Sacred Heart Parish in Denver is witnessing a vibrant transformation, marked by both physical renovations and a deepening spiritual connection among its parishioners.
During a recent Palm Sunday procession, worshippers gathered with palm fronds in hand, visibly excited about the improvements that have taken place at the church under the leadership of Father Eric Zegeer.
The church, recognized as the oldest continuously operating church in Colorado, has undergone extensive renovations thanks to substantial funding, including two grants from the Colorado State Historical Fund totaling $500,000.
When Father Zegeer arrived in August 2022, he quickly identified critical issues within Sacred Heart, including a deteriorating roof, unsafe stairs, and outdated safety equipment. This motivated him to not only ensure the church was safe but also to boost parishioner pride in their historic place of worship.
Maria Garcia Chavez, the church secretary, shared her concerns regarding the building’s structural problems, saying, “The second floor was scary. You could see the outside.”
To restore the church to its former glory and enhance safety, Father Zegeer focused on necessary repairs and beautifications that would elevate community morale.
With the first grant, renovations included replacing the roof with a 50-year warranty, restoring bricks, and updating access gates, among other vital projects.
As renovations continue, a second grant will facilitate further enhancements such as repainting and lighting the bell tower, replacing rotted wood, and revamping the main entrance stairs. This work is set to commence in late May or June.
Parish finance council chair Javier Trujillo noted that the church has secured approximately $659,000 through various grants, donations, and income generated from space rentals and parking fees. This funding has allowed Sacred Heart to embark on an expansive list of improvements, including a restored chapel, enhanced kitchen facilities, and upgraded lighting and security systems.
As physical changes take place, Father Zegeer remarked on the importance of spiritual revitalization, stating, “While it’s a lot of work, it is a lot easier to do. The spiritual life is the opposite … and that takes a lot longer.”
Attendance at Mass has surged since his arrival, with a 58% increase in year one, and another 20% rise noted in his third year. The number of registered families has also grown significantly.
Chavez expressed her joy at recent developments, stating that greater participation has brought more pride and inspiration among parishioners.
In an effort to foster inclusivity, Father Zegeer introduced a Saturday anticipatory Mass and additional weeknight Spanish Masses to accommodate the needs of the growing congregation.
This renewed spiritual energy has resulted in a notable increase in sacrament participation, with around 50 children now in faith formation and sacramental preparations alongside their parents.
Parents have been encouraged to engage more deeply in their children’s religious education, exemplified by requirements for volunteering and attending retreats.
Father Zegeer emphasized that these efforts have led to a resurgence in other sacraments, including Matrimony and confession.
“The money raised keeps growing year over year, end over end,” he said, highlighting the commitment of parishioners who pitch in through service as well as financial support.
Despite its low-income status, Sacred Heart has seen a significant rise in weekly donations and contributions to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal.
Father Zegeer has led by example, diving into volunteer tasks, which has inspired many members of the community to join him in maintaining the church and its grounds.
A testament to the community spirit, altar server Evelyn Ramirez reflected on her contribution, stating, “Being an altar server gives me a purpose and a strong connection to God.”
As a senior preparing for college, she acknowledged her deep emotional connection to Sacred Heart, viewing it as her spiritual home, where she feels a profound sense of belonging.
The connection among congregants has strengthened, with initiatives such as onsite taco sales bringing the community together for fellowship and support. Father Zegeer initially paused these sales to prevent potential burnout among volunteers, but they insisted on continuing due to the joy it brought.
Every gathering has served to strengthen community ties, with parishioners embracing their roles not only in fundraising but also in sustaining the church’s vibrant atmosphere.
Reflecting on the overall changes, Father Zegeer reassured his parishioners, saying, “Remember, when you clean, when you cook, when you volunteer… it’s your home that you’re sustaining and keeping vibrant and active…”
Chavez echoed this sentiment, recalling her family’s long-standing ties to Sacred Heart, where her children were baptized and confirmed.
“I love it here,” she said, “Everybody is welcome. Everybody.”
With plans to light the church’s bell tower by summer’s end, Sacred Heart will shine as a beacon in the community, symbolizing its dedication to welcoming all and reinforcing its commitment to spiritual and physical renewal.
Father Zegeer reaffirmed, “We won’t give up.” As the beacon of Sacred Heart rises, the parish community continues its journey of resilience and faith, demonstrating their commitment to not just preserving their past but also building a harmonious future for generations to come.
image source from：https://www.denvercatholic.org/lots-of-love-and-a-bit-of-elbow-grease-the-physical-and-spiritual-rejuvenation-of-sacred-heart
