Sacred Heart Parish History

    Sacred Heart Church of Hudson, Michigan, owes its existence chiefly to immigrants from Ireland, who, by hard work and toil converted forest land into grain producing acres, and thus provided a livelihood for their families and themselves.

    Mass was first said by the Redemptorist Fathers as early as 1846. At first, they Used family farm houses for services, later the Irish immigrants constructed a meager little frame church on a hill in the township of Medina, which even to this day goes by die name "Catholic Hill."

    Bishop P.P. Lefevre sent an Adrian priest in the person of Rev. Peter Joseph Kinderkins to extend his pastoral care to the Mission of Medina (Catholic Hill).

    In year 1858 Fr. Kinderkins purchased a small plot of land in Hudson, on the corner of School and Spring Streets. A barn which occupied the site, was converted into a temporary church.

    In 1859, Rev. Francis J. VanErp became the first resident pastor for the 100 families of the Medina Mission. In 1866, it became clear that the temporary structure was not adequate; so then the building of a new chiurch began. Bishiop Lefevre blessed the cornerstone on the 15th of July 1866 and the first Mass was celebrated on May 30, 1869. On April 23, 1872, the church was solemnly blessed and consecrated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by the Most Rev. Casper H. Borgess, Bishop of Detroit.

    In 1905, under the leadership of Father Hallissey, plans for new church and rectory on the corner of Market and Mechanic Streets were made. The cornerstone of what is our present church was laid on June 28, 1905. The church is constructed of fieldstone collected from the Catholic farmers farms, with cut stone trimmings. It has two towers, each 86 feet high surmounted by copper domes and tipped by gold crosses.

    The style of architecture is French Renaissance, with a combination of the Romanesque and Byzantine. Stained glass artwork has been used in the windows. It has a slate roof supported by steel trusses. The interior is finished in Oak, with large oak doors and hard wood floors. The Sanctuary floor is covered with Mosaic tile with a marble altar. The pews are made of carved oak. The organ of the old church was rebuilt and placed in the balcony over the main entrance.

    Rt. Rev. John Foley, Bishop of Detroit, performed the dedication of the new church, on October 30, 1906. This was an event not only for the Catholics of Hudson, but also for the community at large.

    The Hudson area Catholic families of 1904 did not realize their dream of a new church would take 80 years to complete, or that their grandchildren and great, grandchildren would complete the work. In 1983, six lay persons, some descendants of the 1904 committee, and Fr. Jon Wehrle met decide what renovations were needed. In August 1983, the renovations began. The "old, dark basement" was transformed into a social hall with terrazzo floor and a fully modem kitchen. During the renovation, great effort was made to bring out the architectural detail that was used when the church was built.

    The parish renovations were completed in time to celebrate its 125th Anniversary, on September 30, 1984. Bishop Kenneth J. Povish rededicated the church and the hall at that time.

    With the completion of the church renovations and Sacred Heart School enrollment up, Fr. Jon Wehrle's task was completed here at Sacred Heart. Fr. H. Paul Ruddy, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, was welcomed to Sacred Heart in 1988. In 1992, due to low school enrollment and faced with the possibility of closing its doors, Fr. Ruddy accepted the position of Sacred Heart School principal. A group of concerned parishioners and Fr. Ruddy put together an Endowment Fund in 1994 to help subsidize Sacred Heart School, and to contribute to miscellaneous church renovations. After 13 years of keeping busy with the church food pantry, counseling couples entering into marriage, and preparing church services, Fr. Ruddy announced his retirement in 2001. In July of that year, Fr. Richard Eberle, also an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, was welcomed to Sacred Heart Parish.

Rectory

    In 1861, Fr. Van Erp had a rectory constructed near the temporary church on the corner of School and Spring Streets. Shortly after, Fr. Hallissey arrived in 1899. He be-an construction of the new rectory on School and Spring Street. But with the construction of the new church in 1905, a new rectory was built on Market Street. It is an impressive two-story house. The lower half is built of fieldstone, and the upper half of pressed brick.

Bell Towers

    Each Bell Tower is 86 feet high, surrounded by copper domes and tipped by gold crosses. The bell was placed in the tower as early as 1908. Its message of "Glory to God in the Highest" is inscribed on its outer surface, and continues to sound throughout the City of Hudson. This beautiful bell is of bronze, measures 53 inches in diameter, and weighs 3,300 pounds. Inscribed on one side of the bell are the following lines: Glory to God in the Highest, in Honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Nativity of Our Lord, Plus X, Supreme Pontiff, John S. Foley, D.D. Bishop of Detroit, Joseph F. HaHissey, Pastor. On the other.side are the last names of those who donated so the bell could be purchased. The ringing of the bell was made automatic in 1949.

Sacred Heart School

    The school was started around 1853 on Catholic Hill. The number of pupils varied with the times. It is believed that the school was in existence until 1872, when a district public school was built on Catholic Hill. Since all the pupils were Catholic, morning prayers were recited and catechism was taught. This practice was discontinued after 1902, when the school returned to the non-sectarian curriculum of the school system. In January 1877, Rev. J.F. Elsen started a parish school. An old abandoned frame schoolhouse on State Street just south of the church was used for this venture. By 189 1, the parish school had to be discontinued. In 1906, an account was opened toward the building of a new school. Since the account did not exceed $707.60, the plan for a school was not realized until twelve years later.

    With the leaving of Fr. Hallissey in 1922, Rev. Wm. J. Hayden was appointed pastor. His aims were high and the need for a school was evident. In 1923, the property west of the church and rectory was purchased. In April 1929, the building of the school was completed. It is a brick structure with six spacious, well-lighted classrooms, a beautiful auditorium with a seating capacity of 650, and a large stage.

    The school opened its doors on September 3, 1929, and 130 students were in attendance, 18 who were in their first year of high school. The succeeding three years of high school were added one-by-one, until all four were offered. The teaching staff consisted of 5 Sisters of St. Francis from Rochester, MN, and one lay teacher, Miss Mary Ennis.

    In 1937, the Sisters of St. Francis were withdrawn and replaced by the Sisters of St. Dominic from Adrian, MI. At the close of the school year in 1946, Fr. Hoey felt obligated to discontinue the high school because of low attendance. The elementary school persevered with an enrollment that was greatly increased with the purchase of a school bus in 1947.

    In 1974, the Dominican Sisters were unable to supply four nuns; therefore the 7thand 8hgrades were dropped. Under the direction of Fr. Jon Wehrle, Pre-Kindergarten, 7th and 8th grades were added to Sacred Heart. Our school, which by 1977 was the only parish school left in Lenawee County, continues to provide excellent education to children of the area.

Points of Interest

Pipe Organ

    The organ was originally installed in the days before electricity, and the bellows had to be pumped by hand power. In order to supply the air needed for the 1, 127 pipes, great amounts of air were kept in reserve. When the present church was built, the organ was rebuilt. Electric blowers now supply the air instantly, so little storage is needed. In 1983, the pipe organ was rebuilt and redesigned in such a fashion as- to be able to see the Rose Window, and retain the organ.

Rose Window

    A large stained ,,lass window on the west side of the church had been bricked shut in order to install the pipe organ from the first church. This window was reopened in 1983. The bricks had to be removed individually in order to not damage the pipe organ or the Rose Window.

Stained Glass Windows

    These beautiful windows were gifts to the Parish, and are called memorial windows. The windows all depict an important event in the life of Jesus. They were imported from Munich, Germany in 1905. In beauty, as well as in their delicate coloring and workmanship, truly are a wonderful work of art.

 Sacred Heart Chalice

    Purchased by FT. Hallissey, it is a beautiful and valuable work of art. The ladies of the Parish were asked to give their gold and jewelry to supply he material. The chalice is handmade of gold with inlaid silver filigree and encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and rubies that the ladies donated. Because of its value, the chalice is kept in a safe and only used for special occasions.

Marble Altar

    The Parish altar is of the finest Carrara marble, and was made in Carrara, Italy. Traditions has it that Fr.Hallissey traveled to Rome, by ship, to purchase this altar.

Calvary Cemetery

    Fr. HaHissey purchased some land west of U.S. Highway 127 around the year 1912. The deceased were transferred there from the old cemetery on Catholic Hill, and from the 2-1/4acres of land (a place now known as Webster's Park) purchased by Fr. Van Erp in 1863.

    There is a large monument at the center of the cemetery, and in the new section there is a large cross-surrounded by statues of the Blessed Mother, St. John, and Mary Magdalene. These statues were imported from France in 1914.

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Church Organizations

    For a list of council members and their phone numbers, contact the parish office at 448-8311. A list may also be available at the entrance of the church

Parish Council - meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month August through May at 8:00 p.m.

Education Commission - meets on the 3d Thursday of each month August through May at 6:30 p.m.

Finance Commission - meets quarterly

Budget Committee - meets in January and April

Youth Group

Building and Grounds - meets as needed

Endowment Committee - meets as needed

Liturgy Commission

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    1. Of infants or young children. Please contact the parish to register for the Baptism Class for parents.(517-448-3811) It is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month in the Rectory at 11:00 am - after the   10:00 am. Mass. The class lasts approximately one hour. You need not bring the child and godparents need not attend. Baptisms. are normally at one of the Sunday Masses - to be arranged by the parents in contact with the pastor. You may have the Baptism at some other time or day or time. You should be a practicing member of the parish or have the permission in writing of your home pastor if you are not a member of this parish. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic - having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and be at least 16 years of age. In case of older children - we suggest that the child be enrolled in our religious education program for at least one year before he or she receives one of the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or Eucharist.

    Funerals: Please contact the parish as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made. The pastor will meet with family members to assist in planning music, scripture readings and wake services. Our parish also assists in providing a funeral luncheon in our parish hall. Our volunteers will cook and set up and provide desserts.

    Religious Education classes for grades K to 12 are on Sunday mornings from 8:55 to 9:50 am. Classes begin in September.

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Mission Statements

TechnoloLgy Mission

    The use of technology in Sacred Heart School must provide the students, teachers, and life-long learners with access to information, ideas, and leaning/teaching tools. It is our belief that by integrating technology into all curriculum areas, through the use of innovative teaching and learning strategies, the students will be able to develop their expertise in researching, locating, and evaluating information; Thus, enabling them to become strong Christian adults and citizens.

Education Commission Mission

    This commission is a representative parish body. The purpose of which is to consider and develop matters of school policy, to make recommendations to the school administration and act in an advisory capacity to the pastor, subject to such regulations that might proceed from the Ordinary of the Diocese and the Diocesan School Office.

Sacred Heart Parent Group Mission

    The Sacred Heart Parent Group believes the Catholic/Christian faith is the foundation of our value system. It is our goal to assist the staff of Sacred Heart School in preparing our children to develop their highest potential spiritually, intellectually, morally, socially, and physically. Catholic/Christian attitudes and citizenship are encouraged through a caring environment. We will also organize and provide fundraisers and activities to bring the entire Sacred Heart School families closer together and strive to deepen the commitment of Christian Education as a whole.

Parish Council Mission

    Discern the needs and concerns of the parish, develop goals and priorities that will address the above needs and concerns, call all members of the parish to participate in the mission of the parish. Support and encourage the pastor, committees, and commissions in carrying out their responsibilities.

Boosters Mission

    Endeavor to keep religious education available for the present and future children of our parish community, foster a closer relationship between parents, children, and the religious community.

Endowment Fund Mission

    Provide long-term financial assistance to Sacred Heart School, Sacred Heart Parish, Religious Education Program, and to assist in reducing the Sacred Heart Parish subsidy.

Budget Committee Mission

    Effectively analyze quarterly financial results and recommend short-range financial solutions. Formulate the annual budget. Develop long-range forecasts whenever shortages of major expenditures are anticipated.

Finance Commission Mission

    Assist in making administrative decisions regarding parish finances including parish budgets, annual reports, financial planning, fund raising, and development.

Building and Grounds Committee Mission

    Assess and advise the pastor on all matters relating to parish grounds, buildings, and equipment.

Cemetery Board Mission

    Serve as advisory to maintain the cemetery as a peaceful and pleasant resting place. Establish some regulations and overseeing that they are carried out to maintain their goals.

Youth Group Mission

    Established for the youth of the Parish to participate in activities with a Christian atmosphere.

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Spiritual Development/Miscellaneous Information

FOOD PANTRY:

     The food pantry is a community-based service sponsored by the Ministerial Association. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 am 1:00 pm. You can help out the food pantry by either volunteering to work during operating hours or by donating non-perishable food items (drop boxes are located at both entrances to church). To volunteer, contact the Social Service representative on Parish Council.

CHILDREN'S MASS: Christmas Eve 5:00 pm.

RCIA:

    The Rite of Christian Initiation Of Adults is the process leading to sacramental initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) into the Catholic Church. RCIA is open to anyone who would like to find out more about the Catholic Church. If you are already Catholic you can participate in RCIA by attending a meeting if the Topic is of interest to you, by being a sponsor, assist with the various rites or providing snacks. Meeting are generally Tuesday from 7:00 pm 8:30pm, starting in September and ending in May. If interested contact Fr. Eberle.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES (CCD):

    Continuing Christian Development is a program for children and youth not attending a Catholic school. The goal is to develop an awareness of the riches of the Catholic tradition and to encourage the spiritual and moral growth of young persons (grades 1-12). Classes meet every Sunday, 8:55 am 9:50 am, starting in September and ending in May. Contact the parish office to registry. Cost is $25/child or $60/ family.

BIBLE STUDY/ PRAYER GROUPS:

    Father Eberle has started a Scripture Group that meets every Tuesday at 10:30a at the rectory and study the Bible readings for the coming Sunday. This group is open to all. Watch the Bulletin for Faith Groups to form periodically throughout the year.

CALVARY CEMETERY:

    Fr. Hallissey purchased a plot of land west of US 127 around the year 1912. Bodies were transferred there from the old cemetery on Catholic Hill from the 2 1/4 acres of land (a place now known as Webster's Park). There is a large monument at the center of the Cemetery and in the new section there is a large cross surrounded by statutes of the Blessed Mother, St. John, and Mary Magdalene. These statues were imported from France in 1914. Each plot is $375.00; contact the Parish office for details and availability.

HALL RENTAL:

   Need a place to have a family gathering or reception? Why not the parish hall? Parishioner rental rate is $335 plus insurance $100, totaling $435.00, a $100.00 deposit is required. The hall seats up to 300. If the parish hall is too large, the school cafeteria can be rented for $60.00. Contact the parish office for dates available.

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Calendar of Parish Events

1. Children's Liturgy is a "Sunday School" of sorts that occurs during the 10:00 a.m. mass during the school year. Children age 3 to third grade are invited, after the opening prayer, to accompany the Children's Liturgy leader downstairs to learn about Today's Message in ways a child will understand. The children come back upstairs to sit with their families at the offertory.

2. Sunday Donuts is a fundraiser for the CCD students. There are different "teams" of CCD students with their leaders, who make donuts during the school year, and sell them after the 8 am Mass, and again after the 10 am Mass. They also serve coffee, hot chocolate and punch to go along with your snack if you stay to socialize, or you can bag a dozen or so and take them home. Either way, they're delicious!

3. Parish Appreciation Dinner takes place in January of every year. It is a potluck, and the parish provides ham, rolls, coffee and tea. Board games, cards, and socializing take place after the potluck. Tickets are sold prior to the dinner after Masses, and the money collected is handed back out at the dinner as the attendee's names are drawn from a hat. This is a time for parishioners to get together for a fun evening to relax, as when you are always working an event, there isn't much time to get to know other parishioner, because you're too busy!

4. Daddy/Daughter Dance takes place the Friday before Valentine's Day. Dads take their daughters to dinner (hopefully!), and then they come to the parish hall for dancing and fun with their best girl or girls! A photographer is available, and you can buy packages to remember the evening out!

5. Knights of Columbus Money Auction takes place the third Saturday in February. 200 tickets are sold for $100.00 each. Your purchased ticket buys you a very nice dinner complete with hours devours and an open bar. Your ticket is put in a hopper, and the tickets are drawn out one by one all evening long. The last three tickets pulled are the big money winners. Additional prizes are also won throughout the evening. This is the Knight's big fundraiser of the year.

6. St. Patrick's Dinner/Dance takes place the Saturday prior to St. Patrick's Day on March 17. A traditional Irish dinner of corn Beef and Cabbage, along with baked chicken, potatoes, vegetable, salad and rolls is served, with a cash bar. Afterwards, a live band provides dancing ad entertainment for the evening. This is a fundraiser for the church.

7. Feather and Featherless Parties are Bingo events sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. There are two a year. The Feather Party is before Thanksgiving, and Bingo is played, with Turkeys being the prize for a bingo. The Featherless Party is before Easter, with Hams being the bingo prize. This is a fundraiser for the school, and is a family event.

8. Lenten Soup supper take place on Tuesdays during Lent after the 5:15 mass. Parishioners sign up to bring in soup and bread, and a light dinner and fellowship is enjoyed in the hall each Tuesday of Lent.

9. Seder Supper is on Holy Thursday, before Mass. A traditional reenactment of the Last Supper is presented. Afterwards, a delicious lamb and chicken dinner is served. Tickets are sold at Masses leading up to Holy Week.

10. Knights of Columbus Breakfasts occur sporadically throughout the year. However, the breakfast for the current high school graduating class is a must. The men from the K of C make breakfast in the church hall. Meals are provided to the graduates free of charge, with a nominal fee for family and guests. The Knights may announce other breakfasts for the general parish at different times throughout the year, which occur between the 8 am and 10 am Mass on Sunday's, which are stop in and eat for a nominal fee.

11. Mother/Daughter Banquet occurs the Monday following First Communion each

spring. Traditionally, the First Communicant girls are honored, and they are invited to wear their First Communion dresses, and May Crowning occurs at the., dinner. This is a potluck dinner, and all mothers and daughters are invited to attend.

12.  Spring-N-2-Summer Festival is the BIG one, as far as fundraisers go for the church and school. This is a two-day festival that occurs in early to mid-June, right after school lets out for the summer. There are dinners each night, with live bands. The festival is on Friday and Saturday. There is also a Vegas Room, with blackjack and roulette, bingo, kids games, a snack stand that serves hamburgers, fries, popcorn, ice cream and other treats. Beer and wine are also sold both in the Vegas Room, and in the outdoor tent.

14.  Children's Halloween Party occurs the weekend prior to Halloween in the church hall. Admission is a bag of candy, which is collected, mixed together, and re-distributed at the end of the party for each child to have a goody bag to take home. Fun games, costume judging, snacks, and hayrides make for an enjoyable evening for young and old alike.

15.  Coffee after Midnight Mass and Easter Vigil is served each year. Parishioners are encouraged to bring in their favorite dessert, and fellowship is enjoyed in the hall after these Masses.

16.  Pet Blessing occurs in October each year near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, lover of all creation, patron saint of animals and the environment. Parishioners are invited and encouraged to bring their pets to the parking lot of the church, where they are blessed.

 

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