Sacred Heart

History & Heritage

Sacred Heart Parish traces its origins to Catholic settlers who began gathering for Mass in one another's homes in the early 1880s. The community built its first church, St. James, in 1885 under founding pastor Fr. James O'Connor. By 1907 Bishop J. H. Hennessy laid the cornerstone for a new red-brick church, which was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 22, 1908. The current church was built in 1952 (first Mass celebrated at Midnight on Christmas Eve by Fr. Stewart), and the interior was extensively renovated after Vatican II under Monsignor Zenner, with Bishop Eugene Gerber rededicating the building on March 10, 1982. The parish school moved to its current Pine Street building on August 28, 1969, and the parish celebrated its 125th anniversary on August 22, 2009.

• 1884 — Catholic settlers begin gathering for Mass in private homes in Pratt
• 1885 — First church, St. James, built; named for founding pastor Fr. James O'Connor; served 23 families
• December 11, 1907 — Bishop J. H. Hennessy lays cornerstone for the new red-brick church
• September 22, 1908 — New church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• December 1928 — A new brick school building opens
• 1952 — Contract signed for the current Sacred Heart church; first Mass celebrated at Midnight on Christmas Eve by Fr. Stewart
• August 28, 1969 — Current Sacred Heart School opens on Pine Street
• Late 1970s — Monsignor Zenner leads post-Vatican II interior renovation planning
• March 10, 1982 — Bishop Eugene Gerber rededicates the renovated church
• August 22, 2009 — 125th anniversary Mass celebrated; parish at 535 families

Mass & Worship Schedule

Sacred Heart operates on a rotating weekend Mass schedule with St. John the Evangelist in St. John, Kansas. The Saturday Vigil at Sacred Heart in Pratt is always at 5:30 PM, while Sunday Mass at the Pratt church alternates between 8:00 AM (January through June) and 10:30 AM (July through December). On the alternate Sundays, Sacred Heart parishioners attend Mass at St. John at 10:30 AM (Jan–Jun) or 8:00 AM (Jul–Dec). Weekday Masses are celebrated Tuesday at St. John (8:30 AM), Wednesday in Pratt (5:30 PM), and Thursday and Friday in Pratt (8:00 AM). Additional weekday Masses, including Monday and Saturday 8:00 AM Masses, are often added during Lent.

Faith Formation & Religious Education

Sacred Heart Parish offers faith formation for children in grades K-12 through its Parish School of Religion (PSR), and also runs the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Registration is available through the parish office, on the parish website, or via forms placed in the back of the church during late summer.

• Parish School of Religion (PSR) — grades K-12
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Bible studies (various)
• Christian Initiation (RCIA) — Director of Christian Initiation reachable through the parish office

Sacraments

The parish prepares members for the sacraments of initiation, healing, and vocation. Pre-Baptism instruction is required; engaged couples are asked to contact the office early because diocesan policy requires at least four months of marriage preparation; and a 24/7 emergency sacramental line is available for Anointing of the Sick.

• Baptism — pre-Baptism instructions required; contact parish office
• Marriage — four-month diocesan preparation period recommended
• Anointing of the Sick — emergency line via 620-672-6352
• Reconciliation — see weekly confession schedule
• Christian Initiation — contact the parish office

Parish Organizations & Ministries

Sacred Heart has a number of active lay organizations that serve the parish, the local community, and beyond. The Knights of Columbus Council 3058 is the local Catholic fraternal service chapter, while the Women of Sacred Heart unites all women of the parish in religion and social concerns. The Altar Society and various Bible studies round out parish life.

• Knights of Columbus — Council 3058 (Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism)
• Knights annual Tootsie Roll Drive (Special Olympics / persons with mental disabilities)
• Knights life-sized Christmas Nativity display in Pratt
• Knights annual Lenten Fish Frys (with Women of Sacred Heart providing baked goods)
• Women of Sacred Heart — all women of the parish are members
• Altar Society
• Various Bible studies

Parish Staff

Sacred Heart is led by its pastor and supported by parish staff and lay volunteers.

• Rev. Fr. Charles Atuah, MSP — Pastor ([email protected])
• Celina Fisher — Director of Religious Education ([email protected], 620-730-2348)
• Barbara Bustamante — Parish Secretary ([email protected], 620-672-6352)

Visiting & Practical Information

Sacred Heart's church and office are located at 332 N. Oak Street in Pratt, Kansas (the church itself sits at 338 N. Oak). The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 PM). The building is fully handicap accessible, with a cry room for families with small children.

• Address: 332 N. Oak Street, Pratt, KS 67124
• Phone: 620-672-6352
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM)
• Main parking along Oak Street and behind the church
• Accessible parking near the north entrance
• Handicap-accessible west entrance with designated seating front and back of nave
• Cry room available at the back of the church
• Parish hall available for parishioner events (funeral dinners, parish-affiliated gatherings); contact the office for availability and fees
• Online giving available via a secure portal linked from the homepage
• After-hours emergency Anointing of the Sick line via 620-672-6352 prompts

Mission & Vision

Sacred Heart Parish articulates a mission and vision that focus on discipleship, recognizing each person's gifts and talents, and encouraging spiritual growth. As Disciples in Christ, parishioners are called to live out the Gospel message in Pratt County.

• Mission: a faith community that recognizes and acknowledges individuals' gifts and talents, encouraging spiritual growth
• Vision: as Disciples in Christ, we are called to live out the Gospel message