Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish dates back 108 years to August 16, 1885 when Bishop Louis M. Fink of the former Leavenworth Diocese issued a decree establishing "a new congregation for the English speaking of the faithful in South Leavenworth under the title of 'The Sacred Heart of Jesus'."

The first Mass was celebrated in a one room schoolhouse on property behind the present rectory.

Father Downey (1885-1901), our first pastor was succeeded by the following:

On October 17, 1886 the cornerstone was laid for a new church. This was a one story brick with living quarters for the priest in back of the sanctuary. A second story was added within a few years for religious services and the first floor converted into classrooms. This structure was located in what is now the parking area between the school and church.

The Altar Society was established during Father Downey's pastorate, and continues today to play a vital role in the parish, fostering love for the house of the Lord and laboring for its proper adornment and cleanliness, as well as contributing their services for the annual social and the various parish receptions.

During the year 1915 the present rectory was built.  The rectory was refurbished in 1962.  In 1986 a new garage-patio was built since the old one collapsed.  In 1987 the heating system had to be replaced, central air conditioning was addedand the second floor walls and ceilings were sheetrocked.  During this same period new landscaping around the church, the rectory and convent were planted. Many improvements were made to the parish buildings and new front steps and sidewalks replaced the deteriorating steps in front of the church.

May 16, 1926, the cornerstone for the church we have today was laid.  This brick structure of Romanesque style houses the main altar of carara marble.  The altar stone on the high altar contains relics of St. Prudentuius, St. Felician, and St. Justine.

The magnificent stained glass windows that grace our church are the works of Munich Studio of Chicago and were installed when the church was built.  The Rose Window in the choir loft depicts our Lord appearing to St. Margaret Mary asking her to help renew devotions to His Cared Heart, the symbol of God's love for all humankind.

Of special significance are the twelve metal crosses bearing candles on the walls of the church.  These signify the consecration by a bishop in the solemn annointing with Holy Chrism dedicating the building to the service of God, thereby raising it in perpetium to a higher order.

August 1950, the Sisters of Charity took up residence at the newly constructed convent on the former location of our first church and school.  The convent was painted, carpeted and redecorated with many new furnishings and light fixtures in 1988.

Again in August 1956 the new school was blessed and dedicated.  This structure erected at the cost of $200,000 replaced the old school which had also served as a church and parish hall.

With Vatican II Council in 1962 many changes were made: conduct of   Holy Mass in our native language; changing positions of the altar and the celebrant facing the people; lay readers; eucharistic ministers; electing a parish council and removal of the communion rail.

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) was formed to teach religion classes to children in public school.  Lay teachers volunteer their time and talents to assist in these classes.

In 1991 during the Church’s Annual Lawn Party on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the new Carillon Bells (Mass-Rowe digital chronobell system) were dedicated.  These bells were donated as memorial and automatically ring the traditional daily Angelus which calls the faithful to daily and weekend Masses.  The musical chimes of the carillon also play traditional religious hymns at different intervals throughout the day.  In 1991 the alcove on the north side of the main altar was converted to a "Reconciliation Room," which provides a prayerful setting for anonymous or "face to face" receptions of the Sacrament of Penance.

In 1992 the following were presented the Papal Blessing for their service to the Parish:

In 1994 a parish hall was erected on the east end of the area between the church and school, in order to provide a gathering place for our parish community.

Sacred Heart parishioners "Our Family" remember with gratitude those who have gone before us who have made possible the continued growth of Sacred Heart Parish.  We look to the past with grateful hearts and look forward to the years ahead with faith and hope, confident that event greater things will be accomplished by future generations.