Thank you for visiting the website of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Three Rivers, Texas. I am Fr. Ryszard Zielinski, the Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. It is my hope that you will utilize this site to familarize yourselves with the activities, schedules and times of Holy Mass. I invite you to join us for any and all parish gatherings, but especially the Eucharist. Please know that you may contact me at anytime you have questions, concerns or ideas about our Parish Community. Know that you are constantly in my prayers. God Bless You!
Parish History
Sacred Heart Church started in 1913, with land donated by Mr. Charles Tips. An Additional four lots were purchased from him. In 1920, Fr. Eater Walsh obtained a grant from the Catholic Extension Society of which the parishioners were to repay on half the cost. The first church was given the title of "Sacred Heart", and it became a mission of St. George, George West. Fr. Walsh served the parish for several years until he was called home to Pennsylvania to be with his critically ill father. While there, he died suddenly in his sleep. After Fr. Walsh's death, Fr. Schinaski served the county, followed by Fr. David Buckly in 1922. Fr. Buckly was assigned to be the first resident priest in George West.
Fr. David Buckly was followed in succession by Fr. Carbon, Obrestie and Buckholt. On May 21, 1944 Fr. Kinlough arrived in George West as Assistant Pastor. His dream was to build a large church in Three Rivers. With the help of friends in New York, plus hard labor, sacrifice and ingenuity from his parishioners, his dream came true.
While the new church was being erected, Henry Hall, owner of the Rialto Theater in Three Rivers, graciously offered his building and facilities to the Three Rivers Catholics for Sunday Services. The new Church building was dedicated December 19, 1948.