About Sacred Heart · Crete, Nebraska
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete, Nebraska — formally 'Sacred Heart Church of St. James Parish' — is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Catholic parish of the Diocese of Lincoln. Its story stretches back to 1871, when a small group of Crete Catholics pooled $50 to buy the lots where they would build their first church, and the 1893 brick sanctuary they raised on that foundation still stands today. The parish is also home to St. James Catholic School (PK–6), founded in 1887, and offers weekend and daily Masses in both English and Spanish, with daily confession times and an all-day Friday Eucharistic Adoration.
- Established
- 1871
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus (parish also carries the historic name 'St. James')
- Rector
- Rev. Christopher Stoley (Pastor/CAO)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lincoln (Crete Deanery)
Why belong here
Sacred Heart is a small-town parish with deep roots (founded 1871) that still worships in its 1893 brick church, offering the rare combination of a daily bilingual Mass schedule (English and Spanish every weekday and weekend), frequent daily confession times, and 12 hours of Eucharistic Adoration every Friday. Members also support St. James Catholic School (PK–6), where daily Mass and First Wednesday Adoration are part of the rhythm of student life — making it a parish where families can live out their Catholic faith across generations.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 7:45 AM – 8:05 AM
- Saturday: 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM (before 5:00 PM English Vigil)
- Saturday: 6:30 PM – 6:50 PM (before 7:00 PM Spanish Vigil)
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM (before 9:00 AM Mass)
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM (before 11:30 AM Mass)
- Monday–Friday: 7:45 AM – 8:05 AM
- Monday–Friday: 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Adoration times
- Eucharistic Adoration: Fridays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (12 hours)
- First Wednesday Adoration at St. James School
About Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a bilingual (English/Spanish) parish of the Diocese of Lincoln located in Crete, Nebraska. Worship is centered in the 1893 brick church on 13th & Ivy Street, with the parish office at 515 E. 14th Street. The parish is administered by Father Christopher Stoley (Pastor/CAO) with Father Santiago Izquierdo serving as Parochial Vicar.
Parish History
The parish dates to 1871, when a small group of Crete Catholics purchased two lots for $50. The first church — built in 1873 for $1,000 under Father Lechlether — was named for St. James. In 1893 a new brick church replaced it; rather than choosing between the names 'St. James' and 'Sacred Heart,' pastor and parishioners compromised on the title 'Sacred Heart Church of St. James Parish.' The 1893 brick church has been renovated several times but still stands as the worship space today.
Vocations from the Parish
Sacred Heart has been blessed with several vocations to religious life over the years, including three priestly vocations and several young women who entered consecrated life. The most recent vocation highlighted on the parish's About page is Sister Amy Havlat, M.S.
St. James Catholic School (PreK–6)
Sacred Heart Church supports St. James Catholic School, a Christ-centered PK–6 program dedicated to forming 'apostles who will assume their role in building up the kingdom of God.' The school takes its name from the original name of the parish and has been a vital part of Crete's history since classes began on September 5, 1887, with 46 children.
- Founded in 1887 by Father Pold and two Ursuline Sisters of Peoria, Illinois, teaching in a rented house and at Sacred Heart Church.
- Dedicated by Bishop Bonacum on June 2, 1888.
- Staffed by the Precious Blood Sisters of O'Fallon, MO until 1994.
- Since 1997, staffed by the School Sisters of Christ the King and lay teachers.
- Currently 99 students in PreK–6, including homeschooled students joining for specific courses.
- All students attend daily Mass (varied schedule for PK and K) and First Wednesday Adoration.
- Fr. Santiago Izquierdo visits the classrooms weekly.
- Currently enrollment is open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
- Principal: Sr. Mary Alma, C.K. (402-826-2318).
Religious Education & Adult Faith Formation
Beyond the parish school, Sacred Heart runs a CCD program and a weekly adult catechesis class that is open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with no fees or pre-registration.
- Weekly Catholic doctrine class: Mondays 7:00–8:15 PM in the parish hall
- Topics have included: 'What is Purgatory? Why did Adam and Eve have to leave the Garden of Eden? Are the Gospels true?'
- 5th-grade CCD students are prepared for Confirmation (with Sister Marie Amata, C.K.)
- All are welcome to attend any session as often as they like — no fees, no registration, nothing to bring but an attentive mind
Sacraments
Information and forms for the parish's seven sacraments are coordinated through the parish office. Baptismal Info Forms are available in English and Spanish on the website and can be returned to the parish office.
- Baptism — English and Spanish Info Forms available on the parish website
- Confession — see full weekly schedule above
- Eucharist / First Communion — preparation through CCD and St. James School
- Confirmation — CCD preparation starting in 5th grade
- Marriage — contact the parish office
- Anointing of the Sick — call the parish office or the priest's emergency line
Parish Staff
The parish is led by two priests and a parish secretary, all reachable through the parish office at 515 E. 14th Street.
- Fr. Christopher Stoley — Pastor / CAO · [email protected] · Office ext. 56702 · Emergency line: (402) 381-3825
- Fr. Santiago Izquierdo — Parochial Vicar · [email protected] · Office ext. 56232 · Emergency line: (402) 381-3541
- Beth Brahm — Secretary · [email protected] · [email protected]
Liturgical Ministries & Parish Council
The parish relies on a wide range of lay volunteers for its weekend liturgies, and a Parish Council that meets monthly to advise the pastor.
- Acolytes, Lectors, Ushers, Gift Bearers, Rosary Leaders, Altar Servers (weekend scheduling)
- Parish Council meets at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month to advise the pastor
- Liturgy representative — coordinates weekend Mass scheduling and advises on the state of liturgy in the parish
- Education representative — keeps the council informed about St. James School, CCD, and adult formation
Contact & Visit
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish by phone, email, or in person during office hours.
- Address: 515 E. 14th Street, Crete, NE 68333
- Office Phone: (402) 826-2044
- Email: [email protected]
- Parish Office Hours: Monday 1–4 PM; Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–12 PM and 1–4 PM (subject to change; call for appointments outside these hours)
- Church location (street address): 13th & Ivy Street, Crete, NE 68333
- Holy Day and special-event info posted on the parish website, Facebook, and in the weekly bulletin
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Lechletherbuilt church 1873
First pastor of the parish; directed construction of the original 1873 St. James church for $1,000.