Sacred Heart Church — Attraction in Raleigh

As a lifelong protestant at age 50 who is deeply studying early church history and studying the Catholic church with an open heart and open mind, my wife of 27 years (also raised protestant) and I attended our first ever Catholic Mass on Saturday at 5 pm. I was moved emotionally by the Homily (sermon/message)... 1) We heard the name Jesus mentioned more times by the Priest in a matter of minutes than we have on many occasions in various protestant churches. 2) The Priest encouraged a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 3) The Priest encouraged everyone to stay focused on Jesus and not a Priest or Preacher that they like because it's all about Jesus (never mentioned Mary who some protestants accuse Catholics of worshipping). 4) The Priest encouraged everyone to read Matthew chapters 5 through 7 because that would be the next couple of weeks focus. In other words, much of the negative talk from "some" protestants was completely opposite of what we actually experienced. We are on a journey searching for the truth. So far that journey is pointing me (us) to the Catholic church: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the...

Arrive early, it's in the heart of the city, so you need to make sure you'll get parking. The church itself is beautiful, and the people are very welcoming. Sometimes I've been disappointed in the homily at other Catholic churches, but not here! I think that is because this parish is truly involved in outreach and dedicated to serving. They feed the homeless, encourage interaction, and they're real "roll up your sleeves and get dirty cause Jesus said you should," Christians. Also, the Priest is always able to explain the gospel in layman's terms so you get a little bit of Church history, a lot of guidance on true Christian theological thought, and frequently a story about a recent event in the Priest's week to tie everything together. I always leave with something to really ponder, and a renewed faith. I tend to go on Saturday nights, and I really love the way there's a reverence and an easygoing nature inside the church. I can't really tell you if what Sunday Mass is like, but Saturday is spiritually sound in my book. I was a lapsed Catholic but now I actually look forward to going every weekend. PS - Don't expect good music, though, it's a Catholic church afterall. ...

Beautiful church and our officiant was great. However, their wedding committee totally forgot about my groom in the corner and had me walk out without him being upfront. I was stopped in the middle of the isle to be informed they forgot my groom. No bride should have to go through this. I spent a lot of money, time, and effort to have it wasted and not get to see his face when he first saw me. I suppose it wouldn't have mattered if we did a first look, but we did not. Very heartbroken and disappointed with the wedding committee at Sacred Heart....