Mission Statement of Sacred Heart Parish - McAllen, Texas

  • Come to me you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest.  Shoulder my yolk and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your soul.  Yes, my yolk is easy and my burden light.–Matthew 11:23-30

History

The following is taken from a booklet published by Sacred Heart Parish commemorating the parish’s Diamond Jubilee, 1911-1986:

“Sacred Heart Parish was the principal church for central Hidalgo County since its beginning in 1911.  From its original territory which included Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Edinburg, San Manuel, Laguna Seca, and Hidalgo, the parish produced a total of fifteen parishes within its original borders.  Appropriately the parish rejoices in the title “Mother Church” and “Founding Parish” for central Hidalgo County.  The roots of Sacred Heart Parish stem from the La Lomita Chapel in Mission, Texas.  The La Lomita Chapel had served since the late 1800’s as a resting place and waystation  for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.  The Oblates traveled on horseback as the Cavalry of Christ to visit the ranches along the river bank and in the interior of the Rio Grande Valley…more than 37,000 persons have been baptized, more than 23,000 have been confirmed, and more than 4,500 couples have begun their married life inside the walls of Sacred Heart Church.  The parish has not been lacking in vocations to the religious life.  There have been five priests ordained from the parish as well as one permanent deacon and eight religious sisters.”

The Present

Today, Sacred Heart is one of five parishes serving the people of McAllen, Texas, in the Diocese of Brownsville. This Franciscan parish is located in the downtown district.  Its members include people of diverse national origin, age, economic, multi-cultural, and social status. Within its boundaries, retirees and elderly persons have planted seeds of faith and have produced an abundance of fruit. There are also families who have moved outside our parish boundaries but who continue to call Sacred Heart Parish “Home”.

Our Mission

The people of SACRED HEART PARISH see ourselves as an enthusiastic family made rich by diversity, size and Catholic tradition.  United as a community, led by the Holy Spirit, we see continual growth through the Word, the Eucharist, prayer and sharing of our talents, our cultures and ourselves.  We have a solid foundation of faith-filled ministries challenging us to commitment, development, and Christian responsibility.

Recognizing our limitations and failings, as well as acknowledging our journey with God and one another, we dedicate ourselves to welcoming all into our parish.  We seek out the hurt and abused, the isolated and alienated, and victims of alcohol and drug addictions.  We commit ourselves to enhancing the dignity of life by working for peace and justice.

In union with our Holy Father and our Bishop’s vision of a vibrant church in the Rio Grande Valley, we accept the challenge to growth and life with Jesus in the Father’s love, inspired by the Holy Spirit.