About Sacred Heart/St. Mary · Port Arthur, Texas
Sacred Heart–St. Mary Parish is a vibrant, historically significant Catholic community in Port Arthur, Texas, rooted in African-American Catholic history and served today by the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP). Formed from the 2006 merger of Sacred Heart (founded in 1915 by the Josephites to serve Black Catholics in the booming oil-field region) and St. Mary Parish, the church stands as a testament to resilient faith, gospel spirituality, and outreach. The sanctuary incorporates elements from both predecessor churches, and the parish is home to the St. Katharine Drexel Educational Center.
- Established
- 1915 (Sacred Heart); 2006 (merger with St. Mary)
- Patron
- Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Mary)
- Rector
- Rev. Michael Eninlejie, MSP
- Diocese
- Diocese of Beaumont
Why belong here
Sacred Heart–St. Mary offers a warm, historically rooted community where gospel spirituality, African-American Catholic heritage, and family-focused ministries come together. With reverent Masses, Eucharistic adoration, and a legacy of forming priests and religious, it is a place to grow in faith and service.
Mass times at Sacred Heart/St. Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
- Sunday 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM
Adoration times
- Friday 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Our History
Sacred Heart began in 1915 when the Josephites were asked to minister to Black Catholics arriving in Port Arthur during the oil boom. With St. Katharine Drexel's support, the parish built its first church, a school (1927), a high school (1940), and a convent (1929). After Hurricane Rita devastated St. Mary in 2005, the two parishes merged on April 23, 2006.
- 1915 – Father Alexis LaPlant begins ministry
- 1922 – First church built with Katharine Drexel's support
- 1927 – School opened by Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
- 1949 – New church built under Fr. Michael McCormick
- 2006 – Official merger of Sacred Heart and St. Mary
Worship & Sacraments
The parish celebrates daily and weekend Masses in English and offers regular confession and Eucharistic adoration.
- Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 PM
- Sunday Mass at 9:00 AM
- Weekday Masses Tuesday 6 PM, Wednesday–Friday 7 AM
- Confession Saturday 4–4:20 PM and Sunday 8:30–8:50 AM
- Eucharistic Adoration Friday 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Community & Ministries
Sacred Heart–St. Mary fosters a gospel-infused Catholic community with music, youth, and educational outreach rooted in its African-American heritage.
- Legion of Mary
- CYO / Youth Ministry
- Youth Choir and Gospel Choir
- Liturgical Dance Ministry
- St. Katharine Drexel Educational Center