On July 1, 2007 the parishes of Sacred Heart, Walker; St. Mary, Urbana and St. Mary, Vinton became the Heart of Mary Cluster.  

The parishes have retained their individual identities, while sharing staff and joining together for various spiritual and social opportunities.  

Our cluster is served by a Parish Life Coordinator, Marcia Reilly, and a Sacramental Priest, Fr. Jim Brokman.  This is a somewhat new model of leadership that has been put in place due to the shortage of priests, not only in our Archdiocese, but in dioceses across the country.

A Parish Life Coordinator (PLC) is a person appointed by the Archbishop to provide for the ordinary day-to-day pastoral, spiritual and administrative care of the parish(es).  The PLC has specific responsibilities in the ministries of worship, teaching, service and administration.  The PLC is responsible and accountable to the Archbishop in managing the pastoral affairs of the parish(es). 

The Sacramental Priest is appointed by the Archbishop to serve the parish(es) in the sacramental and liturgical roles reserved to a priest.

Our cluster is also served by a deacon, Steve Ford.  Deacon Steve Ford was ordained to the permanent diaconate in July 2013.  Deacon Steve, his wife Deb and their family have been long-time members of St. Mary, Urbana. Upon his ordination, Steve was appointed by the Archbishop to serve all three parishes of our cluster.  

Deacons are called to a ministry of service and presence within the Christian community. Deacons can assist the priest at the altar during Mass, proclaim the Gospel and preach. They can also baptize and witness marriages.