The Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic Church. The image of the Sacred Heart reminds us of the deep and personal love Jesus has for every person. His Heart, burning with love and crowned with thorns, reflects both his mercy and his suffering for the salvation of the world.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart calls us to:
- Trust in the love and mercy of Jesus
- Make reparation for sin
- Grow in prayer and holiness
- Live with greater charity and compassion
- Entrust ourselves, our families, and our nation to Christ
The Sacred Heart of Jesus holds a particularly special place in the life of our parish because our patroness, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, received visions of Jesus in which he revealed his Sacred Heart and invited the faithful to grow in love, trust, prayer, and devotion to him. Through St. Margaret Mary, devotion to the Sacred Heart spread throughout the Church and continues to draw countless people closer to the merciful love of Christ.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated this year on Friday, June 12.
As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the bishops of the United States will consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 during a special Mass in Orlando.
Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Consecration of the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will take place during a Votive Mass celebrated on June 11 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, while the bishops are gathered in Plenary Assembly.
All Catholics are encouraged to unite themselves spiritually in prayer for:
- Healing in our nation
- Unity among all people
- Renewal of faith
- Conversion of hearts
- Greater devotion to Jesus Christ
Livestream Information
The Mass and Consecration will be livestreamed on the USCCB YouTube channel: USCCB Livestream of the June 11 Consecration Mass
At St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at our daily Masses on Friday, June 12 at 8:00am and 5:30pm.
What Is a Novena?
A novena is a traditional Catholic devotion consisting of prayer prayed over nine consecutive days. The word “novena” comes from the Latin word novem, meaning “nine.”
Novenas are often prayed:
- In preparation for a feast day
- For a special intention
- For healing or guidance
- To grow spiritually
- To ask for God’s grace through the intercession of Jesus, Mary, or the saints
This year, the Sacred Heart Novena begins on Wednesday, June 3 and concludes on Thursday, June 11, in preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 12.
How to Pray the Sacred Heart Novena
The Sacred Heart Novena consists of three prayer sections. Traditionally:
- Begin with the intention you wish to bring to Jesus.
- Pray each section slowly and prayerfully.
- Pray:
- One Our Father
- One Hail Mary
- One Glory Be
- Repeat the phrase:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
The novena may be prayed individually, as a family, or with a parish community.
Sacred Heart Novena Resource
USCCB Sacred Heart Novena
The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Litany of the Sacred Heart is a beautiful prayer of invocation and trust in the love of Christ. The approved litany contains 33 invocations corresponding to the years of Christ’s earthly life and was officially approved for public use by Pope Leo XIII in 1899.
The litany reflects upon the many attributes of Christ’s Sacred Heart, including:
- Source of life and holiness
- Burning furnace of charity
- Vessel of justice and love
- Patient and rich in mercy
- Hope of those who die in him
We will pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus each day following the 8:00am Mass beginning Wednesday, June 3 and concluding Thursday, June 11.
Indulgence Associated with the Litany
A partial indulgence is attached to the devout recitation of the approved Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To gain the indulgence:
- Pray the litany devoutly and with a contrite heart
- Be in a state of grace by the completion of the prayer
- Pray with sincere faith and devotion
Litany Resource: Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (USCCB)
Family Consecration and Home Enthronement
The bishops of the United States are especially encouraging Catholic families to consecrate their homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Messy Family Project: Play + Pray Challenge
The Messy Family Project offers a free annual challenge to help Catholic families consecrate their homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The challenge begins June 1 and concludes on the Feast of the Sacred Heart on June 12.
Families can sign up here:
Messy Family Project Play + Pray Challenge
Additional parish promotional materials and bulletin resources are available here:
Messy Family Project Parish Promo Kit
Knights of Columbus Home Enthronement Resources
Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Home Enthronement Materials
Sacred Heart Resources for Children
Crafts
- How to Draw the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Make a Sacred Heart Craft on Aluminum Foil
- Make an Origami Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Make a Sacred Heart Decade Rosary
- How to Make a Sacred Heart out of Pool Noodles
Coloring
Videos
- Video About the Sacred Heart and the St. Margaret Mary Connection
- Video About the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary
Cooking Projects
Sacred Heart Prayer Walk
Thursday June 11 at 7 am
Ladies of the parish are invited to come join us for a Sacred Heart Prayer Walk in anticipation of the USCCB consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus later that day. The group will gather outside of the chapel in the courtyard and will begin walking promptly at 7 am. During the 40-minute walk, we will pray the rosary and the Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Additional Sacred Heart Resources
Consecration Prayer
Consecration Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Reflection by Archbishop Alexander Sample
Reflection on the Consecration to the Sacred Heart
250 Hours of Adoration
250 Hours of Adoration Resources
250 Works of Mercy
250 Works of Mercy Resources
Pope’s Prayer Network Materials
Pope’s Prayer Network Sacred Heart Resources
Catholic Current: America 250 Special Editions
This video podcast series highlights the many ways Catholicism has shaped the history and culture of the United States.
Episode 1:
Catholics and the Founding with Michael Breidenbach
Episode 2:
Immigrant Communities and the Catholic Church in the U.S.
More episodes and resources are available through the USCCB initiative.
These reflection were done a couple years ago but are still applicable today. Here are reflections on the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart:
-
- I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life
- I will give peace in their families
- I will console them in all their troubles
- They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death
- I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings
- Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy
- Tepid souls shall become fervent
- Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection
- I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored
- I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts
- Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced
- The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.
