About Sacred Heart · Moreauville, Louisiana
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a historic Catholic parish in Moreauville, Louisiana, situated along Bayou des Glaises in Avoyelles Parish. Its origins date to 1858, and it was made an independent parish in 1860 — the second oldest in Avoyelles — making it the oldest institution of any type in the Bayou des Glaises area. The parish is part of the Diocese of Alexandria and is served today by Pastor Rev. Brian Seiler, Parochial Vicar Rev. Joshua Burch, and Deacon Reggie Ducote. In addition to three Sunday Masses and a robust schedule of weekday Masses, devotions, and adoration, the parish operates Sacred Heart School (PreK-3 through 8th grade), staffed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
- Established
- 1858
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus (originally dedicated as St. Hyacinthe; renamed in 1882)
- Rector
- Rev. Brian Seiler
- Diocese
- Diocese of Alexandria (Louisiana)
Why belong here
Sacred Heart offers a full liturgical life with three Sunday Masses (including a 5:00 PM Youth Mass), daily weekday Masses, weekly Confession thirty minutes before every Mass, and a robust devotional schedule: weekly Adoration and Holy Hour with Benediction, a Tuesday Novena to St. Peregrine, Bible Study, Stations of the Cross in Lent, and a Divine Mercy Hour each Friday. The parish also hosts the parish school (PreK-3 through 8th) staffed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, and reaches beyond its walls by broadcasting Sunday Mass on local radio stations KZLG-FM 95.9 and KLIL-FM 92.1.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 30 minutes before all Masses
- Following the Divine Mercy Hour on Friday at 3:00 P.M.
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Tuesday 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
- First Saturday 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
- Holy Hour with Benediction before the Saturday Vigil Mass, beginning at 3:00 P.M.
- Holy Hour with Benediction before the Sunday evening Mass, beginning at 4:00 P.M.
History of Sacred Heart Parish
Sacred Heart traces its origins to 1858, when a committee led by William L. Voorhies organized a church at Moreauville and Mrs. Aimee Joffrion Boyer donated the present site. The first Mass was celebrated in late 1858, and in 1860 the parish (originally named St. Hyacinthe) was made an independent parish — the second oldest in Avoyelles. The parish has weathered two devastating fires (Easter 1897 and Christmas Day 1908) and the present brick church — designed by Theodore Brune with twin towers — was dedicated by Bishop Daniel Desmonl in 1934.
- 1858: First Mass celebrated; parish organized
- 1860: Made an independent parish
- 1882: Renamed Sacred Heart; second church completed
- 1897: Easter Sunday fire destroys the church
- 1908: Christmas Day fire destroys church, rectory, school, convent
- 1934: Present brick church dedicated
- 1961: Centennial Celebration
- 2003: Major renovation under Fr. Krosfield, blessed by Bishop Sam Jacobs
Parish Ministries and Organizations
Sacred Heart supports a vibrant mix of spiritual, fraternal, and family organizations, along with choirs and dedicated youth and young adult ministries.
- Knights of Columbus
- Ladies' Altar Society
- Confraternity of Christian Mothers
- Adult Choir
- Children's Choir
- Youth Ministry
- Young Adult Ministry
- High School Youth Group
- Junior High Youth Group
Religious Education (CCD)
The parish provides ongoing religious education through CCD classes and youth groups for both junior high and high school students. The Director of Religious Education is Andre' Spruill, reachable at 318-359-7542.
- CCD Classes (year-round program)
- High School Youth Group
- Junior High Youth Group
- Contact: Andre' Spruill, DRE — 318-359-7542
Sacred Heart School
Sacred Heart School, located next door to the church at 9968 Bayou des Glaises St., has served the parish since 1899. Originally staffed by the Daughters of the Cross, the school closed in 1920 due to low enrollment and funding, then reopened in 1947 when the Daughters of the Cross returned. In 1963 staffing was taken over by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, who continue to serve today. The school now offers PreK-3 through 8th grade and has grown through additions of a new cafeteria, library, gymnasium, and Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. Phone: (318) 985-2772. Mailing: P.O. Box 179, Moreauville, LA 71355. Principal: Amy Coco.
- Founded 1899 by the Daughters of the Cross
- Reopened 1947 after a 28-year closure
- Since 1963 staffed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows
- Grades PreK-3 through 8th
- Address: 9968 Bayou des Glaises St., Moreauville, LA 71355
- Phone: (318) 985-2772
- Principal: Amy Coco
Parish Staff
The parish is served by a pastor, parochial vicar, deacon, music director, director of religious education, office manager, and director of maintenance & grounds. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
- Rev. Brian Seiler — Pastor
- Rev. Joshua Burch — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Reggie Ducote
- Janice Coco — Music Director
- Andre' Spruill — Director of Religious Education (318-359-7542)
- Christine Soldani — Secretary / Bookkeeper / HR & Office Manager
- John Soldani — Director of Maintenance & Grounds
Radio Mass and Outreach
Sacred Heart continues a long-standing tradition begun by Msgr. Timmermans of broadcasting Sunday Mass on local radio, reaching Catholics across the Avoyelles region and beyond.
- KZLG-FM 95.9 — Sunday 7:00 A.M.
- KLIL-FM 92.1 — Sunday 8:00 A.M.
- Tradition begun in the 1960s under Msgr. John M. Timmermans
Visit, Contact, and Office
The parish office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Visitors and newcomers are warmly welcomed.
- Address: 9986 Bayou des Glaises St., Moreauville, LA 71355
- Phone: (318) 985-2774
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Thomas Rebours1858 – d. 1876
First pastor; organized the Moreauville parish and directed the Rebours School for Boys (1870-1876). Buried in the parish cemetery.
- Rev. Paul E. Simon1879 – 1882 (completion)
Built the second church; the parish was renamed 'Sacred Heart' in 1882.
- Rev. Constantine Brahic1898 – c. 1907
Built the third church; petitioned the Daughters of the Cross to open St. Frances de Sales school (1900).
- Rev. Regis Gimbertfrom 1909
Built the fourth (brick) church; Theodore Brune architect.
- Rev. Michael Nothoferby 1914
Incorporated Sacred Heart Parish.
- Rev. Henri Jacqueminfrom 1916 (10th pastor)
Sorbonne-educated French priest; completed interior altars and the church façade.
- Rev. Stanley Dekeuver11th pastor
Established Our Lady of Sorrows Church (1946) and directed construction of Sacred Heart Elementary School (1948).
- Rev. John M. Timmermans (Msgr.)1959 – 1993
34-year pastorate; 1960 renovation, 1961 centennial, brick rectory, St. John's retirement village, funeral home, three mausoleums, KLIL radio Mass.
- Rev. Joseph Montalbano1993 – 1999
Built Mays Lacour Parish Hall; led 135th anniversary celebration.
- Rev. George Krosfield1999 – (16th pastor)
Complete church renovation in 2003, blessed by Bishop Sam Jacobs; established Sacred Heart Cemetery #2.
- Rev. Brian Seilercurrent
Current pastor.