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for adults preparing for any of the sacraments.
Contact: Fr. Matthew Palkowski at 202-234-8000 or rcia@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Service

Dinner Program - The Dinner Program provides meals for homeless and low-income members of our community every weekday evening in the Gavan Center. Volunteers help transport the food, set up, serve the meal, and clean up, 4:30–6:30 PM. Volunteers are welcome during any portion of this period.
Contact: Edward Hoyt at dinnerprogram@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Peace and Justice Ministry - This group comes together to put our Catholic faith into action to promote peace and justice in our community and beyond. Sign up for the Peace and Justice Ministry listserv at: http://groups.google.com/group/sacredpeace
Contact: Nate Wildermuth at peacejustice@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Green Ministry - This ministry is focused on helping Sacred Heart Church and community to become energy efficient and live in one with our planet.
Contact: Laura Elkins at green@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Community Building

Baby and Toddler Group - The Baby and Toddler Group provides fellowship and support for new parents and parents of young children by hosting playgroups and special family activities.
Contact: Elizabeth Mora at baby-toddler@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Elizabeth Ministries - The Elizabeth Ministries follow the example of Mary and Elizabeth in the story of the Visitation and bring together women who share similar experiences. By sharing personal stories, women are able to support, encourage, assist, and pray for one another. Maternal mentoring is offered for pregnancy, birth, adoption, infertility, miscarriage, and other special needs, and infant or child death.
Contact: Elizabeth Mora at elizabeth@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Married and Engaged Couples - The Couples Ministry offers three services: the Couples Group, FOCCUS, and Pre-Cana. The Couples Group is a support group that meets monthly after mass for brunch and conversation. FOCCUS is an instrument that helps couples reflect on their shared values and areas where they differ. Pre-Cana is offered as a "couple to couple" program which satisfies the Archdiocesan requirement for marriage preparation.
Contact: Don McCrabb at couples@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Young Adults - Young adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s come together for social activities, community service, and prayer, to deepen our connections to our parish and community. To find out about upcoming young adult events and service opportunities, sign up for the young adult email listserv at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SacredHeartYoungAdults/
Contact: Angela Beaver at youngadults@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Young at Heart Group - This group of Sacred Heart seniors comes together in faith, fun, games, and fellowship.
Contact: Juanita Matthews at youngatheart@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Small Faith-Sharing Groups - Small groups meet together in homes of parishioners to pray together and discuss the weekly scripture during Lent and at other times throughout the year.
Contact: Fr. Matthew Palkowski at 202-234-8000 or sharing@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Sodality of Mary - This group of women joins together in prayer and community in loving devotion to our Lady.
Contact: Fayeth Brown at sodality@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Sunday Fellowship - This group provides coffee, juice, baked goods, and more delicious treats for sale in the Gavan Center after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses.
Contact: Jeannette Richardson at fellowship@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Parish Council

The Parish Council is a group of 14 members elected and appointed to advise and work with the Pastor to support and coordinate activities of the parish. These activities focus on worship, faith formation, service, and community building. Their work supports our parish to live its mission to be the heart of Christ at 16th and Park. Please work with us, and feel free to contact us for information or to provide suggestions about the activities and ministries of the Parish.
Contact: Rose Schneider at council@shrineofthesacredheart.org.

Want to Get Involved?

As you can see, there is much work for the Heart of Christ to do here at 16th and Park. If you would like to become involved in any of these ministries, or for more information, please contact the appropriate person for any ministries that interest you.