Sacred Heart Parish, East Boston

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

This week’s question:
“What is the difference between a parish church and a shrine?”

Last week’s question: “What is the difference between a parish church and a basilica?”
As mentioned last week, a parish church is a place of worship that serves a particular territory and has a permanent congregation and is run by a pastor. A basilica instead is a church of particular spiritual or historical importance. It can also be a parish, which means it is connected to a particular territory or area.

The basilicas are usually aesthetically or architecturally significant, but they don't need any specific features. A church becomes a basilica by a papal decree, not because of any intrinsic quality. Basilicas have their root in the Roman Empire: they were large buildings used as courts of justice or assembly. As the ancient pagan temples weren't prepared for inner cult, Christians deemed that style of building more useful than the existing temples. Basilicas, in that sense, are rectangular, with a central nave and longitudinal aisles.

09/09/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/08/2026

Did you know the Church has been celebrating Mary's birth since at least the 6th century?

The feast falls exactly nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which celebrates Mary being conceived without sin.

Saint Augustine described the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an event of cosmic and historic significance, and an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mary was born to be the mother of the Savior of the world, the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God's creatures. Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Through her, Queen of heaven and of earth, all grace is given to men.

Happy Birthday, Our Lady! 🌹

09/06/2026

We hope you can join us for our monthly Sacred Heart Community Dinner:

📅 Wednesday, September 9
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Sacred Heart Parish, East Boston
💙 FREE — All Are Welcome!

Our Community Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to gather around the table, enjoy a meal together, catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones. Whether you’re a parishioner, a neighbor, or visiting us for the very first time, there’s a place for you at our table.

Bring your family, invite a friend or neighbor, and come spend the evening with us. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome! This is our last dinner featuring our summer menu of hamburgers and hot dogs!

Good food. Good company. A wonderful community. ❤️

We’ll see you September 9 from 5–7 PM!

09/03/2026

TRIVIA
This week’s question:

DIFFERENT TYPES of CHURCH BUILDINGS
What is the difference between a parish church and a basilica?

Last week’s question: “What is the difference between a parish church and a cathedral?”
A parish church is a place of worship that serves particular territory and has a permanent congregation and is run by a pastor. The term can refer to both the actual space as well as the congregation, the people who gather regularly to worship.
A cathedral is a church that’s “run” by a bishop; it’s the principal church within a diocese, the area of land over which a bishop has jurisdiction. It’s named for the cathedral, the special chair in which a bishops sits. And contrary to what might seem like the obvious differentiator, the buildings themselves have no physical requirements; all the fancy stained glass and flying buttresses might be along for a ride, but it’s all about the bishop. As long as it’s where the bishop sits, it’s a cathedral. The bishop usually delegates the pastoral care of his cathedral to a diocesan priest, hence called “rector”.

09/03/2026

https://youtu.be/u_27W5Ddl80?is=VSVJF9IpzZlijVqw

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/02/2026

Join Us for Bible Study at Sacred Heart! 📖

Want to learn more about the Bible, better understand Scripture, and connect with others Christians? Come join us!

Sacred Heart’s weekly Bible Study begins Thursday, September 10 and will be led by Fr. Luis and Fr. Paolo.

📅 Every Thursday, 7:00–8:00 PM

Bible Study is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about Scripture and our Catholic faith, and hear different perspectives through conversation and discussion.

It’s also a wonderful way to meet other Christians and develop deeper friendships with one another as we grow together in faith.

The topic for this year’s Bible Study will be announced at our first class.

Whether you read the Bible regularly or are just beginning, everyone is welcome. No previous Bible Study experience is needed!

All are welcome — so spread the word, invite a friend, and join us on September 10!

08/28/2026

Thinking About Becoming Catholic? Come and See!

Have you ever wondered what Catholics believe? Have you been thinking about becoming Catholic, or simply learning more about the Catholic faith?

Sacred Heart Parish’s new OCIA classes begin Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 PM.

OCIA — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults — is designed for adults who are interested in exploring the Catholic faith and discerning whether God may be calling them to become part of the Catholic Church.

OCIA is for those who:
• Have never been baptized and are interested in becoming Catholic
• Were baptized in another Christian tradition and would like to explore becoming Catholic
• Were baptized Catholic but have not received First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation
• Are simply curious about the Catholic faith and want to learn more

Through prayer, conversation, and learning, participants have the opportunity to ask questions, explore Catholic beliefs and traditions, and grow in their relationship with God.

There is no pressure and no obligation. Come with your questions, your curiosity, and an open heart.

📅 Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 1
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Sacred Heart Parish, East Boston

Interested or have questions? Contact Fr. Paolo Cumin at [email protected].

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about this for a while. Maybe this is your invitation to take that first step.

Come and see. All are welcome. 🙏