About Sacred Heart · Jeannette, Pennsylvania
Sacred Heart Parish in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, is one of two parishes united under the shared pastoral leadership of the same clergy team, alongside Ascension Parish. The parish traces its roots to 1914, when Italian immigrants in the Jeannette area formed a new parish due to language and cultural needs. The first Mass was celebrated in a storeroom, and the church was built on donated land with community fundraising. Today, it offers Mass in English and Spanish, active ministries, and a strong emphasis on faith formation and community service. The parish is part of the Diocese of Greensburg and is currently led by Father Michael Sikon, with Benedictine Father Job Foote as Parochial Vicar.
- Established
- 1914
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Rector
- Father Michael Sikon
- Diocese
- Diocese of Greensburg
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in community service and cultural heritage, where Italian traditions like spaghetti suppers and Italian Festivals continue to thrive. Active ministries include faith formation, music, and outreach, and the parish offers Spanish Mass and bilingual support. The parish is known for its welcoming spirit, strong leadership, and commitment to spiritual growth and social justice.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Benedict Ingenito1914–1922
First pastor; moved into church sacristy to avoid rent increase.
- Benedictine Father Francis Mersinger1922–1953
Served 31 years; formed Holy Name Society; expanded property.
- Benedictine Father Angelus Klug1953–1957
Tireless priest; beautified church; initiated weekly envelope system.
- Benedictine Father James Imhof1957–1963
Led addition to church; designed L-shaped layout; new bells consecrated in 1961.
- Father Joseph Pernatozzi1964–1969
Built parish house; converted Americanization Hall to Ascension Center.
- Father Nicholas J. Thomas1969–1970
Interim pastor.
- Father Francis D. Pirulli1970–1978
Inaugurated Italian Festival; converted basement to CCD classrooms.
- Msgr. Nicholas A. Mitolo1978–2002
Reduced parish debt; served 24 years; elevated to monsignor by Pope John Paul II.
- Father John M. Foriska2002–2013
Restored church after flood; united Ascension and Sacred Heart parishes.
- Father Joseph L. Sredzinski2013–2019
Assisted with pastoral duties for both parishes.
- Father Paul A. Lisik2013–2019
Administrator of Ascension; pastor of Sacred Heart; celebrated 100th and 125th anniversaries.
- Father Michael Sikon2019–present
Pastor of both Ascension and Sacred Heart parishes; also pastor of St. Barbara Church in Harrison City.