The front page of the church bulletin for Sacred Heart Church proclaims: "Everyone is welcome."

"Everyone," adds Sacred Heart's pastor, Father John Vogel, "is part of one parish --- inclusive. I'm very proud with all the things we do here. They really live out the Gospel here in Lancaster, whether in Respect Life ministry or prison ministry or working with the homeless."

In his six years as pastor, Father Vogel has seen his parish grow from 3,500 to 5,000 families. That means approximately 10,000-12,000 people regularly attend Mass and participate in parish functions.

"We could probably build another couple parishes in the Antelope Valley," smiles Father Vogel. "We've had people come out of the cactuses for the holidays."

One recent Sunday the Hispanic men's prayer group was selling Oxnard strawberries to fund an upcoming men's retreat. The Respect Life group was passing out empty baby bottles and asking parishioners to return the bottles the next Sunday with money inside (funds will be used for hot meals for the elderly, needed items for the homeless, support for Project Rachel, and pregnancy counseling in the area). First Communions for religious education students were taking place and child-care was available during three Sunday Masses.

With 1,150 students in religious education, more than 90 catechists and volunteers working in the program, a parish school at capacity, and nearly 100 adults in faith formation classes, Sacred Heart Parish is a very busy place. There are about 300 baptisms a year and eight Masses every Sunday.

"The spirit is here," asserts Deacon John Charters, who with his wife Diane have been parishioners since 1978. He is in charge of RCIA and Diane is responsible for adult education.

"The parish is alive and dynamic," John continues. "So many people come forward to help out. You ask and people are there."

And ready to serve, in ways that are not always traditional but just as necessary, and effective. Cathy Schuster and Peggy Horner, for example, have served as co-principals for Sacred Heart School since 1999. Father Vogel had asked each to consider becoming principal when the need arose. Both women had taught in the school since the 1980s and love the children in the parish. But neither wanted to leave teaching.

So they asked if they could share the duties, divide the tasks and each would be able to remain in the classroom part of the day. And it has worked.

Peggy and Cathy believe that their school "reflects the parish --- diversity and community." And they love the spirit of their parish. Father Hung Tran, associate pastor for the past two years, puts it simply: "We are happy, devout people here."