About Sacred Heart · Dexter, Missouri
Sacred Heart Parish in Dexter, Missouri, is a Catholic community rooted in its 1953 founding, with a brick church built after permission was granted by Father Raymond Slay. The parish offers regular Masses, Confessions, and a variety of ministries including PSR, OCIA, and Eucharistic Adoration. It welcomes new parishioners and provides a warm, active environment for faith formation and fellowship, including Sunday coffee and donuts after Mass. The parish is part of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and serves the local community with outreach, events, and spiritual support.
- Established
- 1953
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Why belong here
Join a welcoming community that offers regular Mass, Confession, and fellowship through events like Sunday coffee and donuts. Engage in faith formation through PSR and OCIA, and participate in ministries like Eucharistic Adoration and parish outreach. The parish supports spiritual growth, family involvement, and service to others in a warm, active environment.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 3:15–3:45 PM Saturday
- 7:30 AM Sunday (after Mass)
Adoration times
- First Friday 4:30–5:25 PM (with litany before benediction)
- First Saturday 7:35 AM Rosary, 8:00 AM Mass
History of Sacred Heart Parish
The parish was founded in 1953 when Father Raymond Slay obtained permission to build a new church. The cornerstone was laid on July 21, 1953, and the new brick church was completed by the parish family around 1953–1954. Photos from that era show the interior of the older church building.
Ministries and Activities
The parish offers PSR (Parish School of Religion) Sundays, OCIA for those seeking to become Catholic, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, and coffee and donuts after Mass. Volunteers are required to complete VIRTUS training and sign a Code of Conduct.
- PSR (Parish School of Religion)
- OCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Eucharistic Adoration
- Rosary
- Coffee & Donuts Fellowship
- VIRTUS Training
Sacraments and Events
Sacraments including Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Christian Initiation are offered. Upcoming events include Corpus Christi Procession (June 7, 2026) and Christmas Decorations (2025–2026).
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
- Christian Initiation (RCIA)