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Mission Statement of Sacred Heart Church
Called by God, we, Sacred Heart Parish Community gathered in Christ's universal Roman Catholic Church in this twenty-first century celebrate the gift of our faith. We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek to live our lives to bring the presence of Jesus to all people.
By striving to live our faith we hope to inspire future generations to center their lives in the heart of Jesus.
Pastor: Reverend Mark R. Jette
mjette47@gmail.com
Administrative Assistant: Elizabeth Grigoriou
elizabethgrigoriou@necoxmail.com
Rectory: Telephone: 860-668-4246 Fax: 860-668-1337
Email: sheart.church@sbcglobal.net
Rectory Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
(Rectory Office closed on Friday and Holidays)
Religious Education:
Telephone: 860-668-7766 Fax: 860-370-5164
Donna Swols, Director
Pat Sagon, Confirmation Coordinator
Administrative Assistant: Jackie Dion
A Message from Father Mark Jette
THE MASS HOLE
On an Irish golf trip some years ago, I played Waterville Golf Links on the Ring of Kerry. It is one of the great Irish links courses, built in 1973. As with many links courses, each hole has a name. The 12th hole, a 164 yd par 3, is named The Mass Hole. A plaque at the tee tells the story of why it bears that name:
In the 18th century, the celebration of Mass was punishable by death in Ireland, forcing the local population to use the secluded valley in front of this green to hold their services. The original links design called for a green to be placed in this hidden vale. However, the local workmen declared the area sacred ground and refused to disturb the site. A compromise was reached with the green being relocated on the hill overlooking the Mass Hole.
Walking through the Mass Hole was an awesome religious experience for me. In that valley 300 years ago, people risked their lives to come to this place of hiding to attend Mass. Even though it is today located on a golf course, it remains holy ground and a sacred witness to our faith and to the presence of Jesus calling His people to His table.
There are Mass Holes and Mass Rocks all over Ireland. They are shrines recalling a people who refused to give up their faith despite persecution. Local parishes still hold annual walks to these holy sites to celebrate Mass and to connect with the faith of their ancestors.
Throughout history, from the Roman catacombs to the many countries where the faith was persecuted to the concentration camps in World War II, there are inspiring stories of the faith of our fathers who held on to their faith and continued to gather for Mass and Holy Communion even in times of great hardship and persecution.
While we do not live in a time of persecution and have the freedom to worship, many no longer come to the table of the Lord nor see it as holy ground.
May the witness of our ancestors in faith recall Catholics today to the altar where Jesus calls us to share His life and to be one with Him.
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