The youngest of all the Auburn churches, Sacred Heart celebrated its Golden Jubilee in October 2006.  In August 1956 fourteen acres known as Albert Day Farm were purchased and in October of the same year Bishop James E. Kearney assigned Rev. Raymond Wahl as pastor.  It was Father Wahl's vision and the dedication and hard work of the parishioners that gave Sacred Heart its spirit.  A rapidly growing area, Owasco was the perfect site for a new church.  Gathering a group of Catholic men and women, Father Wahl set a clear vision to build not only a church and school, but a deeply dedicated, faith-filled community.  Fundraisers were needed to obtain capital and Sacred Heart became famous for its fish fry dinners and sport's banquets with well-known athletes as keynote speakers.  The church, school, and convent were built with the labor of the congregation, many of whom are still active members.  An active youth program was a large part of Father Wahl's vision.  People still fondly speak of the outings at Father Wahl's camp.  Until his retirement in 1982, Father Wahl guided the physical and spiritual development of the parish. The school, rectory and convent were the first buildings erected and Mass was celebrated in the hall situated in the center of the school building until 1973 when the church was completed.  A hexagonal design with angled pews, Sacred Heart has a 380-person capacity.  In the 1990's, the stained glass windows were replaced and the sanctuary redecorated. During the Partners in Faith Campaign an air conditioning system was installed, the parking lot was resurfaced & blacktopped, the Church was sided & a new sound system was installed. Saint Ann's became a mission church of Sacred Heart in 1957.  During the pastorate of Father Paul Brennan, the Pastoral Councils of Sacred Heart and Saint Ann's consolidated.  Since then the churches have shared staff, ministries and programs. In his book Catholics in Crisis, Jim Naughton wrote the definition of a contemporary parish as being "liturgically vibrant, spiritually enriching and socially aware, a place where Catholics gather to encounter their God in the pages of Scripture, the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and in their fellowship with one another."  This statement could also be said of Sacred Heart Church. Liturgically Vibrant: The liturgy at Sacred Heart follows the norms set by the General Instruction for the Roman Missal.  The music is contemporary, using the musical talent of the parishioners as instrumentalists, cantors & youth choirs.  The participation is strong with parishioners taking responsibility as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, Ushers and Greeters.  During the 10:30 a.m. Mass, the children participate in the Children's Liturgy of the Word. Spiritually Enriching: During Advent and Lent there are opportunities to enrich one's spirit with retreats and outside speakers. The Men's Spirituality Group meets monthly for breakfast and discussion.  Soul Sister's is the Women's Spirituality group that also meets monthly.  In January the Altar Rosary Society sponsors a Women's Day of Reflection at Stella Maris.  A Book Club meets on a regular basis to discuss books on spiritual and social justice topics.  Socially Aware: As a community that tithes, Sacred Heart shares a portion of its weekly collection with those in need.  Twice a year the parishioners recommend worthy charities and the Social Ministry Committee with the support of the Pastoral Council select agencies locally, nationally, and internationally to receive funds. The parishioners donate to many other charitable causes during the year.  · Migrant farmers · Giving Tree Project · Matthew House · Catholic Charities · Disaster victims · St. Alphonsus Food Pantry · Operation Rice Bowl Mission from the Heart:  In July 2006 a group of parishioners travelled to the Dominican Republic.  The primary goal of this mission trip was to build a relationship with the people of Don Juan and surrounding villages.  Each year since, parishioners travel as ambassadors of Sacred Heart to help where there is a need. Fellowship: Sacred Heart parishioners enjoy worshiping, serving and playing together.  Community building is part of the parish calendar.  · Mardi Gras Party · Mothers' and Fathers' Day Brunches · Wine Tasting Party · Parishioner Thanksgiving Reception · Parish Picnic Staffing: Sacred Heart has a devoted and talented staff.  During the years there have been many "firsts": · Maureen Collins became the first Business Manager in the Auburn Churches, later becoming Sacred Heart's Faith Formation Director and presently the first woman prison chaplain in our area. · Our community is lead by Auburn's first non-priest pastoral leader.  With the leadership of a Pastoral Administrator, Sr. Chris Treichel OSF, has shown Sacred Heart cannot only survive but thrive with this new model of leadership.  · We have had several Pastoral Associates, the present being Deacon Nick Valvo. Deacon Nick's interest in social ministry and spirituality has initiated several new parish groups. · We are one of the first of the Auburn churches to share staff.  Hired jointly by both Sacred Heart, Saint Ann's and Saint Mary's are a Faith Formation Director, Jan Borromei, Youth Minister, Anna Comitz and Religious Education Secretary, Jackie Whatman. updated February 27, 2008