About Us
Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer, Alberta, began with its first Catholic mass in 1904 at a local store, with a dedicated church built in 1906. The parish moved to North Hill in 1909, later building a new church in 1925, and rebuilding after a fire in 1990. It is deeply tied to early Catholic education and the Daughters of Wisdom, who established St. Joseph Convent in 1908.
Key Historical Details
Origins: The first mass was held in 1904 at J.A. Martin's store, led by Father Henri Voisin.
Original Building: A small church was built downtown in 1905, and blessed as Sacred Heart in 1906.
North Hill Move: In 1909, the church was moved to the North Hill area.
The Fire & Reconstruction: A fire in 1990 severely damaged the church. The damaged area was converted into a hall, and a new, modern sanctuary was built, with the new church blessed in 1992.
Key Figures: The parish was closely associated with the Priests of Sainte Marie de Tinchebray and the Daughters of Wisdom, who arrived in 1908 to establish a convent and school.
Heritage Sites: The nearby St. Joseph Convent and Sainte Marie Apostolic College (later Montfort School) were pivotal to the Catholic community in early North Red Deer.
Sacred Heart remains a key historical, faith-based site, serving the community for over a century, as documented by the City of Red Deer.
Who We Are
Sacred Heart Parish is a welcoming Roman Catholic faith community in Red Deer, Alberta, united in sharing the love of Christ through worship, service, and fellowship. We gather regularly for Mass and prayer, offer sacraments and faith formation for all ages, and support spiritual growth through ministries that serve parishioners and our wider community. Guided by the teachings of Jesus and inspired by the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we strive to live out our faith with compassion, joy, and generosity. Whether you’re joining us for Mass, sacramental preparation, or community outreach, you’re invited to become part of our parish family, sharing your gifts and growing together in faith.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most popular Catholic devotions.
Although it was beloved in previous centuries, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, showing her a vision of the now-famous image of His Sacred Heart, surrounded by flames. He said to her: “My Heart is so full of love for men that It can no longer contain the flames of its burning love. I must discover to men the treasures of My Heart and save them from perdition."
She was given the special mission to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart throughout the Church.
Jesus gave St. Margaret Mary many promises associated with this devotion, and requested that a feast day in honor of His Sacred Heart be instituted on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi.
In 1856, the Feast of the Sacred Heart was spread to the Universal Church, and in 1899, Pope Leo XIII
solemnly consecrated all mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, calling it “the great act” of his pontificate.