Our Parish History

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waynesboro, Georgia, began humbly—with just a few Catholic families gathering for Sunday Mass under the pastoral care of the Glenmary Home Missioners. What started as a small mustard seed of faith has grown into the vibrant Catholic community serving all of Burke County.

For many years, the Glenmary priests faithfully guided Sacred Heart, bringing the sacraments and spiritual leadership to this mission territory. Eventually, due to a decline in vocations, the Glenmary Society made the difficult decision to step away from Sacred Heart, entrusting the church to the Diocese of Savannah. Though painful, this transition was necessary given the challenges faced by many religious orders today.

For a time, Sacred Heart did not have a resident priest, and visiting clergy from nearby towns celebrated Mass. Recognizing the need for consistent pastoral care, the Bishop invited the Missionaries of St. Paul (M.S.P.) to serve the parish. Their generous ministry sustained and nurtured the community for many years.

In 2022, Sacred Heart entered a new chapter with the appointment of its first diocesan priest from the Diocese of Savannah, marking a continued commitment to the spiritual growth and care of our parish family.