ALMS FOR THE POOR! ALMS FOR THE POOR!

By Juan Montoya

The well-heeled parishioners of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the heart of downtown Brownsville were not prepared to hear the message that the priest delivered from the pulpit last Sunday morning.
The church, long an architectural gem of the Brownsville Catholic Diocese, has fallen on hard times.
"In short, he was telling us, 'brother, can you spare a dime'," said a parishioner who attended.
Apparently, the church over the past one or two years has accumulated a debt of some $348,000. And while the diocese has been able to cover some of its obligations, it has not been able to shoulder all the burden.
"Now is the time for all good men (and women) to stand for their church," the parishioner said, paraphrasing the message.
Already, there are meetings scheduled for members of the church and its leadership to figure out a way of the budget woes, according to a source. But whether the members can come up with the funds to make the church solvent is anyone's guess.
In fact, among some of the members of the church are included some heavyweights such as the Yturrias and other powerful families in town.
The church has long been a favorite for couples planning their weddings in an impressive setting. Its interior is breathtaking, with saints and stained-glass windows lending a beautiful solemnity to the ceremonies.
StoppingPoints.com says Sacred Heart Church was established by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for the English-speaking parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church.
San Antonio architect Frederick B. Gaenslen designed this building for the new congregation in the Gothic Revival style.
Dedicated in 1913, the structure served Sacred Heart until 1967, when parish boundaries were redrawn and it became a chapel of Immaculate Conception Cathedral. With its tall bell towers and pointed-arch stained glass windows, Sacred Heart is a noteworthy part of Brownsville's architectural history. The structure was listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2001.
Will this architectural gem fall prey to bad economic times? Or will its silk-stocking members rush in and make love offerings to save it?