Sacred Heart [Parke-Vermillion Catholic]

Welcome and Parish Identity

Sacred Heart, Clinton (founded 1891) and St. Joseph, Rockville (founded 1867) are Catholic parishes of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that together form the Parke-Vermillion Catholic Churches. According to the parish website, they are 'a diverse and rich community of faith-filled people' dedicated to 'living the Gospel through the active celebration of the sacraments, lifelong faith formation and continuing commitment to our neighbors to share God's love for all people.' The site emphasizes that 'a church is not just a building, it is the people who make up our spiritual home.'

History of Sacred Heart Parish

Sacred Heart was established in 1891 in Vermillion County, Indiana, and has served the Catholic families of Clinton and the surrounding region for more than 130 years. The present church was begun in 1908, built using the Cathedral of Thuries in Ireland as its model, and was dedicated on June 13, 1909. On November 6, 2016, parishioners gathered to mark the parish's 125th anniversary with a special Mass and the consecration of a new Marian grotto, celebrated by Msgr. William F. Stumpf and then-pastor Father Varghese Maliakkal.

• Parish founded: 1891 in Vermillion County, Indiana
• Current church begun: 1908; dedicated June 13, 1909
• Church modeled on the Cathedral of Thuries in Ireland
• 125th anniversary and Marian grotto consecration: November 6, 2016

Pastor and Parish Staff

The parish is currently served by Rev. Joby Abraham Puthussery, who serves as pastor of both Sacred Heart (Clinton) and St. Joseph (Rockville). Cheryl Phelps serves as Business Manager and Darlene Porter as Director of Religious Education, according to the official Archdiocese of Indianapolis parish listing.

• Pastor: Rev. Joby Abraham Puthussery
• Business Manager: Cheryl Phelps
• Director of Religious Education: Darlene Porter

Sacraments

Sacred Heart celebrates all seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The parish website explains each sacrament and encourages parishioners to contact the parish office to begin preparation. Marriage preparation must begin at least six months in advance; First Communion and Confirmation require parish-based preparation; and Reconciliation is offered weekly on Saturdays.

• Baptism — contact parish office
• Confirmation — preparation required
• Holy Eucharist (First Communion) — preparation for children
• Reconciliation (Confession) — Saturday 3:30–4:00 PM or by appointment
• Matrimony — at least six months of preparation
• Holy Orders — inquire at parish office
• Anointing of the Sick — call parish office

Parish Life and Becoming Catholic

The parish website invites visitors to 'Become Catholic,' describing how those inquiring about the faith may join RCIA-style classes to learn about the Church. It also welcomes new members to register in the parish and invites all parishioners to grow in their faith and share their talents, emphasizing that 'a church is not just a building, it is the people.'

• Becoming Catholic (inquiry/RCIA classes — call parish office)
• Parish registration — contact the parish office or pick up a form in the back of the church
• Lifelong faith formation for all ages

Faith Formation and Religious Education

Religious education at Sacred Heart is coordinated by Director of Religious Education Darlene Porter. The parish website highlights lifelong faith formation as one of its core missions, alongside the active celebration of the sacraments and continuing commitment to neighbors.

• Director of Religious Education: Darlene Porter
• Faith formation for children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation
• Adult inquiry classes for those becoming Catholic