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The Mother Church of the Diocese of Raleigh

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If you are new to our Parish Family, please introduce yourself after Mass and to the Parish Office.  We want to know you and serve you.  We hope you will support our Parish Family with your prayers, your presence and your talents.  Registration forms are available from the Ushers at each Mass or at the Parish Office.
 

Just click on any link to the left for additional information concerning specific areas of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish Life and Ministries.

Phone:
832-6030

Fax:
833-4667

Download Our Welcome Pack - .pdf


Church Address:
200 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC


 

Mailing Address:
Sacred Heart Cathedral
217 W. Edenton St.
Raleigh, NC 27603

Parish Mission Statement

 Convinced that it is the will of God that all people be saved, the mission of
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh, North Carolina is to:

  • Proclaim the Gospel of Christ, especially through evangelization

  • Nurture the Faith of the Parish Family

  • Recognize, Celebrate and Foster the diversity of our Parish Family

  • Follow the example of Christ through service to others

We will work to fulfill this mission through the collaborative involvement of all
baptized people.  We do this always as members of the Church universal in union with
the Holy Father.

 WITH THIS AS OUR MOTIVATION, WE RESOLVE TO PASS ON OUR GOD- 
GIVEN FAITH AS LIVED THROUGH THE CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN TRADITION.

The Most Reverend
Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Raleigh
Click image to view Bishop Burbidge's Bio.
The Most Reverend
F. Joseph Gossman, DD, JCD
Bishop Emeritus
Click image to view Bishop Gossman's Bio.
 The Reverend Monsignor
Jerry M. Sherba, JCD, PhD
Rector
The Very Reverend
Salvatore A. Busichio
Vice Rector
Fr. Sal - Click image to send email.

The Reverend Monsignor
Thomas P. Hadden
Rector Emeritus

The Very Reverend
D. R. Doherty
Pastoral Team

The Very Reverend
Jonathan A. Woodhall
Vice Rector Emeritus

 Parish Map

A Brief History of Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral was not completed until 1924, but parish life can be traced back to 1821. That was the year that the Right Reverend John England, Bishop of Charleston, traveled to Raleigh to meet with the small group of Catholics in the area. Following this meeting, he authorized various priests to visit Raleigh until 1839.  Catholic families were scattered all over the state in the late 1800’s.  In response to a great demand for books on religious instruction, James Cardinal Gibbons, the Archbishop of Baltimore, wrote Faith of Our Fathers.

Raleigh’s first Catholic church was built on South Wilmington Street. In 1879, the present site of the church property, occupied by the stately home of the Bryan Grimes family, was purchased by Father James White. The Grimes family had many connections to other prominent Raleigh names, among them the Mordecai, the Williams, and the Raney families. Through the years, the Grimes descendants have continued to have ties to Sacred Heart Cathedral, and some are active parishioners today.

Father White added a chapel to the mansion so that it could be used as a church and rectory. In 1899, Father Thomas Griffin was appointed the pastor of Sacred Heart Church, a position which he held for 31 years. It was under his leadership that the cathedral, school, and rectory were built. Father Griffin, founder of the Cathedral, is buried on the McDowell Street side of the church.

The cornerstone of the Cathedral was laid in 1922, and the church was completed in 1924. Two months later, the Diocese of Raleigh was formed and Sacred Heart Church took on the status of a cathedral. The Right Reverend William J. Hafey, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, was ordained the first bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh on December 5, 1925.

In 1937, Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness, from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, became the second Bishop of Raleigh. The first renovation to SHC was done under Bishop McGuiness in 1939, when the terrazzo floor and stained glass windows we enjoy today were installed. The third Bishop of Raleigh to be ordained in 1945 was Bishop Vincent S. Waters, the former Chancellor of the Diocese of Richmond. It was during his tenure that the North Carolina Catholic, the state’s Catholic newspaper, was founded in 1946.Click image to view Bishop Gossman's Bio.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore, the Most Reverend F. Joseph Gossman, was appointed the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh in 1975.

          (June 8th, 2006) - Pope Benedict XVI named Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to be the 5th Bishop of Raleigh, accepting the retirement of Bishop F. Joseph Gossman, who has shepherded the Diocese of Raleigh since 1975.

Click to view Bishop Burbidge's Bio.          Bishop Burbidge, who was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1984, holds a Doctorate Degree in Education and Masters Degrees in Theology and Education Administration. As a priest, he has been a high school teacher and Special Assistant for retired Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua. In 1998, he was named a Monsignor by Pope John Paul II and in 1999 he was appointed Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in the archdiocese, where he served until 2004. In 2002, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop and for has worked in the Archdiocesan Office Center.

          Bishop Burbidge was installed as the fifth Bishop of Raleigh on August 4, 2006. Bishop Gossman was named Apostolic Administrator during the time between the appointment and the installation of Bishop Burbidge.

 Sacred Heart Cathedral is the smallest Catholic cathedral in the contiguous United States.

Mass & Faith Formation Times

Mass Times

Weekend
Saturday
- 5:00 p.m. - Vigil Mass

 Sunday - 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Chancel choir), 12 Noon, (Spiritual choir)

School Hall: 9:0 0a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Las Misa en español a las 2 de la tarde

Weekday

Monday: (during school year) 1:30 p.m. (summer 12:10 p.m.)

Tuesday-Friday: 12:10 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday: Midday Prayer 12 Noon

 Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturday: 3:30-4:00 p.m. (also by appointment) 
 

Faith Development

Faith Development for Children/Teens
Preschool to Grade 5: Meets Sundays at 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is required

 Total Youth Ministry (TYM) Grades 6-12
Meets  Sundays
Pre-registration is required.

 Adult Faith Formation

 Adult Education: Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m (Five week sessions on various
                                                            topics throughout the year.) Check the weekly bulletin for session dates.

 Young Adults:  Young Adults in their 20s and 30s meet throughout the year for
                                      social and spiritual activities. Check the weekly bulletin for event information 
 

Sacred Heart Cathedral welcomes children of all ages at all masses.

Worship

The Second Vatican Council continues to call the whole Church to reflect on the role of the laity in the Church.  It reminds us that all Christians, by virtue of their baptism, are called to spread the gospel, to continue the work of building the Kingdom of God, and most especially, to offer worship.

 The laity have the privilege and duty to spread the message of salvation so that it may be known and accepted by all people throughout the world. We are challenged to apply the gospel to the concrete situations and actual circumstances of our lives. According to the Church, the source from which we draw in order to accomplish this work is liturgy. For the work of the Church to continue most effectively, lay women and men must have the opportunity for liturgical education, enabling them to enter into “full, active, and conscious participation’ in the liturgy.

 In keeping with this goal, all parishioners are invited and encouraged to share their talents and interests with the Cathedral community by becoming involved in a liturgical ministry.

  • Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion – shares the Body and Blood of Christ with the community assembled for Mass.
  • Lector – proclaims the scripture readings to the assembled faith community
  • Usher and Minister of Hospitality – welcomes the faithful as they arrive for Mass and distributes the Order of Worship and Bulletin. Sees to the first aid and safety of the assembly when an emergency arises
  • Altar Server – serves the community by assisting at the altar

Ministers will receive liturgical training, theological education and spiritual formation pertaining specifically to the ministry in which they are involved. Liturgical ministries at Sacred Heart Cathedral are open to all Catholics of the parish and the Diocese of Raleigh.

Music

Sacred Heart is an enthusiastic parish built on a strong tradition of faith where music and worship are woven together. The center of Cathedral’s life is the Sunday liturgy in which we celebrate our life together through the Eucharist and the arts. We have found that the questions of human meaning for our time are poignantly raised by the arts. An integral part of our mission, therefore, is to use the language of the arts – particularly the joys of music – to communicate Christian judgment, resource, faith, and hope. The music ministry takes seriously its responsibility to nurture the worshipping community in the faith and the expression of that faith through music. This is accomplished through the development of the Cathedral’s choirs and the continued education of the singing assembly as the principal and fundamental musical body of the faithful. The joyful harmony of the people of God is crucial to the realization of the solemnity and majesty in liturgical events. The choirs, with the singing assembly, prefigure the gathering of the saints and angelic choir of the new Jerusalem.

The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Thomas McGinnis, sings each week at the 10:30 am Sunday liturgy. The choir of sixteen voices is completely composed of volunteers. Drawing from a rich heritage of church music, the Chancel Choir sings anthems from a diverse range of styles representing early music to modern. In addition, the choir provides musical and liturgical leadership for the assembly in the singing of acclamations, psalms, hymns and responses. The Chancel Choir is open to experienced singers on a periodic basis. Please call the Music Ministry office to schedule an audition.

Schola Nova, the Cathedral Children’s Choir – sings once each month at the 9:00 am Sunday Liturgy.  The children’s music program is designed to help young people discover their own musical talents and to nurture their faith in God through the discipline of choral singing. By giving children an active role in the Sunday liturgy, they gain a sense of accomplishment in sharing their ministry with the community and come to a deeper understanding that faith is dynamic. The choir of treble voices is under the direction of Thomas McGinnis. It is open to all girls and boys of the parish in grades 3-8.

Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble sings twice monthly at the 5:00 pm Saturday liturgy. The ensemble is composed of singers and instrumentalists.  New members are always welcome. For information, please call Thomas McGinnis in the Music Ministry office.

Cathedral Spiritual Choir sings each week at the 12 noon Liturgy. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm under the direction of Harry Taylor. The repertoire emphasizes the African American Gospel tradition in Contemporary and Gospel Anthems. New members are always welcomed.

Liturgy Volunteer Opportunities
 See weekly bulletin for contact information

Altar Servers – Parishioners in grade 4 through adult are invited to train as altar servers for liturgies.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Volunteers are needed to assist with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00am Sunday Liturgy.

Collection Stewards – Offer a ministry of service to the parish community by counting the weekend Offertory collection.

  Eucharistic Ministers – Assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at each Liturgy and at the direction of the Rector, take Holy Communion to the sick.

Lectors – The responsibility of the Lector is to proclaim the Word of God at Liturgy.  Lectors are scheduled on a rotating basis.

San Damiano (Altar Guild) – Cares and maintains the altar and Sanctuary.

Ushers and Ministers of Hospitality – Assist at liturgical events of the parish by welcoming and seating people at mass.


Pastoral Services

 

 Join in the spirit of community by getting involved at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  Several volunteer opportunities are available.  Many hands make light work!  Please prayerfully consider sharing your gifts in any of these ministries.  For more information, please contact the committee chairperson listed in the weekly bulletin or in the Parish Directory, or contact the parish office at (919) 832-6030.

 Parish Ministries

Baptismal Preparation Couples- Caring ministry to families preparing for the Baptism of their child.  Assist with the Baptismal Preparation Class which meets once a month.

Bereavement Ministry- Multi-faceted outreach ministry to those who are grieving

Catechists- Volunteers are needed to assist with the religious education program for Pre-K – Grade 12. Training is provided.

Marriage Preparation Mentor Couples- A wonderful ministry of assisting couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Ministry to the Sick – Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick.  Includes members who are homebound and members who live in care centers. Visiting these people to bring them the parish news is most rewarding.

RCIA Team- Volunteers are needed to assist with ministering to those in the R.C.I.A. program as members of the R.C.I.A. team, specifically for Breaking Open the Word and Inquiry, and as sponsors to candidates.

 Cathedral-San Ramon Parish Ministry – San Ramon, Nicaragua. Ministry works to build the relationship between Sacred Heart Cathedral and San Ramon Parish by finding ways to support education and evangelization projects.

Share Sunday – All parishioners are encouraged to bring donations of food or monetary donations on the first Sunday of the month. All donations are given to help the poor. Volunteers are needed to deliver the food and work on publicity.

  Wedding Committee – Helps to coordinate the wedding party at the church during the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding.

 Welcome Committee- Volunteers are needed to assist in welcoming & contacting new members of our growing parish to help introduce them to our parish community. 

 Helen Wright Center Meals – The purpose is to provide meals for the residents of the center on the fourth Friday of every month. Volunteers are needed to purchase groceries, cook, and serve meals.

 Migrant Worker Meals – The parish volunteers two Sundays each summer to feed about 250 migrant workers and their families at St. Bernadette Church in Fuquay-Varina. Volunteers are needed to set-up, serve and clean up.

 Parish Life

Finance Council – Oversees the financial transactions and develops the budget for the parish.

Office Volunteers – People are needed to assist the parish staff by serving as the receptionist and doing light office work. 

Social Life – Volunteers are needed to assist with the various social activities that occur in the parish during the year such as the Easter Vigil Reception and the First Communion Reception.

Collection Stewards – Offer a ministry of service to the parish community by counting the weekend Offertory collection. Opportunities are available for Sunday midmorning and Monday mornings.

Rides to Mass – Pick up and return members of our Parish Family who have no means of transportation to attend weekend Mass. 

If you wish to assist in any of these ministries, please contact the parish office.

 Social Concerns Ministry

The Social Concerns Ministry of Sacred Heart Cathedral is called to engage the parish community in works of social justice and charity, in accordance with the Gospel message and Catholic Social Teaching through awareness, education and action. To volunteer for a Social Concerns Ministry, contact Anne or Bill Werdel at 832-6030 ext.16.

HIV/AIDS Ministry – The Aids Ministry works to meet the needs of the individuals affected by HIV through compassionate, non-judgmental service.  We are dedicated to providing continued education to the community, parish, and ourselves about all aspects of AIDS and HIV.

Catholic Parish Outreach – CPO operates a food pantry to serve needy families and individuals in our community.  Volunteers assist with greeting and interviewing clients, packing food bags, and sorting and distributing  children’s clothing.  Volunteers are needed to work one day a month (Mon. – Sat. 9:30-1:30) at the Center. 

Raleigh Organizing for Action and Results – R.O.A.R. is a group of clergy and citizens dedicated to finding new ways to improve the lives of everyday people in our Triangle-area communities. Our goal is to build a broad-based organization that crosses lines of race and class and trains leaders to create real social and political change.

JustFaith Seminar – Eight-month long seminar in the peace and justice tradition of the Catholic Church. Participants read, study and discuss with one another on a weekly basis topics such as the scriptural imperative for justice, the Church’s preferential option for the poor, papal and US Bishops’ statements on justice, the causes of growing world poverty, consumerism and racism.

Christmas Share Tree – Volunteers are needed to make tags, sort the gifts, and work in teams to deliver the gifts during the Christmas season.

      

MICAH Micah Ministry is a group of Sacred Heart Cathedral parishioners who, working with other faith communities in Raleigh, try to address some of the needs of the poor in our city.  Some of these efforts include: 

  • *The Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN) Program - Provides shelter and a Sunday lunch to temporarily homeless families.

  • *Passage Home - An affordable housing program which bridges the gap from transitional housing to home ownership.

  • *Moore Square Meals – Parishioners work together to provide a meal to Raleigh’s homeless on the 2nd and 3rd Saturday of each month.

Prison Ministry – Prison Ministry tries to meet the spiritual needs of women and men in prison by conducting communion and prayer services and writing letters to those in prison.  The members of this ministry also train to offer support in teams to those released from prison to help them re-enter society as productive citizens.

Caregivers – Caregivers provides support to elderly and disabled adults of Wake County.  Volunteers provide transportation, friendly visits, occasional meal preparation, light housekeeping, yard work, and/or respite care to those who need a little assistance to remain as independent as possible.

Global Outreach – The Global Outreach Ministry calls our parishioners into solidarity with those in need throughout the world and to work for global justice and peace.  Activities include international mission trips, CROP Walk, refugee resettlement, fair-trade coffee sales, and educational programs. 

 Sacramental Preparation

Baptism

In order that the parents may be properly disposed to understand and carry out the duties that they accept in presenting their children for Baptism, it is necessary for them to participate in a preparation program. Preparation classes are by appointment. Baptisms are during Mass on Sunday. Call the office to schedule Baptisms and preparation classes.

 First Communion/First Reconciliation

Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist is a two-year process. It is introduced in Grade One and continues through Grade Two when students receive both sacraments.

Adult Confirmation Classes

Classes for practicing Catholics that have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are scheduled at least once a year. Contact the parish office for more information.

Confirmation (Youth)

Preparation for Confirmation is a one-year process. The majority of youth are in the 9th Grade year but the program is open to all the High School youth.

Sacrament of Matrimony

To prepare for this lifelong commitment, couples must contact the Parish Office at least six months before the proposed wedding date.

Rite Of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)

A faith journey offered by the Catholic Church to those who feel drawn to a deeper relationship with God and possible membership in the Catholic Church, please contact the Steve Gambino in the Parish Office for more information.

Cathedral School


Please join us
for a
Tuesday Tour

9:00 - 11:30 AM

(Information on the hour,
tours on the half hour.)

and view the
Cathedral Experience!

204 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

(919) 832-4711

www.cathedral-school.net

 Roman Catholic religion is a part of our daily curriculum and coordinated with the Church Calendar.  As part of this, students attend mass each Monday.  The mass is orchestrated for the students to participate in the music, readings, prayers and gifts.  The homilies are directed to the children, drawing their responses to the message of the day.

 

 Our curriculum is approached in a modular fashion that we like to call the "Cathedral Experience," which nurtures the body, mind and spirit of each child as they pursue their own "individual" academic excellence.  Grades are grouped into clusters, where skills build like stair steps, enabling your child to meet the challenges at each level.  Our students consistently score well above average when compared nationally on the IOWA Test of Basic Skills.  Our testing program emphasizes the tracking of individual students to assure that each child is working up to his or her potential.

 

 Our racially and economically diverse student body builds a community of shared cultural experiences.  Our parents, faculty and staff model the meaning of true stewardship to our students through their generous gifts of time and talent in many volunteer roles.  All students show their love of community through grade appropriate service projects.  The students show their love for each other by fulfilling our high expectations for their behavior and by older students being assigned younger students as "buddies" - where they learn by example what it means to be a "Cathedral Knight."

 


Established in 1909, Cathedral School has grown up with downtown.  Our school, located at 204 Hillsborough Street, is within walking distance of museums, government offices and historical buildings.  We view our unique location as an extended campus that our students visit regularly to experience museum exhibits, theater performances, downtown events, specific to their curriculum topics as a part of their normal class activities.

By selecting Cathedral School your child has the unique opportunity to participate in the rich history, diverse community, and quality education that is the Cathedral Experience.

... a 96 year tradition.

Stewardship

Questions and Answers

 Question: What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Where stewardship has been implemented, both givers’ and receivers’ lives have been changed.

It is a way of life. It is a way of thanking God for all His blessings by returning to Him a portion of the time, talent, and treasure allotted to us.

Stewardship engenders a spirituality that deepens our relationship with the Lord. Stewardship involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of time, talent, and treasure.

 Question: What difference will Stewardship make in my life?

The difference is the motivation for giving. Stewardship is an extension of our spiritual life where we give in gratitude to God for what we have already received. The difference also is in the result of our giving. Those who practice stewardship find that they grow spiritually and that their faith is deepened.

 Question: What is meant by intentional, planned and proportionate giving?

Intentional means a deliberate and well thought out decision to live out the Christian life in a certain way.  Planned means that each Catholic household plans and makes stewardship of time and talent a part of their lifestyle and stewardship of treasure a part of its own budget. Proportionate means a decision is made to give a certain percentage of one’s time and talent and one’s income to the church and other community charities.

 Question: What is meant by giving of one’s time and talents?

Giving of one’s time involves being with God in prayer and worship, sharing our love with family and friends, and volunteering our time in church and community activities that help others and promote justice. Sharing our talents arises from the fact that God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well, and we have the responsibility to develop those talents for the good of others.

 Question: Am I expected to give all of my time, talent, and treasure to the Church?

No, not at all. Most people give of their time and talent as volunteers to community groups in addition to volunteering at the Church.  Many people will give money to other community groups in addition to supporting the Church.

 Question: Is stewardship of treasure just another attempt to raise funds for the Church?

No, it is not, although some mistakenly see it that way. First, stewardship is based on the Bible, which has many references to stewardship. Second, it is based on the individual’s need to give, not on the Church’s need to receive. Third, giving of treasure is not limited to the Church.

Stewardship of Treasure

 In prayerful thanksgiving for the many blessings from God, this is my/our financial commitment toward the support of our Parish.

 (Please complete one line and place in the collection plate at any Liturgy)

 $ __________ Weekly

 

$ __________ Monthly

 

$ __________ Quarterly

 

$ __________ Annually

  Signature: ____________________________________

 Print Name: __________________________________

 Phone Number: ______________________________

 "- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

  In the area of treasure, some Catholics choose the biblical norm of giving 10 percent of their treasure (a tithe). Some, because of circumstances, give more than that. Others might start at 3 or 4 percent and work upward.  After prayerful thought about the size of your gift, when you do not find yourself making excuses for its size, when you know in your heart that you have been completely honest with God and yourself, then your gift is the proper size.

Automatic Giving

If you are interested in having your treasure automatically drafted from your bank account, please call the Parish Office or request a form from the Usher at mass.

Parish Directory

 To Open the Current
Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish Directory
Click Here... to open in a new window.

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 This page last updated:  05/06/2008