Greetings and Peace in Christ Risen!

It is fitting that as we continue to journey together during these 50 Days of Easter renewal, we are progressing ever closer to the renewal and redecoration of our interior worship space.

Currently, we are putting together focus groups for the Altar, Ambo, and Tabernacle Stand, as we have previously done with the Audio/Visual, Crucifix, Communion rails, Adoration Chapel, and Baptistry. The task of these groups is to make suggestions on updated designs and come to a general agreement on the project. Some of these groups are in process and others are still forming. If you feel called to work with a group towards consensus, please do let me know.

Next week I will be sharing more with you on the multi-layered lighting solution which will significantly upgrade and enhance our experience of worship.

Yours in Christ Risen,



Father John

Rector/Pastor

Virtus Training

Wednesday, May 15th

6:00-9:00 p.m.

Please note: due to the subject nature class size is limited. Please pre-register. No late entrants will be allowed.

The Archdiocese of Atlanta is committed to the safety and well-being of its children, youth, and vulnerable individuals. The program implements procedures to minimize risk while building and fostering a culture of a safety. It requires all clergy, all employees, and volunteers working with children, youth, and/or vulnerable individuals to attend the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training which is part of the comprehensive Safe Environment compliance program.

The VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training incorporates proven best practice standards for the prevention of child sexual abuse by all who interact with children. Participants are made aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and are presented with five steps to prevent child sexual abuse. Facilitators incorporate Archdiocesan policies and procedures into the training, defining child sexual abuse, and addressing the legal requirements of reporting child sexual abuse, along with the two videos that are a part of the session.

Questions? Contact Peggy Ballou Parish Registrar and Safe Environment Coordinator.

Pray the Rosary

We are moving this month’s recitation of the Rosary to this Sunday, April 21, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass. As usual, please join the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella in the pews immediately in front of the Marian altar.

Also, this is a reminder that May is a Marian month. All are welcome to join us as we pray the Rosary every Sunday in May after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  

Mother's Day Novena

Give your mother, grandmother, godmother, wife, or any mother in your life, whether living or deceased, the gift of spiritual blessings. By enrolling them in our 2024 Mother’s Day Novena of Masses, they will be remembered at the altar as we celebrate Mass at the Basilica for their intentions for nine days beginning on Mother's Day weekend. Offering envelopes are available in the pews or you can use our online "quick give" option (sacredheartatlanta.org/quick-give/) being sure to note the name of your mother on the "designation " line.

Knights of Columbus

Basilica Council Provides Fish Fry Proceeds to Local Agencies We are proud to announce that our Council’s fundraising efforts are really impacting our community! As a result of the hard work of our members and volunteers, and the generosity of our parishioners, funds raised at our Lenten Fish Fries will be donated to local organizations that are providing essential services and are making a difference in the community. A total of one thousand dollars will be presented to the Pregnancy Aid Clinic, the Missionaries of Charity Gift of Grace House, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home.

The Vidalias are coming, the Vidalias are coming! The Basilica Council will offer for sale ten pound bags of the famous Vidalia onions. Harvesting will start in the very near future. We anticipate the onions will be available for sale at the Basilica early next month.

Habitat for Humanity Builds to Start Again After a long hiatus, Habitat for Humanity will resume home builds in connection with several churches in the area, including our Basilica. Sacred Heart has a long and storied history of cooperation with Habitat for Humanity and the Basilica’s KofC Council is proud to be named as the coordinating ministry for this year’s effort. All parishioners will have an opportunity to volunteer. Details are still being ironed out, but we do know that we will be working in concert with a number of area churches, the build will stretch from mid-May through mid-July, and sign-up will be on-line. Please watch for more details in the near future.

Inspired to get involved? We are recruiting men to join us in the many good works we perform for the parish and the community at large. Our Council allows like-minded Catholic men to live out their faith through fellowship and action. We should point out that the Knights of Columbus focus on the family. In many instances, wives, children, and other family members are welcome to participate in our events and activities. Children can benefit from working with their parents on charitable projects and can fulfill community service requirements at their schools. For more information, contact Patrick Waldron at waldronp@hotmail.com or cell 571-643-2894.

To join as an online member, click on the link below:

Join Us | Knights of Columbus (kofc.org) When completing the online application form, enter the promo code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY to join for free, enter Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as your parish, Council 15848, as the council connected with the church.

Racial Justice Speaks: Healing and the Catholic Church is a personal spiritual formation program designed to immerse participants in a day of reflection on the individual and communal sin of racism. The journey is intended to open meaningful pathways to an antiracism culture in the Catholic Church.

You are invited to attend the Interparish Antiracism Ministry’s Racial Justice Speaks: Healing and the Catholic Church, a faith-based antiracism program to be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 9am - 3pm.

Midtown Assistance Center

The Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) is once again preparing for its 10th Annual Midtown Race for MAC 5k at Piedmont Park on May 11, 2024. In its tenth year, this annual event draws runners from around Atlanta to raise awareness about the prevention of homelessness and hunger for working families. Since its inaugural race in 2014, the Midtown Race for MAC has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide essential emergency assistance to low-income working Atlantans. The 5k race course this year is once again inside the park. Parking available in the lot next to Park Tavern. Leashed dogs and strollers welcome.  Register here:

Let us pray...

For our faithful departed especially: Josefina T. Mata. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

For the sick of our parish, especially:  Neloise Adkins, Bernice Caruso, Joe Bizon, E.J. Lockett, Gina Manarin, Ivan Pavlovich, Fred Pond, Bob Schorr, Calvin Scott, Hillary Singleton, and Gift of Grace House residents.



For our men and women in uniform, especially: Christofer Arguedas, Madison Bips, Paul Brieske, Rafael Duralde, Nathan Fouratt, Grier Jobson, and Devin Thomas.

To add or remove names from our prayer lists, please contact Kelly Schreckenberger at kschreckenberger@sacredheartatlanta.org.

Our Stewardship of Treasure

Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

Amount Collected to Date (March 31): $806,749.03

Amount Budgeted to Date (March 31): $834,400.00

Variance: ($27,240.97)

Year to Date 2023: $799,100.17

The Second Collection

this Sunday, April 21 is for Parish Outreach Ministries.

The Stewardship of our Treasure reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. Our electronic Online Giving Program through Our Sunday Visitor is fast and easy and less risky than cash or checks, as donations cannot be lost, stolen or destroyed. You will not incur any additional fees through online giving.

Register for Online Giving today by clicking here.

Donate through Quick-Give here!



Questions about online giving? Please contact Michelle Rivers, Financial Manager, mrivers@sacredheartatlanta.org or 404.974.2246.

We look forward to seeing you!

Saturday Vigil: 4pm

Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12:30pm (Spanish), 5:00pm

M-T-W-F: 12:10pm Daily Mass

TH: 12:10pm Scripture & Communion

Confessions: Friday 11:30am and Saturday 3:30pm.

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm