Is Sacred Heart Catholic School a Catholic high school?

Yes. Sacred Heart Catholic School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Biloxi.

What is Sacred Heart Catholic School’s Compass Score?

87 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic School?

Mass is listed at High School Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

Is Sacred Heart Catholic School Compass Recommended?

Yes. Sacred Heart Catholic School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Catholic high school

Sacred Heart Catholic School

LocationHattiesburg, MS
Type and sizeParish school · Grades PK–12 · 554 students

Official website Recommended badge

Sacred Heart Catholic High School is a co-educational high school in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi, part of the Diocese of Biloxi. Its spiritual development page describes a school Mass each Thursday in the High School Chapel, adoration on alternating Thursdays, a student Campus Ministry Team, and annual grade-level retreats. Religion is required for four years, and the course descriptions require 20 hours of community service each quarter.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

Thursday9:30 AMHigh School Chapel · For high school students; also on Holy Days of Obligation. Masses last about one hour.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 13, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
“Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days of Obligation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for elementary students (8:30 a.m.) and the High School Chapel for high school students (9:30 a.m.) Masses last approximately 1 hour”
School Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days in the High School Chapel at 9:30 a.m. for high school students.

Plan a campus visit Mass times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 0.1 mi · 313 Walnut Street, Hattiesburg
Holy Rosary Catholic Church — 0.6 mi · 900 Dabbs Street, Hattiesburg
Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church — 3.0 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

Sacramental life

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (School Mass is held on Thursdays in the High School Chapel at 9:30 a.m. for high school students, and on Holy Days of Obligation.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days of Obligation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for elementary students (8:30 a.m.) and the High School Chapel for high school students (9:30 a.m.) Masses last approximately 1 hour”
  School Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days in the High School Chapel at 9:30 a.m. for high school students.
Not enough information:
Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Adoration is held on alternating Thursdays during religion class in the chapel, which is every other week. The page says the times are noted on the school calendar, which was not available.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Held on alternating Thursdays during religion class, adoration provides students a time alone with Jesus in the chapel.”
  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on alternating Thursdays in the chapel.
Partly:
Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Father Sergio Balderas is listed as pastor of the parish and school. The school's Masses are recorded as parttime.)
Sources (1)
1. Our Faculty & Staff | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Father Sergio Balderas Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School”
  Father Sergio Balderas is pastor of the parish and school.

N/A

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

Yes:
Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Religion is required for graduation at 4 Carnegie units, and students must be enrolled in a Religion class each year. Each year-long course is one unit; four years.)
Sources (2)
1. Graduation Requirements (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2023/12/Graduation%20Requirements.pdf?t=1702325093000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students must be enrolled in an English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Religion every year.”
  Religion is required every year of high school.
2. Academics | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/academics · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Social Studies – 4, Religion – 4, Foreign Languages – 2”
  Religion is 4 Carnegie units required for graduation.
Not enough information:
Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Religious Studies 11 teaches the moral law and the moral precepts for Christ's disciples. No course is titled philosophy, ethics or apologetics.)
Sources (1)
1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students will learn the moral concepts and precepts that point out the authentically good choices by which Christ’s disciples live their lives in holiness and experience long-term happiness in this life and in the next.”
  Religious Studies 11 teaches moral concepts and precepts for Christ's disciples.
Not enough information:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

Campus culture

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The Campus Ministry Team coordinates retreats for students in all grades, and each Religious Studies course in grades 9 to 12 requires a grade-level retreat.)
Sources (2)
1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “The Campus Ministry Team coordinates retreats for students in all grades.”
  The Campus Ministry Team coordinates retreats for students in all grades.
2. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students are required to complete 20 hours of community service each quarter and attend a grade-level retreat.”
  Religious Studies courses in grades 9 to 12 require 20 hours of community service each quarter and a grade-level retreat.
Partly:
Campus ministry staffOne (One campus ministry staff member is listed: Monica Bellipanni, the Campus Ministry sponsor.)
Sources (1)
1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Monica Bellipanni, Sponsor”
  Monica Bellipanni is the sponsor of the Campus Ministry Team and Catholic Athletes for Christ.
Yes:
Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Listed Catholic student groups include the Campus Ministry Team, Catholic Athletes for Christ, and Faith Formation Groups.)
Sources (2)
1. Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Campus Ministry Team & Catholic Athletes for Christ”
  The school lists the Campus Ministry Team and Catholic Athletes for Christ as clubs.
2. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Faith Formation Groups provide opportunities to nurture discipleship, leading to transformation and growth.”
  Faith Formation Groups are offered to students.
Yes:
Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Daily prayer experiences are offered to all students, and the school's morning routine includes prayer.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Daily prayer experiences, Mass attendance, retreats and the formal teaching of the Catholic faith are offered to all students.”
  Daily prayer, Mass, retreats and formal Catholic teaching are offered to all students.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Each course in grades 9 to 12 requires 20 hours of community service each quarter, which is 80 hours a year and well over 40 hours across four years. The spiritual development page says 80 hours are expected.)
Sources (1)
1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students are required to complete 20 hours of community service each quarter and attend a grade-level retreat.”
  Religious Studies courses in grades 9 to 12 require 20 hours of community service each quarter and a grade-level retreat.
Yes:
Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (Religious Studies 12 uses the textbook Catholic Social Teaching and focuses on the rights and dignity of the human person.)
Sources (1)
1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “This course utilizes two textbooks: Exploring the Religions of the World and Catholic Social Teaching.”
  Religious Studies 12 uses a Catholic Social Teaching text.
Not enough information:
Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Students serve those in need through community service projects, and tenth grade Religious Studies includes Feeding the Poor during Lent.)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Sacred Heart elementary and high school students participate in community service projects throughout the year, serving those in need and supporting their surrounding communities.”
  Students take part in community service projects serving those in need.
2. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Activities include “Christmas Around The World” in December and “Feeding the Poor” during Lent.”
  Religious Studies 10 includes Feeding the Poor during Lent.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

Religion is required for four years, and every course in grades 9 to 12 requires a grade-level retreat.
Sources (2)
1. Graduation Requirements (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2023/12/Graduation%20Requirements.pdf?t=1702325093000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students must be enrolled in an English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Religion every year.”
  Religion is required every year of high school.
2. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students are required to complete 20 hours of community service each quarter and attend a grade-level retreat.”
  Religious Studies courses in grades 9 to 12 require 20 hours of community service each quarter and a grade-level retreat.
A school Mass is held weekly in the High School Chapel, and adoration is held every other Thursday.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days of Obligation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for elementary students (8:30 a.m.) and the High School Chapel for high school students (9:30 a.m.) Masses last approximately 1 hour”
  School Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days in the High School Chapel at 9:30 a.m. for high school students.
  “Held on alternating Thursdays during religion class, adoration provides students a time alone with Jesus in the chapel.”
  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on alternating Thursdays in the chapel.
Each high school course requires 20 hours of community service each quarter.
Sources (1)
1. Curriculum Guide 2026-2027, Grades 9-12 (school-hosted PDF)files.ecatholic.com/35195/documents/2026/1/Curriculum%20Guide%202026-2027%20-%209th%20through%2012th%20Grade.pdf?t=1767982868000 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Students are required to complete 20 hours of community service each quarter and attend a grade-level retreat.”
  Religious Studies courses in grades 9 to 12 require 20 hours of community service each quarter and a grade-level retreat.

Concerns

The pastor is listed as the school's pastor.
Sources (1)
1. Our Faculty & Staff | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
  “Father Sergio Balderas Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School”
  Father Sergio Balderas is pastor of the parish and school.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

High School Chapel, Sacred Heart Catholic High School

Address: Historic downtown Hattiesburg, MS (street address not published on the school's website)
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

Source: shshattiesburg.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026, shshattiesburg.com, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Liturgy and prayer 1

Eucharistic adorationOn campus
Alternating Thursdays during religion class
Time alone with Jesus in the chapel for high school students.
shshattiesburg.com

Faith formation 2

Campus Ministry Team
Upperclassmen selected each year to minister to their peers; they plan retreats, small groups and liturgies.
shshattiesburg.com, shshattiesburg.com
Faith Formation Groups
Groups that nurture discipleship through prayer and reflection, and through care for others.
shshattiesburg.com

Clubs and groups 1

Catholic Athletes for Christ
A Catholic student group listed with the Campus Ministry Team.
shshattiesburg.com

Retreats 1

Grade-level retreats
Annual retreats for each grade, organized by the Campus Ministry Team and elementary religion teachers.
shshattiesburg.com, files.ecatholic.com

Service 1

Feeding the Poor
During Lent (tenth grade)
A tenth grade Religious Studies activity during Lent.
files.ecatholic.com

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Campus Ministry Team

Sources (3)

Spiritual Development | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 13, 2026
“The high school Campus Ministry Team is composed of upperclassmen who have heard the call of God to minister to their peers.”
A student Campus Ministry Team of upperclassmen serves high school students.
“Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days of Obligation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for elementary students (8:30 a.m.) and the High School Chapel for high school students (9:30 a.m.) Masses last approximately 1 hour”
School Mass is held on Thursdays and Holy Days in the High School Chapel at 9:30 a.m. for high school students.
Clubs and Organizations | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
“The Campus Ministry Team coordinates retreats for students in all grades.”
The Campus Ministry Team coordinates retreats for students in all grades.
Academics | Sacred Heart Catholic Schoolshshattiesburg.com/academics · verified Oct. 13, 2026
“It is the only Catholic school in the Pine Belt area and is located in historic downtown Hattiesburg.”
The school is located in historic downtown Hattiesburg.

Reach out

Contact details for Sacred Heart Catholic School office (Main office) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

73 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of score90%
Students per teacher 25% of score11.8 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

Type	Parish school
Diocese	Diocese of Biloxi, MS
Grades	PK–12
Students (all grades)	554
Students in grades 9–12	195
Coed or single-sex	Coed
Student–teacher ratio	11.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges	90%
Setting	City

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Your state may help pay for this school

Mississippi has a program that helps families pay private school tuition. Ask the school whether it takes part.

Education savings accountEducation Scholarship Account (students with disabilities)Mississippi students with disabilities who have an IEP; the account covers private school tuition or other allowable expenses.Official page, amounts and how to apply

Not tax, legal or financial advice. More about each state’s programs at our sister site, ChooseAPrivateSchool.com.

Local Church

Diocese of Biloxi

The Most Reverend Louis Kihneman III, Bishop of Biloxi

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

NCES school ID 01606825
608 Southern Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 450-5736
Report an error or a newer source
Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Sacred Heart Catholic School a Catholic high school?: Yes. Sacred Heart Catholic School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Biloxi.
What is Sacred Heart Catholic School’s Compass Score?: 87 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic School?: Mass is listed at High School Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Sacred Heart Catholic School Compass Recommended?: Yes. Sacred Heart Catholic School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

More in Mississippi · Mississippi rankings