Sacred Heart Parish’s History

“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was sleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”

— Matthew 8: 24-26

The Beginning - 1895

In 1895, Father William Eversmann, O.S.B. came to Lacey to begin St. Martin’s Abbey and College. Washington had become the 42nd state of the union six years before. On February 14, 1895, the first Mass was, celebrated at St. Martin's.

The Early Days of the Community

By 1921, the college quarters proved too small to be shared by both the monks and lay folks. A lot on the road just east of the college hill was donated and in 1922 the construction of the first church building began. Funds were very limited; materials and labor were donated. Under the direction of Fr. Fabian Sexton, a framed church was built and now bears his name - Fabian Hall. The Catholic community at Lacey finally had a home.

Sacred Heart Parish, main church. Lacey, WA.

Construction of the New Church

For the next 40 years our parish continued to grow. Ten years later, four Masses on Sundays in the small framed church had proved inadequate to accommodate 1,000 worshipers in a structure that could seat only 180. The generous cooperation of the people made it possible to begin the construction. On Sunday, October 15, 1967, Archbishop Connelly dedicated our new church. It was the realization of this undertaking that the people of Sacred Heart commemorated with gratitude to God and to the self-sacrifices that were made, that Sacred Heart achieved the full canonical status of a parish. Prior to this time, we were classified a "mission" church.

Construction of Hallen Hall and Adoration Chapel

By 1982 we were again bursting at the seams. Construction for the 1st floor of Hallen Hall was completed in November of 1989. The second floor was built in two stages; it started in 2009 and it was completely finished in 2011, as well as the Adoration Chapel, Saint Frances of Rome.

Our Adoration Chapel gives our parishioners a quiet setting for Eucharistic Adoration and private prayer. The 2nd floor of Hallen Hall supports our many liturgical, educational, social and outreach activities. Our expanded facilities serve our large multicultural community of European, Hispanic, African-American, Nisqually Native American, Filipino, Guamanian, Vietnamese, Korean, Samoan, and other Asian cultures.

Adoration Chapel, St. Frances of Rome
The Shepherds
Main church, chapel, Hallen Hall
Tabernacle
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Main church, back

Sacred Heart Parish just celebrated its 100th Anniversary!!!

Sacred Heart Parish promotes a deep respect for life and values parishioners of all ages. Our liturgical celebrations are nourishing and inspiring. Preschoolers through seniors are all encouraged to participate in the life of our community through prayer and the sacraments, ongoing formation, service, outreach and social activities. We know we are called to be Christ to one another on a daily basis. By living as good stewards of all God’s gifts, we help to bring about the coming of God’s kingdom.

On September 24th, Archbishop Etienne celebrated with us our 100th Anniversary. It was a beautiful Mass followed by a gathering in Hallen Hall, with food from all our ethnic communities.

Sacred Heart Parish 100th Anniversary with Archbishop Etienne.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

— Matthew 28: 18-20

Our Mission

Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic community called to be Christ for one another through prayer, the sacraments, faith formation, outreach, and stewardship.

Our Vision

As a stewardship parish, we have committed ourselves to this life-long process of placing God first in our lives. We are known as a welcoming, compassionate community that responds to the needs of the poor through our Emergency Outreach Program. As good stewards, we share our gifts of time, talent, and treasure in gratitude for God’s many blessings. We are financially sound and give a portion of our ordinary income to serve others.