Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona will pray the annual Novena in Honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus March 31-April 8, offering local Catholics many opportunities for Masses, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and other spiritual enrichment.
The Novena, which marks its 60th year at the parish, will begin with Mass on March 31 at 7:00 p.m. with Bishop Mark as celebrant and homilist. The Pastor of Sacred Heart, Father Lubomir Strecok, will be the concelebrant. A reception will follow in the parish’s Formation Center.
On Tuesday, April 1, through Friday, April 4, and on Monday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 8, Father Strecok will celebrate morning Masses at 7:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated each of those days at 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
In honor of First Friday on April 4, Confessions will also be heard at 7:15 a.m. and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will occur after the 7:45 a.m. Mass. Stations of the Cross will also be prayed on April 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Each weeknight, Masses will be celebrated by guest priests.
Tuesday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. — Monsignor Stanley Carson
Wednesday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. — Very Reverend John Lynam, VF
Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. — Father Brian Norris
Friday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. — Father Michael Pleva (followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 11:00 p.m.)
Monday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. — Father Joshi Narisetti, HGN, (celebrant) and Father Ashok Alphonse, HGN, (homilist)
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. — Very Reverend Alan Thomas, VG
Both the 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Masses on Tuesday, April 1, will include the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
In addition:
Saturday, April 5
10:45 a.m. — Sacrament of Reconciliation
11:30 a.m. — Mass
12:30 p.m. — Sacrament of Reconciliation
5:30 p.m. — Mass (Vigil for the Fifth Sunday of Lent)
Sunday, April 6
10:00 a.m. — Mass
Noon — Mass (followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament)
2:00-5:00 p.m. — Sacrament of Reconciliation
5:30 p.m. — Litany to Sacred heart of Jesus, Evening Prayer, Benediction, and Novena Prayer
