About Sacred Heart Mission · Salem, West Virginia
Sacred Heart Mission in Salem, West Virginia, is part of the larger St. James The Apostle Catholic Church parish in Clarksburg. It serves as a spiritual center for the local Catholic community, offering Mass, sacraments, and various ministries. The parish has a long history dating back to the early 1920s and is rooted in the legacy of Saint James the Greater. The current pastor, Rev. Lusius Mite S.V.D., leads a vibrant community that includes regular liturgies, Bible study, and outreach programs. The mission also hosts events like the annual parish picnic and provides pastoral care through a dedicated team of clergy and lay volunteers.
- Established
- 1927
- Patron
- Saint James the Greater
- Rector
- Rev. Lusius Mite S.V.D.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
Join a parish family that lives the Gospel through liturgy, prayer, teaching, and service, inspired by Saint James the Greater. Participate in Bible study, parish picnics, and monthly birthday and anniversary blessings. The community offers a welcoming environment for all ages, with opportunities to serve, grow in faith, and connect with neighbors through ministries like the Women’s Club, Altar Rosary Society, and Hospital Ministry.
Mass times at Sacred Heart Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
- By appointment
History of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church
The history of St. James Catholic Church spans to the early 1920s, when the Catholic community of North View joined together to form St. Margaret Mary Parish. In 1927, ground was broken for a new St. James church, dedicated by Bishop John J. Swint. The church underwent major renovations in the 1970s, with a new building dedicated in 1974 by Bishop Joseph Hodges. The parish celebrated its silver anniversary in 1950 with the construction of a school, which was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling. The parish has seen multiple pastors over the decades, including Rev. George Walter, who oversaw the construction of the school, and Rev. Bert W. Valdez, who led renovations in the 1970s. The parish continues to thrive under the leadership of Rev. Lusius Mite S.V.D., with a strong emphasis on liturgy, prayer, teaching, and service.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries to support the spiritual and social needs of its members. These include liturgy, religious education, music, youth group, evangelization, safe environment, pastoral care, and community outreach. The parish also has a strong focus on social ministries, including hospital ministry, prayer network, and community room rentals.
- Liturgy Committee
- Religious Education
- Organists
- Youth Group
- Evangelization & Safe Environment
- Parish Pastoral Council
- Finance Council
- Music Director
- Social Ministries
- Parish Sacristan
- Ushers
- Hospital Ministry
- Prayer Network
- Coordinators
- Sacred Heart Women's Club
- Altar Rosary Society
- Community Room, Rental & Dinners
Events and Activities
The parish hosts a variety of events and activities to engage the community. These include the annual parish picnic, Bible study, birthday and anniversary blessings, and outreach programs. The parish also offers opportunities for service and volunteerism through its ministries.
- Annual Parish Picnic (July 26, 12:15 PM)
- Bible Study (every other Wednesday, 3:00–4:00 PM)
- Birthday Blessings (First Sunday of each month)
- Anniversary Blessings (Second Sunday of each month)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Joseph L. Quillienearly 1920s
Pastor when the Catholic community of North View formed St. Margaret Mary Parish.
- Fr. Joseph R. Siever1925
Replaced Fr. Quillien.
- Fr. John S. Kelly1934–1936
Pastor during the early 1930s.
- Fr. John B. Quinn1936–1948
Pastor who succeeded Fr. Kelly.
- Rev. George Walter1948
Appointed pastor; oversaw construction of St. James School.
- Fr. Frederick Swallow1963
Introduced changes from the Second Vatican Council.
- Fr. Eugene Schmitt1967–1972
Completed Vatican Council reforms; served five years.
- Rev. Bert W. Valdez1972–1974
Undertook renovations; church dedicated in 1974.
- Fr. Joseph Dene1981–1990
Served until 1990; Mrs. Elma Morel Rolland bequeathed a sizable amount to retire parish debt.
- Fr. Robert Perriello1990–present
Arrived after Fr. Dene; continued parish work.