Sacred Heart of Jesus
114 Soo Avenue West, Almena, 54805
Located in Barron County
Phone: 715-822-2948
Email:
Website: www.actinfaith.net
Year Parish Established: 1892
Number of Households: 86 registered
Pastor: Fr. Tom Thompson
Parish Life Coordinator: Deacon Steve Linton
Deacons: Deacon Steve Linton, Deacon Greg Ricci
Weekend Mass: Sunday, 8:30 a.m.
Describe your faith community
One of three parishes in the cluster of St. Anthony, St. Ann’s and Sacred Heart. An aging parish, but we are strong in our faith.
When a parish center was built, much of the work was done by the parishioners who spent many hours to provide classrooms and a place for fellowship, the annual dinner and other events.
The center also hosts a chapel where parishioners can come for adoration hours.
“When visitors come to our parish, they will …
… Visit a parish that is proud of the history and traditions of their church. Almena has a strong German heritage. The present church building was completed in 1903 and hailed to be the best church and largest and finest building in Barron County. Visitors are astounded at the traditional altars, statues and Stations of the Cross. They love the beautiful stained glass windows with the names of those who donated them more than a century ago. Following services, many of them grab their cameras to catch the beauty of the traditional church building. They often comment that many travel to Europe to see churches such as this. Our visitors also find the choir, while singing many of the newer hymns, sing some of the traditional songs they all know and can join in singing. Sacred Heart draws many of the summer tourists who see the steeple for miles around from any direction. That steeple was the symbol used on the banners hanging throughout the village until just recently.
In what way(s) does your parish proclaim the Gospel with its actions?
Sacred Heart has active Council of Catholic Women and Knights of Columbus groups. The CCW provides hospitality not only to our members, but to visitors with Fellowship Sunday, held the first Sunday of each month. During Advent, a “mitten tree” is put up and parishioners are able to contribute gift cards which are then provided to families in need. Donations are also made to the pregnancy help center and area food pantries. CCW also provides scholarships to our youth. The Knights also contribute to a number of charities. They host a dinner for the widows in the parish and honor the widows of the deceased Knights. Most recently, when Sacred Heart was closed for maintenance and parishioners needed to attend one of the other parishes, the Knights made themselves available for those who needed a ride. Finally, at Christmas and Easter, flowers are provided to the homebound by the parish.
What is something about your parish most people might now know?
Although our parish has a strong German heritage, our annual dinner is a Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner served around St. Patrick’s Day!
