For Such a Time As This
Honoring our past with a legacy for the Future
Built of Living Stones – USCCB
Just as the term Church refers to the living temple, God’s People, the term church also has been used to describe “the building in which the Christian community gathers to hear the word of God, to pray together, to receive the sacraments, and to celebrate the eucharist. The building is both the house of God on earth (domus Dei) and a house fit for the prayers of the saints (domus ecclesiae). Such a house of prayer must be expressive of the presence of God and suited for the celebration of the sacrifice of Christ, as well as reflective of the community that celebrates there.
Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the various liturgies that occur within it, is balanced and appropriate for a Basilica, follows current liturgical guidelines, and respects the history of Sacred Heart.
Architectural History
The Church’s interior and design and decor evolved between 1898 and the 1960s, reflecting the trends of the times, and since then has remained mostly static. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a shining example of Romanesque architectural style. The round arches, barrel vaulted ceiling and the pillared triforium define this style. Many of the existing elements in the current state of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart do follow the Romanesque style in subject matter, however the style in which they are currently painted is more modern. The vision for the redecoration of our church was developed after much prayer, contemplation and reflection. As we complete the 125th Anniversary of the Dedication of our church, we remember all who have come before us and their many efforts to make our church a place for “worthy Worship.” Now we look toward the 150th anniversary of the founding of our parish in 2030, where we hope to recapture and respect the building’s original architectural intent and maintain the prayerful and inviting warmth of our sacred space.
Liturgical Renewal
The full scope of this project will provide the Basilica with a renewed and inspiring decorative scheme that recaptures and respects the original architectural intent while maintaining the prayerful and inviting warmth of our sacred space. The decorative project will address:
- Plaster restoration on every surface.
- A New decorative paint scheme.
- Updated apse mural.
- Several new liturgical items in the sanctuary.
- New and restored lighting.
- New audio and visual systems.
- New flooring and pews
View the Sanctuary proposal!
Introducing our updated lighting plans!
As part of our commitment to honor our past while paving the way for a future legacy, we are thrilled to unveil the new state-of-the-art lighting system in our beloved Basilica. This enhancement not only will highlight the architectural beauty of our sacred space but also enrich the spiritual experience for all who visit.
We invite you to learn more about the lighting component of the For Such a Time as This redecoration project here at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Adoration Chapel Development
Eucharistic Adoration is a profound devotional practice where believers spend time in silent prayer before the Eucharist, truly present in the form of consecrated bread displayed in a monstrance. This practice is a cornerstone of Catholic faith, believed to be a direct encounter with Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Participants often experience a unique sense of peace and clarity, gaining spiritual strength and inspiration from these intimate moments with Christ.
The purpose of the National Eucharistic Revival is to inspire a movement of Catholics across the United States who are healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and who are then sent out on mission “for the life of the world.
Plans are now in the works for an Adoration Chapel to be part of the upcoming redecoration process in the area behind St. Joseph’s Shrine, now used primarily as a storage room. The finished design will reflect the design of the interior of the church and will be dedicated to St. Peter Chanel, in honor of our deep Marist history here at Sacred Heart.
3 Ways to be Involved!
Schedule a Design Studio Tour with Father John!
Learn more about the project, the history of our church building, and Romanesque architecture.
Make a Pledge to the Campaign
Pledges may be completed over a multi-year period.
Make a Tax Deductible Donation
All donations are tax deductible, as provided for by law, and will be acknowledged in writing.
If you have questions, please contact the parish office at 404.522.6800.
“My house shall be called a house of prayer.”
“The prayer of our Lord for unity and oneness must necessarily some time be fulfilled. Then shall be one-fold, and one shepherd. You can aid with willing minds in the great work; it cannot be done in diversity; it must be done by prayer, and by removing inborn prejudices.
Personally you can advance the cause of Christ by aiding in the erection of this church in the honor of the sacred heart of our Lord.”
Bishop Thomas A. Becker, D.D. (November 22, 1897-Laying of the Cornerstone)