Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural Kentucky, Sacred Heart Parish in Liberty may be small in size, with just 25 families, but the parish radiates a spirit as vast as the countryside that surrounds it. This humble parish, rooted in faith and community, recently embarked on a journey that brought new life to their worship and deepened their connection to Christ.
For years, Sacred Heart had no hymnals. Parishioners would do their best to sing from memory or follow along with printed sheets, but something was missing. The music ministry, though spirited, longed for the tools to help the congregation fully participate in the beauty of the Mass.
When the opportunity to apply for a grant arose, the parish saw a chance to do something meaningful, not just for themselves, but especially for the nine children who are part of their faith family. They dreamed of a Mass experience where these young hearts could grow closer to Jesus through the power of sacred music.
With hope and prayer, they applied for a subgrant and were overjoyed when they received one from Saint Meinrad’s Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass.
Thanks to the grant, Sacred Heart Parish was able to purchase brand-new hymnals. The first Sunday they were used, the church was filled with joyful voices and even a few happy tears. The children sang with confidence, the elders smiled with pride, and the music ministry found new strength and purpose. Today, Sacred Heart’s music ministry is moving in the right direction. The hymnals have become more than just a book! They are instruments of unity, tools of evangelization, and symbols of a parish that, though small, has a heart full of faith, love, and song.
In a small church nestled in a quiet corner of town, a vibrant transformation has been unfolding. With just 50 families, this parish may seem modest in size, but its heart is full of faith, hope, and a deep desire to grow together as one community.
Ninety percent of the parish’s families are Hispanic, yet for many years, their voices and traditions were not fully reflected in the life of the parish. There were no altar servers, limited opportunities for Hispanic families to participate in the liturgy, and in recent years, no Masses in Spanish. But that began to change when the parish applied for a grant through Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, which was made possible by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant through the Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative and Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program. The parish had a vision: to build a more inclusive and welcoming community where every family, every child could feel at home.
With the support of the parish priest, Fr. Jinto Thomas, and the leadership team, a dedicated facilitator began working closely with the Hispanic families. The goal was simple but powerful: to increase participation in the Sunday Mass and create space for everyone to encounter Christ more deeply. The results have been nothing short of beautiful. Thanks to the grant, the parish now celebrates a Spanish Mass once a month. A Hispanic facilitator has joined the team, helping bridge language and cultural gaps. Families are stepping forward as gift bearers and lectors, and for the first time in years, the parish has altar servers: young people proudly serving at the altar, inspired by their renewed sense of belonging.
One of the most touching additions has been the creation of a small grotto within the church, where a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe now stands year-round, not just on her feast day. It’s a small, sacred space that honors the deep Marian devotion of the Hispanic community and invites all parishioners to draw closer to Mary and her Son. More and more families are sharing how grateful they are to feel truly part of the parish. What began as small steps, one Mass, one meeting, one conversation, has become a bridge of unity, built on love, respect, and shared faith. This is more than a story of change. It’s a story of hope, of hearts opening, and of a parish discovering the joy of walking together as one family in Christ.
By biblical definition, hope is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future, rooted in faith and trust in God. At Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Haubstadt, Indiana, this hope is alive and growing as the parish explores new ways to engage families and parishioners of all ages in the Mass, in the community, and at home.
Thanks to the Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass grant from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, which was made possible by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant through the Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative and Strengthening Ministry with Children Coordination Program, the parish team was given the structure and support to brainstorm and implement creative ideas that bring energy and life to their faith community. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to excite the children, knowing that their joy and enthusiasm will naturally inspire their parents and increase overall participation in the life of the Church.
One of the most impactful initiatives has been First Friday Family Adoration. This special time is intentionally designed to be family-friendly, where it is okay to walk around, whisper explanations, and spend a few quiet moments with Jesus. It is a gentle invitation for families who may have felt intimidated to bring young children to Eucharistic Adoration.
Mothers with small children have expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity. A table is thoughtfully set up with age-appropriate items for children to use during Adoration. In May 2025 alone, approximately 37 children attended with a parent during the dedicated time. One mother of a preschooler shared on social media, “What better place to color a picture than at the feet of Jesus?” A nearby basket allows children to leave their drawings, colored pictures, and prayer requests, offering their hearts to Jesus in the most beautiful, childlike way.
This time of Adoration has become an extension of the love and grace families experience at Sunday Mass. It is helping to build a rhythm of faith that flows from the altar into everyday life. Families are feeling more connected, more welcomed, and more encouraged to participate in other parish activities. These small steps are nurturing a deeper faith in children and planting seeds of discipleship that will grow for years to come.
The team at Sts. Peter and Paul is committed to building on the foundation laid by generations before them. Their ultimate goal is to form disciples, children, and families who go forth to serve, evangelize, and live out their Catholic faith with joy. Through events centered on Mass, prayer, the saints, feast days, and community, they are cultivating a rich, welcoming atmosphere for all. Whatever the future holds, the impact of this grant is already monumental. It’s helping to build the Kingdom one family, one child, one moment of hope at a time.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13