TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Father Theodore Buffard, the founder of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, established the parish with a vision for the community.
Father Justin Braun has served as the pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 2020.
Stained-glass depictions of the Blessed Virgin Mary illuminate the church.
last twenty years as we have expanded to have Spanish masses and ministry,” explained Father Braun. “I became pastor on November 1, 2020, and have been grateful for the chance to lead the parish out of COVID and into a renewed emphasis on living our faith more joyfully and inviting others to join us in following Christ,” he said. Today, Sacred Heart Catholic Church remains a symbol of faith and community in Texarkana, Texas. It continues to evolve while honoring its rich history. The church remains committed to nurturing its community and fostering a sense of belonging for all who enter its doors. Father Braun envisions Sacred Heart as “a place where people who are thirsting for an encounter with Christ can experience it. A place where those seeking to be formed in what it means to be a living disciple of Jesus can find both the guidance and community to support them. And if you want to learn how to love God and your neighbor as Jesus commanded, you’ll find that here.” His goal is to create an environment where “Jesus is the focus—a church that provides both spiritual and practical help to live as a disciple of Christ rather than as a person of the world. A church where truth and charity reign. A church where mercy and justice are not opposed but equal. A church where you can find answers and help.” For a century and a half, St. James AME Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church have been anchors of faith in Texarkana, standing as symbols of resilience and devotion. Through fires, storms, and changing times, their missions have never wavered. As they honor 150 years of service, their legacy continues, not just in the walls of their sanctuaries but in the lives they have touched. Rooted in history and guided by faith, these churches remain beacons of light, moving forward for generations to come.
The restored bell from the 1957 fire now sits on the church’s west side.
guaranteed that Catholic children would have a chance to learn their faith and practice it without concern.” Another addition included land for Sacred Heart Cemetery, which later expanded with the addition of Holy Cross Cemetery. These acquisitions, as well as the school, further demonstrate the necessity of the church in all aspects of the community—from birth to the end of life. As Sacred Heart’s growth continued, the journey was not without its challenges. A devastating fire in July 1957 severely damaged the original church. Yet, from the tragedy of this loss, a new church was built alongside a rectory and a parish center, becoming a great blessing to the parishioners. The cornerstone from the original structure was preserved and now resides just inside the doors of the parish center, a testament to the resilience of the community. The pastors who have lovingly served this parish through the centuries have helped to keep the mission of Sacred Heart thriving in Bowie County, and this community has grown especially in the
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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