LINCOLN (SNR) – Sacred Heart Parish in Roseland will celebrate its 100th anniversary Sunday, Aug. 29, with Mass at 4 p.m. celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley, Bishop of Lincoln.
The Mass will be concelebrated by pastor Father Nathan Hall and numerous former pastors. After the Mass, a dinner will be provided by the Knights of Columbus and the Parish Council of Catholic Women. The parish will have various games, raffles, and activities. All members of the community, friends of the parish, former priests and religious who have served, and anyone wishing to celebrate are welcome.
The parish beginnings date back to December 1911, when Catholics of the Roseland vicinity sent a petition to Bishop J. Henry Tihen, requesting permission to build a church in Roseland. On November 20, 1919, Bishop Charles J. O’Reilly granted permission, and Sacred Heart Parish was officially established March 17, 1920, with approximately 50 families.
Father John Lawrence O’Donnell submitted plans for the new church to Bishop O’Reilly April 18, 1920. Under his leadership, construction began that Aug. 4, and the cornerstone was blessed Nov. 3.
The church was dedicated in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The building was made of pressed brick and Bedford stone, measuring 45 by 80 feet.
The church underwent several major renovations throughout the years. In the 1950s the church was rewired with new lighting, a tile floor was installed, and the first electronic organ was purchased. In 1962 the high altars and Communion rails were removed.
During the last 25 years, renovations were initiated under the leadership of Father Thomas Au. The remodeling continued under Father Thomas Brouillette and was brought to completion by Father Jonathan Haschke into the beautiful structure the parish uses for worship today.
“Each parish, no matter its size or location, has the full joy and responsibility of bringing Jesus to its community,” said current pastor, Father Nathan Hall. “In Roseland, the parish of Sacred Heart has been accomplishing the work of salvation of souls for 100 years. The town has seen so much change over that time, but the parish has helped people know, love, and serve God during all that time.”
To honor and reflect on the faith of previous generations, a committee was created to publish a commemorative book. The book reviews and celebrates parishioners and priests from the last 100 years. In 111 pages, this publication includes massive amounts of pictures and stories encapsulating the story of Sacred Heart Parish in Roseland. Tim Trausch, head of the music ministry at Sacred Heart, said the book includes pictures of his mother who was organist for more than 60 years and one of his father serving at Mass in 1937.
The commemorative book is available now, from the parish if you are interested. The parish asks for a donation of $50 for each book in order to cover the cost of publishing.
“The past generations of Catholics have worked to give our community the physical building, the financial resources, and most importantly, the Faith handed on from family to family,” Father Hall said. “May we, who have been entrusted with this critical work fall deeper in love with our Lord and Savior and preserve this parish for another 100 years.”
