Sacred Heart Catholic Church
5752 Blanding Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32244
Phone 771-2152
Sacred Heart parish was formally established and given territorial boundaries by Archbishop Joseph P, Hurley on the date of June 26, 1959. Msgr. Leo Daniher, now at Star of the Sea, Ponte Vedra Beach, was its first Pastor. The first building to be erected was the old church, now being remodeled for other use.
The Sisters of Mercy came here from Clonakilty, Ireland. They came to our parish in a staggered series - Sisters Paul, Ethna, Josephine, and Gerard (1960), Sister Mercy (1961), Sister Patricia (1963), Sister Brigid (1964), Sisters Regina and Brendan (1965), Sister Brigid (1964), Sisters Regina and Valerie (1982). The convent was built in 1962.
The new church is a mixture of modern and traditional styles. The High, vaulted ceilings are reminiscent of traditional cathedrals while there is ample seating space for large gatherings of the parishioners.
The Cross above the altar was the idea of Msgr. Madden. It represents Jesus, dead on the cross and in the background Jesus risen from the grave in glory.
The Chapel of Reservation is to the right of the altar of sacrifice and is but an extension of what is given to us at the altar table. All the stained glass windows in the Tabernacle contain symbols of the Eucharist.
The Stations of the Cross come to an end here, making the 15th station that of the Paschal Jesus, raised up over the altar and the Tabernacle.
The clear windows on the sides of the church, signify the openness of the Paschal Jesus to everybody and everything. They also represent the order of creation.
The images in the dormer windows represent the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on the right and the four Major Prophets: Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
The entry area is also laid out with forethought and attention to detail. As you approach the main entryway, you get a look at the upper part of the Paschal Christ, inviting you to come in and see more. When you enter the first set of doors into the gathering area you can see a stained glass arc window which provides an encircling background for the Paschal figure of Jesus. You can also see the etched glass with its Holy Spirit symbol of the dove point to the baptismal font. The Religious gift shop it to the immediate left of the Main entry. to the right is the Marian Chapel, used for daily masses and to the far left is the cry room. Reconciliation rooms are to the right and left of the main entry of the worship space. In the Marian Chapel are three stained glass windows, depicting Mary at the birth of Jesus Christ, at his death, and present with the disciples in the upper room for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. The dead and risen Paschal Christ is raised up n glory and raising up the world with him as he stands before you. The altar derives some of its power from the Paschal figure and makes it real for us as we take the body and blood of Christ in the form of the bread and wine and reminds us of his death and resurrection.
The Baptismal Font is of the same granite as the altar unifying the relationship between baptism and the Eucharist.
All in all, the new church gives us hope that we are being reborn in the Holy Spirit and if you happen to get to the Westside of Jacksonville, come by and pay us a visit.
Msgr. Patrick M. Madden, Pastor
Rev. Conrad Cowart Rev Victor Narivelil
Permanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. Joe Johnson
The People of Sacred Heart Parish
Parish Secretaries
