Sacred Heart Church

My wife and I have been searching for a parish to call home. This will not be it. Here's my experience attending Sunday 11:30am mass. Go to #4 on the list below for why I'm rating this Parish at 2 star. 1 The church is beautiful and well taken care of, inside and out. 2 One of either the Deacons or the Priests has a stellar mustache. My hat's off to you sir. 3 The church was probably about 50% full, maybe, and there is a definitive lack of anyone between the ages of 18-40 Millennial/Gen Z in attendance I'm a Millennial, for the record. Most of the parishioners appeared to be Baby-Boomers or older call it 60+. There's some families, but they appear to be led by parents in their late 40s or early 50s. The 60+ crowd by far dominates this parish, which I know right now is a challenge for The Church in general. 4 I attended the Fourth Sunday of Easter, which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings focused on Christ, the shepherd, being the key to salvation. The homily, provided by the mustached clergyman, opened with talking about how "offended" people are, and called out Gen-Z for a study which showed that 20% of the generation identify as LGBT, alluding in so many words that this is evidence of a generation that is lost, as well as evidence of the evil and confusion in the present world, which needs to repent and seek Christ. He also went on about not understanding what all the letters in LGBT meant, and lamented for the days when he grew up and there were just two genders...simpler times; holier times. I know there are those of you, probably a majority, reading this and going "Yes, that is in line with the church teachings. Yes, we need more of this--priests and deacons telling it how it is to help eliminate the scourge of liberalism and "wokeness" that is corrupting our Mother Church”. If you feel this way, by all means, this is the church for you, and you will be right at home. However, I couldn't disagree more with this take. I am not a ecclesiastical lawyer, I'm not clergy, but I did stay at a LaQuinta Inn last night so take this all with a grain of salt, right? I take issue with the play towards and playing into the narratives of identity politics that is frankly trying to tear this nation apart, and homilies and narratives like what I experienced at this parish play right into this problem. Instead of lambasting Gen Z--who make up some of the most tolerant, loving, and accepting people I've come across, maybe find ways to bring them back to the church with messages that are hallmark of their generation, and frankly hallmark of the teachings of Christ. Sure, by teaching and doctrine, homosexuality is a sin, but the LGBT community is not evil. I work with members of this community, have family in this community, and count some of my best friends as part of this community. They are not evil people and are our brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, the Holy Father is asking us to welcome the LGBT community. This isn't in line with that ask. I left in the middle of the homily sure, I guess I'm one of the aforementioned "offended", but I'm not going to be part of a community that creates and/or propagates divisiveness...we have enough of that. I drove to the noon mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel and was greeted by an 80% full church, people my age that 18-40 crowd that a lot of Parishes don't see, a great choir, and most importantly a message and homily focusing on the love of Christ as our Shepherd for ALL of us...same readings, 180 on the message. If, like me, you're looking for a parish focused on the redeeming love of Christ or are curious about Christianity...this is not your parish. Seek others in the area. I mentioned the Moorestown one, but St Joseph's in Beverly is another good one...Fr Jorge has some great insights. Anyway...hope that helps! If my honest review upsets you, I ask for your prayers, as I will be also praying for you, too. May our eternal judge have mercy on both of us. ...the church is really pretty though.

Beautiful church with lovely stained glass windows all around I'm a huge fan of stained glass. Just the right size so you can hear what is being said even in the back pews. We had my mother's funeral mass there recently and they did a wonderful job. The priest even read a poem that he had picked out himself during his homily which made it even more personal.

I have been a member of Sacred Heart in Riverton, NJ since 1989. During that time quite a few Pastors have come and gone but it has maintained a welcoming atmosphere. I am very happy to say that during this unprecedented pandemic the clergy and staff have gone above and beyond with innovative ways to allow parishioners to worship safely and to try to restore the services and administration of the sacraments Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation, etc. in a safe way thus allowing life to begin to normalize. If you're looking for a faith community in the area consider this a heartfelt invitation to join us for prayer and services. Yes, additional services have been added to maintain social distancing. I hope to see you soon.

This is a lovely church. My granddaughter's confirmation. Such a beautiful ceremony.

A very special place, where my spiritual awakening began after a long time of many years in solitude and dereliction of my being. In October 2014 I walked into this church a broken man and have found a new way to live. I cannot thank this Church enough for saving my life. It is in its kindness, a light shines through the storm just enough to given me hope that I can make and did made it through. Thank you.

This has been my parish since I was born. I received all of my sacraments at Sacred Heart. It is the most welcoming, loving parish community I have ever encountered. I love attending Mass and being given the opportunity to participate in the different ministries.

Beautiful Church and grounds. Well maintained .

Neighborhood Catholic church, with ample parking for Sunday Mass at the school across the street. Beautiful interior. Friendly priest and deacon.

Very beautiful church with a bunch of stained glass windows. Been coming here for almost 20 years

Never felt welcomed. It’s unfortunate.