The work of the Sacred Heart Apostolate is spreading throughout the country as we respond to invitations to conduct missions on a nationwide basis. Like marathon runners, we travel across the country going the extra mile to save the family and a world in crisis. Our missions are unique in that we reach out to individuals, families, and the parish family to show them the power of the Domestic Church once they enthrone the Sacred Heart in their midst. We also hold Catechesis Workshops to assist promoters in carrying out the Enthronements on a parish and diocesan level.
What is a Parish Mission?
What is the Purpose of a Parish Mission?
What is the Enthronement?
In the words of Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC., the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart means “the Official and Social recognition of the loving Kingship of the Heart of Jesus in the Christian family.”
“Touch Me Lord” by Marty Rotella of Spirit Power
This recognition of the Heart of Christ in our midst is not reserved just for families – but is open to individuals, parishes, communities and institutions. The Enthronement is a Way of Life. His Divine Heart is the center of attention attracting families and communities to live under the influence of HIS LOVE.
The ritual of the Enthronement is a two-fold action of installing a blessed image of the Sacred Heart and making a covenant of love with Him. Our Lord in turn will honor this covenant of love by bestowing significant graces and blessings. He told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, “I will bless every dwelling in which an image of My Heart is both exposed and honored.”
Why would a parish do this
The Sacred Heart Apostolate is concerned about family spirituality and is totally in concert with the writings of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul the Great. He describes the family as a “domestic Church” and exhorts families to become “true centers of evangelization.”
Today, families are in need, and ready to hear this message of help and hope. An ideal approach to bring this about is to hold a Parish Mission which introduces the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. The Enthronement is a means of shielding families from the many dangers they face today and as a stepping stone toward a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
A goal of the Mission Team is to give families a sense of hope, sharing with them how they can take a positive action in their lives and know that Jesus is the answer to all problems. Families who elect to enter into this way of life take a positive step toward building a civilization of love, which is contrary to our current culture of death.
The Parish Mission is based on the love of the Sacred Heart which brings forth (1) all the treasures promised by Jesus, and (2) the desire of God for an intimate, loving relationship with each one of us.
Where to begin 
First, please contact the Apostolate. We will be happy to provide information and answer all of your questions.
The next step is for the Pastor to decide to have a Parish Mission. If the answer is “Yes”, then a date is coordinated with the Mission Team to schedule the Mission. Preliminary steps are then discussed with the Pastor and/or his representatives to implement the mission.
Preparation plans can be made based upon a guide of spiritual and logistical suggestions provided by the team.
Parish Missions based on the love of the Sacred Heart brings forth all the treasures promised by Jesus. There is emphasis on the importance of prayer, reconciliation, and the Eucharist. They also bring forth the idea of God desiring an intimate loving relationship with each of us.
What to do and how to do it
A guide of spiritual and logistical suggestions will be provided by the Mission Team which include:
- Setting up a “Core Team” of 8-12 parishioners, representing the Staff and various Parish ministries and organizations. This Team would be responsible for facilitating activities relating to preparing for and implementing the Mission.
- Some of these activities could include: advertising (church bulletins and local media); Eucharistic Adoration; Music Ministry; managing the sale of Mission spiritual literature; youth involvement; and hospitality arrangements for the Mission Team.
- Each day of the Mission, the Mission Team will focus on a specific theme. In addressing these themes, the Team will emphasize the necessity and importance of Prayer, Reconciliation, and The Eucharist.
Immediately following the Mission, the Mission Team will conduct a catechetical workshop for clergy and laity to learn about the fundamentals of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. This will include: History, Personalities, Theology and Rituals/Ceremonials. A model organization will be presented for setting up a Parish Enthronement Team. This team will consist of dedicated and committed parishioners who will assist in carrying out the work of the Enthronement in the Parish. These members who feel called to this work are asked to enter into further study and formation.
How to follow up
Pastors who enthrone the Sacred Heart in their parishes might consider an annual renewal on the anniversary date of the Parish Enthronement. The Parish Enthronement Team would provide the logistical and spiritual support to carry this out.
Families should be encouraged, within their capacity to do so, to live out their new way of life by more frequent attendance at Mass, at Communion, Reconcilliation, the Rosary and other spiritual activities.
The Parish Enthronement Team will have access to many materials for continued study and growth. This includes practical and spiritual suggestions for effectively working with families.