About Sacred Heart · Salem, Missouri
Sacred Heart Parish in Salem, Missouri, is a Roman Catholic community dedicated to spiritual growth with Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel, studying Scripture, and serving those in need to build the Kingdom of God. Served by Father Jose Antoney Thundathil, CMI, the parish traces its roots to 1880 with home-based Masses and evolved into a brick church in 1952. It supports ministries like Religious Education, Altar Servers, Lectors, Hospitality, Music, and a Food Pantry, and collaborates with neighboring parishes in Bunker and Montauk. The parish is known for its welcoming spirit, community service, and historic growth through parishioner generosity.
- Established
- 1880
- Patron
- Sacred Heart
- Rector
- Father Jose Antoney Thundathil, CMI
Why belong here
Join a community that nurtures faith through Religious Education, Altar Servers, Lectors, Hospitality, and Music ministries. Experience welcoming worship, Scripture study, and service through the parish’s Food Pantry and outreach programs. The parish offers a strong sense of belonging, active participation in liturgy, and a legacy of generosity and spiritual growth.
Mass times at Sacred Heart
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday: 4:45-5:15 p.m.
- Thursday: 4:45-5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 4:45-5:15 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:20-8:50 a.m. or by appointment
History
Sacred Heart Parish traces its history back to 1880 with Masses celebrated in the homes of resident Catholics. Priests came on horseback to a small Catholic settlement on the Piney River and continued to Salem. Later, Mass was celebrated on the third floor of the Dent County Courthouse. A small, white, wood frame church was built on the same property that houses the current church. Mass was celebrated once a month. In 1952 the small congregation built the solid brick and concrete church that is used today. A two-story house was used as a convent for the School Sisters of St. Joseph. The first floor was open to the public for visitors, Sunday School classes, and the like. Eighteen sisters operated the school in the convent, then in a new brick school from 1962 until 1969. As the mining and sewing jobs disappeared, the school was closed. Several sisters remained doing parish work until 1985. In 1954, the Resurrectionist priests were assigned to Sacred Heart Parish. A mission church in Bunker, Christ the King, was established in 1956. These priests also opened Immaculate Heart of Mary summer chapel (1957) in Joy, St. Jude (1957) in Montauk State Park and another mission, St. John’s Catholic Church (1960) in Licking. In 1969, the Walt Weber family of St. Louis replaced the quonset hut used for a church in Joy with a beautiful handmade log cabin structure near Montauk. As the church continued to grow, the generosity of the parishioners grew with it. This has enabled the inclusion of classrooms in the basement and handicapped access in all buildings. The former school building is now the parish hall. The Altar and Rosary women’s group developed a reputation for fried chicken dinners with free meals and a food pantry for those in need. Through this generosity, both Salem and Bunker have much improved worship spaces and gathering areas.
Ministries
Sacred Heart Parish offers a variety of ministries to support spiritual growth and community service. These include Religious Education, Altar Servers, Lectors, Hospitality, Music, Food Pantry, and Scripture Study. Each ministry is led by dedicated volunteers and staff, and training is provided for new participants. The parish encourages active participation in liturgy and community outreach.
- Religious Education
- Altar Server Ministry
- Lector Ministry
- Ministry of Hospitality
- Music Ministry
- Food Pantry Ministry
- Scripture Study Ministry
Faith Formation
Faith is nurtured in homes and strengthened within the parish community. Children are asked to participate in parish formation for at least one year before receiving any sacrament. The Catechist, Tram Nguyen, coordinates training programs to support children’s journey of faith. Parents are encouraged to register their children using forms available at the parish office or through the program coordinator.
Sacraments
While the website does not list specific sacraments offered, the parish provides sacramental preparation and formation through its Religious Education program. Sacraments such as Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are offered, with children required to participate in formation for at least one year before receiving any sacrament.