Parish Organizations
Altar Society
This is a service and social organization for parish women 18 years and older. Annual dues of $10.00 are collected from members. The primary objectives of this organization are to: 1) unite all Catholic women of Sacred Heart Parish in religious, educational and social activities, 2) assist the priest in spiritual and material undertakings for the welfare of the parish, 3) provide means for maintenance of the altar. The Altar Society meets four times annually, and holds fundraisers: Arts & Crafts/Bake Sales in Lent and Advent, and the annual Parish Ice Cream Social in August. Circles include: arts and crafts, funeral dinners, quilting and sewing, receptions, prayer chain, rest home visitations, special needs, and liturgical art and environment.
Contact: Linda DeDonder @ 620-412-6065
The primary goal of this organization is to provide support for the students, teachers, and staff of Sacred Heart School. Parents of Sacred Heart School students are members of the PTO. Funds raised by the organization are used to financially assist the needs of the school. Four members serve for a two-year term on an executive committee that meets monthly.
Trustees to the Sacred Heart Foundation promote the giving of assets and donations to Sacred Heart that will serve the parish’s long term needs. The primary role of the foundation is communication and promotion of giving options such as: making Sacred Heart a beneficiary to a will, estate, trust, life insurance policy, or similar item; establishing an annuity with the Sacred Heart Foundation; special giving option to one of the foundation’s funds. Trustees educate parishioners on giving options and the benefits and drawbacks on restricted and non-restricted gifts. They promote investment goals to the parish. Trustees maintain clear communication of all gifts with the donor and pastor. In collaboration with the Finance Council, they oversee all restricted gifts. The trustees also advise the pastor regarding investment options and appropriate levels of risk. Those interested in serving on the foundation should contact the pastor. Candidates should have financial experience similar to those of the Finance Council.
Contact: Jim Kessler @ 620-343-6488
Parishioners aid in the maintenance of the Sacred Heart Parish Campus buildings and grounds. Specialized skills include: carpentry, electrical, heating and air, plumbing, painting, and snow removal. Committee members perform maintenance and/or make recommendations to the pastor regarding repairs to be made by outside contractors. Members meet approximately four times a year to plan and schedule work.
Contact: Bill McKernan @ 910-322-7954
Sacred Heart Cemetery was established in the 1880s and is a beautiful ten-acre plot that is fenced and well maintained. It is located southeast of Emporia on Road M-5 halfway between South Avenue and Logan Avenue. Catholics and non-Catholics may be buried in the parish cemetery. Burial and inurnment spaces may be viewed by appointment. Members of this committee meet annually for ground maintenance.
Contact: Dave Stout @ 620-342-5360
Parishioners meet to prepare the Parish Hall for events such as receptions, meetings, parties, festivals, and dinners. Approximate time for set up is usually 20-30 minutes. Some lifting of table and chairs is required.
Contact: Ron Dinkel @ 620-343-3482 and Dave Trelc @ 620-343-3682
On the first Monday of each month, Sacred Heart Parish parishioners assist in serving a free meal to area residents in need from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center located at 1028 Whittier.
Contact: Marianne Dixon @ 620-343-3621
Boy Scout Troop #158 follows the Boy Scouts of America objectives of character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Boy Scouts is available to those who have completed grade 5 and are at least 10 years old, but not yet 18 years old. Boy Scouts achieve levels of advancement in rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout through merit badge activities. Camping and outdoor activities are a high priority. Community services include: assist with the Mexican Supper, Fall Festival, Easter Vigil, and service projects for the parish facilities.
Contact: Marc Fusaro @ 479-280-8525