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Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1009 Trail Street
830-393-6117

History:

According to an article in Today's Catholic, dated September 17, 1982; from 1519 to 1690 early Spanish explorers and missionaries came to Texas.  The time period from 1690 to 1763 is considered the mission period.  1776 to 1836 saw America declaring its independence from Great Britain, Mexico from Spain and then Texas declared its independence from Mexico.  The majority of people in central Texas were Catholic and had Mexican descent.  Native Indians lived in the area. 

In 1832 there were several villages, where people grouped together for protection, socialization and to hear Mass by traveling missionaries.  Surrounding the villages were ranches with families and workers.  One of these ranches was known to have a chapel for Masses.  In 1832 a village, close to what is now known as Floresville, was established and was eventually named Lodi.  Priests from San Antonio occasionally visited the people. 
1882-1885: Father J. H. Daine, an Englishman, was the first resident pastor of what is now Sacred Heart Church. The first church was a small frame structure built in Lodi,  (now part of Floresville) in 1882. 

1885-1894: Father Joseph Lagier, a Frenchman, rebuilt the church in 1885 following its destruction by a storm. 

Much of the parish growth and plant expansion took place during the pastorate of Father Peter Zarb from 1898-1938. 

Fr. Peter was the first priest to build a new church in the present location.  The structure was dedicated by Bishop John A. Forest in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 10/23/1901.  On the same occasion the Bishop consecrated a three-bell chime and blessed the rectory built with the pastor's funds. 


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