Father Kevin Louis, native son of Sacred Heart Parish, shares parish memories with the congregation. (Sharon Sliwka)
By: Sharon Sliwka
MARSHFIELD – It was 100 years ago that Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish was established to serve the growing community of Marshfield, Wisc. A century later, the faith of its parishioners continues to shine as a celebration of their past and belief in their future.
The commemoration began with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Raymond Burke followed by the parish picnic and Mass with Monsignor Michael Gorman. Native son, Father Kevin Louis, celebrated the Centennial Mass which was followed by a parish dinner to close out the celebration weekend. Bishop William Patrick Callahan, bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, sent his warmest greetings and regrets for not being able to attend as he continues to covalence from heart surgery.
From parishioners who were born within a decade of when Sacred Heart Parish was formed and received all the Sacraments there, to those just beginning their journey in faith, this celebration was truly about the people who make up the parish. Young and old joined together for a weekend of festivities.
Faith is clearly abundant by not only the longevity of those actively involved within the parish, but it is also home to 11 vocations to the priesthood and 31 women religious.
“This is my spiritual home as it is for many of you,” Father Louis declared in his Centennial Mass homily. “We share and rejoice our gift of faith as we celebrate 100 years.”
Father Savarimuthu Selvaraj, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, believes the celebration is a wonderful opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those that do not know him. “At 100 years, our Sacred Heart church is reaffirming again and again the love of God and the love of our neighbor is the most important mission today.”