About Sacred Heart · Miami, Oklahoma
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a bilingual and trilingual Roman Catholic parish located at 2515 N. Main Street in Miami, Oklahoma, within the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. Originally established in 1899–1900 as a mission of St. Mary's of the Quapaws, it became an independent parish in 1927 and today celebrates Mass in English, Spanish, and Chuukese. The parish describes itself as a community of believers and a spiritual family, seeking to be a home for Catholics who want to grow in faith and spread the Gospel. Its motto is "Salus animarum" (the salvation of souls).
- Established
- 1900
- Patron
- The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sagrado Corazón de Jesús)
- Rector
- Rev. Samuel Perez, JCL
- Diocese
- Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma
Why belong here
Sacred Heart is a welcoming, multilingual Catholic family in northeast Oklahoma that offers seven weekly Masses — including Mass in English, Spanish, and Chuukese — plus Eucharistic Adoration, weekday Liturgy of the Hours, a long-running RCIA process for adults, religious education for children, and a pastoral team that actively welcomes new parishioners, returning Catholics, and those inquiring about the Catholic faith. Whether you are visiting Miami, looking for a parish home, returning to the practice of the faith, or just curious about Catholicism, the parish invites you into a supportive community dedicated to spiritual growth and using your gifts in service of the Gospel.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
- Thursday & Friday: 12:10 PM
- Or by appointment
Adoration times
- Thursday: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM (immediately following the 12:10 PM Daily Mass)
- Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM (immediately following the 12:10 PM Daily Mass)
Our Mission
Sacred Heart Parish describes its mission in Latin with the phrase "Salus animarum" — the salvation of souls. In its own words: 'At Sacred Heart Parish we seek to provide a home for faithful Catholics that seek to grow in their faith and spread the gospel to all souls. The main mission at our parish is to bring as many souls to the Holy Church.' The parish envisions itself as a community of believers and a spiritual family that is supportive and loving — a place to grow spiritually, put faith into action, and use the gifts of time and talent as disciples of Christ.
- Motto: Salus animarum (Salvation of Souls)
- A community of believers and a spiritual family
- Open to new parishioners, returning Catholics, and inquirers about the Catholic faith
Our History
Sacred Heart traces its roots to 1899, when Bishop Theophile Meerschaert and Fr. Alphonse Herenthals bought land in Miami, and to its dedication on April 22, 1900. Originally a mission of St. Mary's of the Quapaws, it became an independent parish in 1927. The parish operated a school from 1948 to 1961, built a new church on Highway 66 in 1960–61 (dedicated Sept. 25, 1962), and marked its centennial in 2000. The parish's full historical timeline — published in both English and Spanish ('Cronología histórica de la influencia católica en el área de Miami, OK') — is available on the parish website.
- 1899 — Land purchased in Miami for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
- 1900 (Apr. 22) — Original church at West Central and E Street dedicated; cost $3,500
- 1927 — Becomes an independent parish (no longer a mission)
- 1948 — Sacred Heart School opens (40 pupils, six grades)
- 1960–61 — Current church built on 19 acres on Highway 66 north of Miami
- 1961 — Thanksgiving: First Mass in the new church
- 1962 (Sept. 25) — New church dedicated by Bishop Victor J. Reed
- 1972 — Legion of Mary organized (Feb. 20, under Fr. James Schrader)
- 1975 — 75th Anniversary
- 1982 — Religious Education Building dedicated by Bishop Eusebius Beltran
- 2000 (June 30) — Centennial Mass celebration
History of Priests and Bishops
The parish website maintains a dedicated page ('History of Priests and Bishops of Sacred Heart Mission & Church / Historia de Sacerdotes y Obispos de la Misión e Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón') listing every pastor and the bishops of the diocese under whom each served. The parish was shepherded for most of the 20th century by members of the Society of Fathers of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), beginning with Fr. George Grievenkamp, C.PP.S. in 1927 and continuing through Fr. Albert J. Fey, C.PP.S. (1977–1994).
- Diocese of Tulsa / Oklahoma bishops listed from Bishop Theophile Meerschaert (1905) to Bishop David A. Konderla (2016–present)
- Sacred Heart pastors listed from Rev. William Ketcham (1893) to Fr. Samuel Perez (2019–present)
- Twenty past pastors of Sacred Heart are documented on the parish website
Clergy & Staff
The current pastor is Rev. Samuel Perez, JCL, who was appointed by Bishop David A. Konderla effective August 1, 2019, moving from his role as Associate Pastor at St. Benedict Parish in Broken Arrow. Father Samuel also serves as Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Welch and continues his work on the Diocesan Tribunal. The parish office is staffed with a Financial Manager and a Secretary (who also serves as bulletin editor). Religious Education is coordinated by Shelba Walls (918-542-0317).
- Pastor: Rev. Samuel Perez, JCL
- Bishop (referenced on Clergy & Staff page): Bishop David A. Konderla, Diocese of Tulsa
- Financial Manager ([email protected])
- Parish Secretary / Bulletin Editor ([email protected])
- Religious Education Coordinator: Shelba Walls — 918-542-0317
Liturgy of the Hours & Devotions
The parish gathers for Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) every weekday at 6:30 AM. This daily communal prayer — a hallmark of religious life and of diocesan prayer — is open to parishioners and visitors who want to begin the day with the Church's official prayer of the psalms.
- Morning Prayer / Liturgy of the Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Sacred Heart Parish offers formation for children and adults. Children's Religious Education classes ('Sacred Heart Kids') meet during the school year and resume in early January after the Christmas break; parents are encouraged to use the parish's FORMED subscription for ongoing faith formation at home. Adult Faith Formation includes RCIA — the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults — for those inquiring about becoming Catholic, those baptized Catholic who have not received all the sacraments, and adults seeking Confirmation (18 and older). Formation opportunities in Spanish are also offered.
- Sacred Heart Kids — Sunday children's faith formation classes
- Adult Faith Formation
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) — contact Shelba Walls, 918-542-0317
- FORMED digital faith-formation resource for kids and adults
RCIA — Becoming Catholic
The parish's RCIA program walks inquirers through a process of spiritual and educational formation leading to full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. It is also used by baptized Catholics who have not received all of the sacraments and by adults (18+) seeking Confirmation. Class dates and times are announced each year; inquiries should be directed to Shelba Walls at 918-542-0317.
- Open to unbaptized adults exploring the Catholic faith
- Open to baptized Catholics needing First Communion or Confirmation
- Adult Confirmation preparation for those 18 and older
- Contact: Shelba Walls, 918-542-0317
Becoming a Parishioner
The Welcome page on the parish website presents four easy entry points for visitors: register as a new parishioner, return to the Catholic faith after time away, learn more about the Catholic Church without committing, or begin the journey to become Catholic. The page invites everyone — visitors, the curious, and returning Catholics — to encounter Sacred Heart as 'an "Amazing Parish" that invites you to join us for worship and meet the members of our parish.'
- I want to register as a new parishioner
- I'm a returning Catholic
- I'm interested in learning more about the Catholic Church
- I want to become Catholic
Sacraments
The parish celebrates the seven Catholic sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (Mass), Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Bulletin guidance (December 2024) directs families to call the parish office for Baptism appointments and to call the office at least nine months in advance of a desired wedding date for Marriage preparation.
- Baptism — call the office to schedule
- Marriage — call the office 9 months in advance
- Confession — Saturday, Sunday, Thursday & Friday, or by appointment
- Eucharistic Adoration — Thursday & Friday afternoons
- RCIA / Adult Confirmation preparation
Visiting & Contact
The parish office is at 2515 N. Main Street, Miami, OK 74354. Telephone (918) 542-5281. Office hours are Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (with Tuesday and Wednesday extending to 1:00 PM per the most recent bulletin), and Father Samuel Perez is available at the office line for pastoral inquiries. The most recent bulletin (December 22, 2024) lists sacramental and contact information, including email addresses for the parish office, financial manager, and religious education coordinator.
- Address: 2515 N. Main Street, Miami, OK 74354
- Phone: (918) 542-5281
- Parish office email: [email protected]
- Religious Education: [email protected] — 918-542-0317
- Financial Manager: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Bulletin & News
A parish bulletin is published regularly and posted under 'News & Events → Bulletin' on the website. Recent issues include Mass intentions for the week, lectors/Readers lists, collection totals and Mass attendance by language, Mass schedules, and seasonal Mass schedule announcements (e.g. Trilingual Christmas Mass on Dec. 24, English Christmas Mass on Dec. 25).
- Weekly bulletin with Mass intentions, lectors, and announcements
- Mass attendance reported by language (English, Spanish, Chuukese)
- Seasonal Mass schedules (Christmas, Holy Week, etc.) posted in the bulletin
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. William Ketcham1893–1905
Founded St. Mary's of the Quapaws Mission & School; among the earliest priests serving Sacred Heart Mission.
- Rev. Alphonse Herenthals1893–1905
Co-purchaser (with Bishop Meerschaert) of the Miami land for Sacred Heart on Nov. 29, 1899.
- Rev. Maurice d'Haenens (Dannis)1893–1905
Served during the mission years.
- Fr. John Feijen (Feyen)1905–1912
- Fr. James Wagner1912–1927
Last pastor while Sacred Heart was still a mission of St. Mary's.
- Fr. George Grievenkamp, C.PP.S.1927–1931
First pastor after Sacred Heart became an independent parish.
- Fr. George Aman, C.PP.S.1931–1944
- Fr. Walter Wartinger, C.PP.S.1944–1947
- Fr. Robert Roster, C.PP.S.1947–1953
Broke ground for Sacred Heart School on May 11, 1948.
- Fr. John Newton, C.PP.S.1953–1954
- Fr. Norbert Missler, C.PP.S.1954–1956
- Fr. Emily Meyer, C.PP.S.1956–1959
- Fr. John Wilson, C.PP.S.1959–1963
Directed the building of the new church on Highway 66.
- Fr. Francis Weiner, C.PP.S.1963–1969
- Fr. James H. Schrader, C.PP.S.1969–1977
Organized the Legion of Mary at Sacred Heart on Feb. 20, 1972.
- Fr. Albert J. Fey, C.PP.S.1977–1994
Religious Education Building dedicated in 1982 during his pastorate.
- Fr. Michael R.K. Rooney1994–2001
First Diocesan (non-C.PP.S.) pastor of Sacred Heart.
- Fr. Gregg Elliot2001–2008
- Fr. Carl Kerkemeyer2008–2019
- Rev. Samuel Perez2019–present
Appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart, Miami effective August 1, 2019; serves concurrently as Pastor of St. Ann, Welch.