Sacred Heart Parishioners

One of the town-wide events held in Schnellville to commemorate the sesquicentennial - 150 years since the founding of the town -- was a Mass of Celebration held at Sacred Heart Parish on Sept. 13.

Mass was concelebrated by Father Michael Madden, pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Anthony in Saint Anthony, and former pastors Father Ralph Schipp and Father Timothy Tenbarge. Hundreds, many dressed in period clothing, joined together in prayer and song, much like their families and neighbors had done throughout the years as a faith community.

Schnellville, when established in 1865, was considered too small in size to have its own church and resident pastor. However thanks to a great faith and a great determination a small frame church was built, and the first Mass was celebrated there in May of 1867.

 As the parish grew, the need for a new church building became evident. The first Mass was celebrated in the new and current church on Easter Sunday in 1916.

During his homily last Sunday, Father Madden reflected on those who laid the foundation for the parish and prepared the way for the current parishioners. “The Gospels from all those years ago still apply to our parish today . . . that we take up our crosses and follow Christ,” he said, adding, “even though we don’t have a complete map, if we stay with it, we will get to where God is leading us. That’s the heritage here at Sacred Heart – the passing on of faith.”

Ninety-one year old Bernadtte Schneider was among the parishioners who attended the Celebration Mass; she has been a member of the parish nearly all of her life. “The parish is just like family. We are never afraid to help each other out.”

The longest-married couple in the community of Schnellville, Lee Joe and Betty Welp, also attended the Mass. They have been married 64 years.