Sacred Heart parish
Sacred Heart News
Farewell to Fr. Sudhakar & Priest Appreciation “Potluck”
Fr. Sudhakar Mannam has moved to Lakeport.
St. Bernard’s potluck in appreciation and farewell will be held on November 10 in the Church Hall after the 10:30 Mass.
Please contact Debbie David (St. Bernard) 707-599-2824 or Susan Lehman (Sacred Heart) 347-446-5508. Please volunteer for these events!
Farewell Message From Fr. Sudhakar
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I write this farewell message, my heart is filled with gratitude, joy, and a touch of sadness.
Reflecting on the Gospel for this weekend, where Jesus speaks of the poor widow who gave all she had, I am reminded of this community’s generous spirit—the sacrifices, kindness, and unwavering faith you have shown throughout my time here. You have embodied true discipleship, making my years in Eureka a cherished gift. Eureka, with its majestic redwoods, stunning ocean views, and historic charm, has been more than a place—it has been a testament to the beauty of God’s creation and the faith that thrives within it. St. Bernard, Sacred Heart, and St. Joseph Mission, stand as silent witnesses to generations of worship, prayer, and love. I have been blessed beyond measure to serve you all celebrating the Holy Eucharist and the sacraments in these sacred spaces that hold so many memories.
The past three years and four months have been a journey of deep connection. Your smiles, warm greetings, and open hearts have made this parish my home. From our shared moments of prayer to conversations over meals, you have welcomed me into your lives with a love that I will carry forever.
To Fr. Bernard D’Sa, your mentorship has been a true blessing. Your guidance and friendship have been like a steady light on this path, whether we were exchanging pastoral insights, sharing an NBA game, or simply talking about life. Thank you, Fr. D’Sa, for all you’ve done to help me grow in ministry.
To the deacons, your steadfast support has been invaluable, always ready to lend a hand with humility and grace. I am deeply thankful for your presence and dedication.
To all of you, the faithful: thank you for opening your hearts and homes to me, for sharing your stories, joys, and even your sorrows. I am touched by the way you embraced me in celebrations—birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones—and trusted me with your prayers and moments that hold sacred meaning.
As I prepare to serve as Pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in Lakeport and St. Peter’s in Kelseyville, I take with me the love, prayers, and memories of this incredible community. I will hold you all close in my heart and lift you in prayer always. I ask for your prayers as I start on this new chapter, that God may guide me with the same grace I have witnessed here.
May God bless each of you abundantly. You will forever be in my thoughts, love, and prayers.
With heartfelt gratitude and affection,
– Fr. Sudhakar Mannam
All Souls Day and Month Intentions
There are All Souls Day envelopes on the tables by the entrances. If you would like to have loved ones remembered at the Holy Mass, please fill out the All Souls Day envelopes with their names. If you wish please include a donation and place the envelope in the collection basket. They will be placed on the Altar during the month of November.
Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story
The long awaited documentary of young Servant of God and former FOCUS missionary, Michelle Duppong who led souls to God while fighting a courageous battle with terminal cancer will be shown at the Broadway Cinema in Eureka one-day-only on Nov. 12th at 4:30 and 7pm See this truly remarkable story of faith and love. Tickets. Info & trailer are available at FathomEvents.com or at the theater.
Volunteers and Donations Needed For The St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Day Holiday Meal
The Pope Video
Let us pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation.
Pope Francis – November 2024
What can we say to parents who have lost a child? How can we console them?
There are no words.
You see, when one spouse loses the other, they are a widower or a widow. A child who loses a parent is an orphan. There’s a word for that. But when a parent loses a child, there’s no word. The pain is so great, that there’s no word.
And it’s not natural to outlive your child. The pain caused by this loss is especially intense.
Words of encouragement are at times banal or sentimental, they’re not helpful. Spoken with the best intention, of course, they can end up aggravating the wound.
To offer comfort to these parents who have lost a child, we need to listen to them, to be close to them with love, to care responsibly for the pain they feel, imitating how Jesus Christ consoled those who were afflicted.
And those parents who are sustained by their faith can certainly find comfort in other families who, by suffering such a terrible tragedy as this, have been reborn in hope.
Let us pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation.
Art Project at Sacred Heart
The 2nd Year High Schooler’s did an art project yesterday in front of Sacred Heart (with Father’s permission). They drew two murals of St George slaying the dragon and one of Christ carrying the cross! Our lesson was about both the Virtue of Courage but also about the importance of art in the history of evangelizing.
Catholic Detention Ministries Donations Oct. 27-Dec. 1
From Oct 27th-Dec 1st donation boxes will be placed in the churches for Catholic Detention Ministries. They are requesting donations of Christmas cards and small individually wrapped candies. Please only unused Christmas cards with envelopes for the use of the inmates of the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The facility requests that candies remain in their unopened store packages in which they are sold for safety reasons.
This is a combined effort of the local Catholic churches to put together 300 packages, one for each inmate. This has been much appreciated by the inmates in the past. These people do not have a source of cards to send to their families, so these cards are very welcome. The candies provide a little something nice for these people who find little joy on Christmas.
Please leave donations at the church or church office no later than Sunday, Dec 1st, when they will be for picked up. For more information or questions call or email St. Mary Church in Arcata.
Liturgy Schedule
Sacred Heart – St. Bernard – St. Joseph Parishes
November 8
Friday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard Church
November 9
Saturday
3:15 pm – Confessions @ St. Joseph Church
4:00 pm – Mass @ St. Joseph Church
November 10
Sunday
7:30 am Mass @ St. Joseph Church
9:00 am – Mass in English @ Sacred Heart
10:30 am – Mass @ St. Bernard
12:15 pm – Mass in Spanish @ Sacred Heart
November 11
Monday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard Church
6:30 pm – Rosary @ Sacred Heart
November 12
Tuesday
7:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph
6:30 pm – Rosary @ Sacred Heart
November 13
Wednesday
12:15 pm – Mass @ Saint Bernard
1:00 pm – Confession & Adoration @ St. Bernard Church
6:00 pm – Adoration & Confession @ Sacred Heart Church
7:00 pm – Spanish Language Mass @ Sacred Heart Church
November 14
Thursday
7:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph Church
11:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph Hospital Chapel
November 15
Friday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard Church
November 16
Saturday
3:15 pm – Confessions @ St. Joseph Church
4:00 pm – Mass @ St. Joseph Church
November 17
Sunday
7:30 am Mass @ St. Joseph Church
9:00 am – Mass in English @ Sacred Heart
10:30 am – Mass @ St. Bernard
12:15 pm – Mass in Spanish @ Sacred Heart
Catholic News
We have created links to the best Catholic news sites so that you can keep current in the latest national and international Catholic news.
America: The Jesuit Review
Our flagship magazine is the leading Catholic journal of opinion in the United States. First published in 1909, America magazine is known across the Catholic world for its unique brand of opinion and analysis. From theology and spirituality to politics, international relations, arts and letters, and the economy and social justice, America’s coverage spans the globe. We tell the stories that matter most to the church and the world. Our award-winning website is americamagazine.org.
Catholic News Service
Catholic News Service has a rich history of journalistic professionalism and is a leader in the world of Catholic and religious media. With headquarters in Washington, offices in New York and Rome, and correspondents around the world, CNS provides the most comprehensive coverage of the church today.
And in the digital age, CNS is showing a new audience the accuracy that has always been its hallmark with its video journalism and documentary production.
Vatican News
Vatican News is the news portal of the Holy See. Surpassing the concept of being a simple digital platform, Vatican News seeks to respond and, in a certain sense, to anticipate the continual changes taking place in communication, with the objective of “communicating the Gospel of mercy to all people” in various cultures. It communicates and interacts through audio, video, text and images on a multi-lingual, multi-culture, multi-channel, multi-media and multi-device plain.
Catholic News Videos
Key points of the new papal document “Dilexit Nos”.
Pope Francis shocks with visit to pro-abortion politician. The Pope met with an Italian politician known for being in favor of abortion, while also holding many other meetings throughout the week
Pope Francis dedicated his weekly catechesis to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in the relationship between husband and wife: “Spouses must also form a ‘we’. How much children need this parental unity and how much they suffer when it is lacking!”
A Three-month Free Trial of Hallow.
We recently held the Santa Rosa Religious Education Congress titled “Prayer: Our Relationship with God.”During the workshop “Becoming Saints: Raising Saints through Prayer,” I offered participants a three-month free trial of Hallow. Hallow is a leading Catholic app that provides high-quality prayer and meditation resources, aimed at supporting everyone—Catholic or not—in their journey of spiritual growth. The app includes a challenge on How to Pray in both English and Spanish, which will help parishioners grow in their prayer life.
You are more than welcome to extend this invitation to all parishioners. Additionally, all pastors and religious leaders can sign up for free lifetime Hallow accounts at this link.
Hallow has extended the free trial offer until the end of the year, so please feel free to share it with as many people in our Diocese as you wish!
You can access your free trial here or by using the QR code in the flyers.
Pax et bonum,
Direct: (707) 566-3305 | Email: familylife@srdiocese.org
Website:Marriage and Family Life
985 Airway Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Office Hours: M-Th 9:00am – 2:00pm
You Can Access Your Free Trial Here
RCIA: An Invitation to Satisfy Our Deepest Longing
The human heart seems ultimately to manifest itself in the desire to be loved and to love in return. Until then, as St. Augustine said, our hearts are restless until they rest in God who is Love. As Catholic Christians, we are privileged to share God’s love through Mass, the Sacraments and how we live our life.
Do you know someone thirsting for God? Do you know someone not baptized or baptized in a different Christian tradition thirsting to know what it means to be Catholic? Do you know someone already Catholic but who has not yet received the Eucharist or been confirmed? They may be thirsting, too.The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a place to ask questions and seek understanding. Weekly “no strings” inquiry gatherings will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday evenings beginning in September. We would love for you to invite/accompany anyone you know whose heart is restless for the God who loves them.
For more information, please contact Liz McGee (707-599-6138) or contact the rectory office. stbshrcia25@gmail.com.
Diocesan Marriage Preparation on the Web
For something so integral and important to a person’s flourishing and happiness and the health of our society marriage is generally given little attention in the world, but the Catholic Church has consistently led the way in educating and supporting couples, preparing them for this magnicent vocation with Christ as its center. Considering Marriage? Check out the diocesan website: https://srdiocese.org/marriage-preparation
Santa Rosa Diocese Marriage Preparation
Greeting Card Ministry Anyone?
The person who was sending cards to people is no longer able to do this ministry of encouragement. If you are interested please stop by the office to pick up donated cards for all occasions. The volunteer will have to provide their own stamps however.God bless you.
Scam alert!
Recently, some parishioners have reported receiving requests for gift cards from Fr. Bernard or Fr. Rowell or Bishop Vasa. This type of thing is always a scam. Priests would not request gift cards from parishioners, let alone indirectly through email.They would ask directly for volunteer work. Always disregard this type of indirect request, especially for money or gift cards from priests as being a scam.
Catholic Bibles and Rosaries For Inmates and Recovery
There is a need for new Catholic Bibles and rosaries for inmates at the local Humboldt County Jail and for folks at the Humboldt Recovery Center (bring to office). There are Bible paperback versions here: https://www.christianbook.com/nabre-student-editionbible/9780529064844/pd/9064847?event=Catholic-Resources|1006980 that are $10 or less.
For the Jail: Take paperback or soft bendable cover Bibles only M-F 8am-4:30pm to 5th and J St blue metal stairway. At the top of the metal stairway ring the bell once and give Bibles to the person who answers. If on the weekend go to the bottom of the concrete stairs (same area) through the door and give them to the person at the visitation reception glass window Tell them it is for Visitations program.Our brothers and sisters in the jail thank you for helping them to receive the comforting word of the Lord during their confinement. Thank you for your help with this important ministry!
Visit Our Facebook Page For Your Daily Jolt
We encourage you to check in on our every day to see the latest news and to check back each day for a little piece of inspiration as well as a small spiritual challenge. Many parishioners have been attracted to the idea of carving out a moment of spiritual contemplation, and coupling it with a meaningful — and very doable — action. Each day the Daily Jolt will offer a brief daily insight/inspiration and will also contain a “microChallenge” asking readers to take that moment of mindfulness and turn it into some small, immediate form of action in their lives. Our spiritual journeys are all unique and incredibly personal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need a little Jolt from time to time to keep the journey moving forward. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test! There are no wrong answers here, our spiritual journeys are all unique and incredibly personal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need a little Jolt from time to time to keep the journey moving forward. We hope that Busted Halo’s® Daily Jolt can be that sort of reminder for you on your own journey. So visit us everyday to get your Daily Jolt. Check it out on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sacredhearteureka
We Have A Prayer Team
If you have a special need of any sort, we have a prayer team who will pray on your behalf. Let us pray with you, and for you. Surround yourself with prayer.
Call our prayer line leader Toni 24/7 at (707) 445-361six
Rosary Group on Tuesdays
The Sacred Heart Rosary group invites you to join them on Tuesdays at 11:30 at Sacred Heart Church in the chapel. We look forward seeing you there.
The Best Devotional Apps You NEED on Your Phone
It’s no secret that spiritual reflections and prayer meditation guides have been around for eons and aren’t going anywhere. But, for those searching for a more structured prayer guide and the accountability that comes with it, devotional apps are the way to go.
We’ve done a test drive of some of the latest (and greatest!) devotional apps on the market today. Check out why these made the cut and consider downloading one or two to jumpstart your spiritual life this advent season.
Sanctuary Etiquette sent by Fr. D’Sa
In the spirit of “I will allure her… and speak to her heart. She shall respond… and she shall call me “My Husband” (Hosea 2:16-18), allow the sanctuary to be a place where others and you can be courted and allured by God.
Please…
- Turn your phones and smart watches completely off before entering.
- Arrive early and prepare your mind.
- Enter through the front door.
- Sit in the center of the pew so others can easily find a seat.
- If you are late, do not ask someone to move; stand in the back.
- Please don’t be a distraction: please do not remove or put on clothing; drink, eat, speak, or look around when it is not part of the Mass; add extra words or other distractions to prayers; arrange your hair; etc. Please stay focused so that you and others may be fully receptive.
- When the final prayer or song from Mass is done, please return the missalettes, check them for order, and remove trash from the pews.
- Consider dressing, the drive, and the walk to and from the sanctuary as a pilgrimage which is leading to the courtship, and that others may be ruminating on Scripture in their interior space and not necessarily wanting to be social.Thank you for your consideration!
God bless you.
National Eucharisitic Revival 2022-2025
The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year initiative by the U.S. bishops that aims to inspire, educate, and unite the faithful in a more intimate relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.
In a society where the Lord is often forgotten and even a majority of Catholics do not believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the revival is meant to rededicate the entire nation to the eucharistic Jesus.
The U.S. bishops hope to change the lives of Catholics and non-Catholics alike through a series of Eucharist-centric events including Eucharistic pilgrimages across the nation and a National Eucharistic Congress in 2024.
As the campaign organizers say on the revival’s website, those who have been “healed, converted, formed, and unified” by the Eucharist have a mission to teach others “for the life of the world.” This is what the National Eucharistic Revival envisions for the future of this movement.
As we embark upon Year 2, each parish will be called upon to respond to four key invitations. Click below to find out what to expect from this Year of Parish Revival and how our parish community is being invited to respond.
Natural Family Planning Class Information
Natural Family Planning classes teach a highly effective scientific method involving charting the individual body’s own system for the purpose of determing fertile and infertile times. Not only is it highly effective and natural but couples report that the method brings them closer together as it requires the loving cooperation of the couple. Many couples trying to conceive have found it most helpful as well as those wishing to hold off on conception. Natural family planning (NFP) can now be learned: self-paced, live online, or onsite. Cost is $150 and taught either in Spanish or English. You may take a class the traditional way in person with the teaching couples and other student couples, online, in a virtual classroom (some gadgets required.) or self-paced classes offered online. Spaced a week apart you and your spouse or fiance attend three classes at your own pace,one week apart. Please go to the Couple to Couple League website to compare classes, find classes near you or to register https://ccli.org/
No Cost Limited Obstetrical Ultrasounds
J. Rophe Medical provides no-cost limited obstetrical ultrasounds to patients between 7-16 weeks pregnant in a confidential and professional setting, where each client is treated holistically with the utmost care and respect. Other services they provide include pregnancy testing, access to ultrasounds for women in outlying areas via the Mobile Medical Unit, Jenny Grace, prenatal vitamins, referrals to medical and social services, and past abortion recovery help. All services are free. Open from 10 to 4 Mon–Thurs, Call 707-444-0423 for an appointment.
Red Bird Ministries – At the Service of Bereaved Familie
Red Bird Ministries is a Catholic, pro-life/pro-family grief support ministry that focuses on bereaved families who have experienced child loss of any age and circumstance, including pregnancy loss through miscarriage and stillbirth, and after birth as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. While we operate as Catholics our ministry serves anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. Connect with us at https://www.redbird.love/red-bird-families
Loving Help For Post Abortion Survivors
Loving Help For Post Abortion Survivors
Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness: Rachel’s Vineyard heals hearts broken by abortion.
rachelsvineyard@gmail.com or (707) 967-1101 Rachelsvineyard.org
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Catholic Apps
Catholicism might be a thousand years old, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make use of modern technology to practice our faith.
Catholic apps allow us to seek a deeper connection with God and understand what Catholicism is really about. It provides an easier and more comfortable way to read the bible quotes or brush up on your knowledge of Catholic prayers and teachings. For young Catholics, these apps are also valuable resources to help incorporate our faith into a digital lifestyle.
Stress in Your Marriage?
Retrouvaille is a program for married couples that feel bored, angry, disillusioned, or frustrated, in their marriage. Some experience coldness or conflict in their relationship. Retrouvaille has helped so many couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the September 15-17 Retrouvaille weekend in San Jose, call 408-605-4998 or email: SanJose@RetroCA.com. And please or visit our website at
Avoid These Online Scams Directed At Catholics
With the prevalence of easy-to-access technology and the vast variety of ways people communicate these days, the pervasiveness of people who make it their mission to scam people out of money using digital trickery is only increasing. We collected some of the most common scams that are directed specifically toward Catholics as well as how to identify and avoid them in order to protect yourself from online criminals.
THIS WEEK ON FORMED
“This Week on FORMED” is a weekly video designed to help Catholics learn more about FORMED’s content related to each week of the year. Join Taylor and Ben each week as they walk you through amazing content on FORMED! You’ll discover all kinds of videos and audio to accompany you during the weekly liturgical calendar, Saint feast days and world events taking place.
Statement from Bishop Robert F. Vasa
December 2, 2022
After months of careful and prayerful consideration, and after having consulted the priests of the Diocese as well as the Diocesan Finance Council, and professionals retained by the Diocese, it has become clear to me that it is necessary for the Diocese of Santa Rosa to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. This decision was made necessary due to the overwhelming number of sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the Diocese after the statute of limitations was lifted for a three-year ‘window’. We now are facing more than 130 claims dating from 1962 when the Diocese was established to the present. A vast majority of the cases date from the 70’s and 80’s.
Our present plan is for our attorneys to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection after December 31 and before March 1, 2023. Our Diocese joins a growing list of Dioceses in the United States to make such a filing.
In many ways, this is not a freely chosen decision. It is the inevitable result of an insurmountable number of claims. I am convinced, however, that choosing this path will allow us to achieve two very important goals. First, it will provide a process to carefully evaluate and compensate, as fairly as possible those who have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse. Chapter 11 is a process designed to bring all parties together in one place to resolve difficult claims fairly and finally, with the supervision of the bankruptcy court. A bankruptcy allows the Diocese to deal with all these issues collectively rather than one at a time. At the same time, the process will provide a way for the Diocese to continue the various charitable ministries in which it is engaged.
It is important to remember that the only entity filing for bankruptcy protection is the corporation sole known legally as the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. The parishes and Catholic schools within our Diocese are separate civil corporations or separate ecclesial entities and should not be parties to this filing. There are many matters to be discerned by the bankruptcy court and so absolute certainty about the degree of participation by any other entities such as parishes and schools will be determined in the course of the proceedings.
Since we began discussing this possibility more than a year ago, I have been moved by the understanding, patience and support expressed by the clergy and by the various people in the Church with whom I have previously shared this information. I am deeply grateful.
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