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Contents © 2006
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.

ROAMIN' CATHOLIC
November/December 2006

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SACRED HEART, OCEAN BEACH

Sacred Heart parish, on the corner of Sunset Cliffs and Saratoga in Ocean Beach, draws members both from this coastal community and Point Loma. The Spanish neo-classical basilica with its yellow-domed bell tower sits within five blocks of churches from a cross-section of the American religious smorgasbord: Lutherans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, and more.

Founded in 1911, the church was last renovated in 2002. Retained are the high ceilings with dark beams and rafters, and brilliant stained glass windows. Painted Stations of the Cross are recessed in niches, the top leaning slightly forward, and lit from beneath, features which invite contemplation.

Of modernist inspiration are two black metalwork sculptures: A Holy Family image in which Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are evidently enjoying a day at the beach, with Joseph leaning back against Mary's breast while balancing Jesus on his knee. Worse is the Sacred Heart across the nave. From a distance you see a hooded Jesus opening his robe at the chest to expose his heart. Drawing closer you see within the heart a multitude of naked women and men.

A Spanish-style façade topped by the crucifix divides the sanctuary into two parts. Behind the façade, the Blessed Sacrament reposes in a beautiful "House of Gold" tabernacle on a marble altar.

I attended the 11:00 a.m. Mass on October 15. Father Ron Hebert, the parish pastor celebrated, assisted by two altar girls. At communion time three Eucharistic ministers joined him; one man and two women.

A pianist, two rhythm guitarists, and 12 singers of all ages provided music. One girl banged away on a tambourine. Every song in the liturgy -- with the sole exception of the a cappella Lord's Prayer -- was accompanied by the same instruments played in the same style, so that eventually everything sounded the same.

Just before Mass began a man asked us to greet our neighbors all around. A wave of instant affability swept over everyone. The "Gathering Song" was The Summons, (1987) lyrics by John Bell and Graham Maule, set to a traditional Scottish tune: Will you come and follow me, if I but call your name? Will you go where you don't know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown, / Will you let my name be known, / Will you let my life be grown / in you and you in me? Taken at an upbeat pace, the waltz-timed melody had a bouncy feel.

The altar girls -- one serving as crucifetrix -- led the procession, followed by a lector carrying a red leather-bound Gospel book. He walked side-by-side with a lad carrying a similar book for the children's liturgy of the word. Father Hebert then appeared, wearing a rainbow chasuble of greens, blues, and purples.

Father led a spoken trope Kyrie (Lord Jesus, you came to heal the contrite, etc.) and the singers took up a spirited rendition of the Saint Meryn Gloria with plenty of tambourine shaking. After the prayer, about a dozen children came forward and then recessed with their teacher for the children's liturgy of the word. One boy carried a blue felt banner that proclaimed, "We Are Jesus' Friends."

A woman gave the first reading, Wisdom 7:7-11: Wisdom is to be preferred to all power, wealth, beauty and health. The gent from the procession read Hebrews 4:12-13, where the apostle tells us, "No creature is concealed from him, but everything is open and exposed before him to whom we will give an account." Then Father proclaimed the Gospel: Mark 10:17-30, Jesus and the Rich Young Man.

Father Hebert's sermon: Mark's Gospel emphasizes eternal life with Christ as the supreme good for which no sacrifice is too great. When the Rich Young Man asked Jesus "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus reminded him of God's commandments dealing with one's neighbor. The man said he had kept them; then Jesus challenged him to keep the First Commandment: to give up all things for God. And the man's face fell. Father said, "If it were me, my face would have fallen to my feet!" When the laughs died down he explained the meaning of Christ's word: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." Is this mere hyperbole? No. The rich were thought to have been most blessed by God; if they can't enter, who can? And Christ gave the bottom line: "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Only God's grace can save us from the idolatry of wealth. After reminding us that we brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out ("I've never seen a hearse with a U-Haul trailer!"), Father challenged us to accept the truth that God is the owner of all things and we only stewards; temporary managers. So instead of considering what portion of our time, talent, and treasure we should give to God, consider what portion of God's gifts we need for ourselves, and give back all else to him. "He will never allow himself to be outdone in generosity."

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