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Our Christmas Mass Schedule

Advent and Christmas Season 2023/24 Masses and Programs:

— Nativity Figurine Blessing —
Laetare Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent), December 16-17  | All Masses | In the church
Bring a Nativity figurine from your home creche to Mass for a special blessing.

— Christmas Eve —
Sunday, December 24
4 p.m. | Children’s Christmas Program at 3:15 p.m.
6 p.m. | 8 p.m.
Mass During the Night | 11 p.m. | Music at 10:30 p.m.

— Christmas Day —
Monday, December 25 | 7:30 a.m. | 9 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | Noon

— Historical Society Christmas Period Tour —
Tuesday, December 26 | 3 p.m. | In the church

— Daily Mass & Confessions | December 27-29 —
12:10 p.m. Mass | 11:30 a.m. Confessions
No 7 a.m. Mass during this week
No Mass or Confessions on 12/26

 — The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God —
New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1, 2024 | 7 a.m.
Not a Holy Day of Obligation this year.

— The Epiphany of The Lord — 
Sunday, January 7, 2023 | 7:30 a.m. | 9 a.m. |10:30 a.m. | Noon | 5:30 pm
Sing Out Epiphany | 
Special Choral Event | 3 p.m.

*Parishioners and visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of any event or Mass on Christmas Eve.


Parish Office and Daily Mass Schedule During the Christmas Season

Closures | Please note that our parish office will be closed on Friday, December 22,

– The office will also be closed on Tuesday, December 26. No Masses will be celebrated, and confessions will not be held.

– During the week between Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, December 27-29, Masses will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. only, with Confessions available at 11:30 a.m. There will be no 7 a.m. Mass during this week.

– The office will be closed Monday, January 1, with the celebration of the 7 a.m. Mass only, and no 12:10 p.m. Mass or confessions on this day.


Christmas Eve and Day Parking Update

Madison Building Garage: Parking in the adjacent Madison Building Garage will be free during all Mass times on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Parishioners and visitors are asked to NOT take a parking ticket when entering the garage, contrary to our normal procedures for weekend Masses. We would like to thank our friends at the Madison Building for their gift of convenience and accessibility for our parishioners and visitors this Christmas. *Be advised that attendants will charge any vehicle remaining in the garage after 1:45 p.m. on Christmas Day.

On Street Parking (Christmas Day Only): During Mass times on Sunday, parishioners are invited to park in The City of Tampa’s Church Zone free of charge. The City recently made an adjustment to the hours of operation for on-street parking throughout downtown. Spaces are now enforced from the hours of 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday-Saturday, and Sunday’s from 2 p.m.-midnight. These spaces are enforced on nights, weekends, and holidays.

For general parking information, click here.


Live Streaming

Whether you are unable to be with us in person, or you don’t want to miss our Christmas pageant and night-time musical offerings, three Masses will be streamed live this Christmas.

Click Here for the 2023 Christmas Live Stream Page

Both the 4 p.m. Family – and – 11 p.m. Night Mass will be streamed on Christmas Eve. These broadcasts will begin early to include festive offerings from our children, musicians, and choirs. On Christmas Day, our 10:30 a.m. Mass will be streamed.

If you can’t join at these specific times, the livestream videos will be available to view 15-30 minutes following the conclusion of each Mass.


Christmas Poinsettias | Online Memorial

Remember a loved one during the Christmas season with a poinsettia used to decorate our sanctuary. A long-standing Sacred Heart tradition, each plant that you see has been given in remembrance or honor of loved ones whose names will be memorialized online.

Request forms are available now, both in the back of the church, or by clicking here. All forms, along with the suggested donation of $15 per plant, must be received by Thursday, December 14.


2023 Advent & Christmas Events

A Day of Christmas Shopping | Friday, November 17 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Join us for our annual day of Christmas shopping at the Sacred Heart Gift & Book Store on Friday, November 17, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

In addition to having deals on amazing gifts for the Christmas season, our team at the gift store will serve spirits and snacks, and give away door prizes throughout the day.

What a great time to get your Christmas shopping done, pick up a little something for yourself, and enjoy Christmas cheer with fellow parishioners and the gift store team.


Blessing of the Crèche | Friday, December 1 | 5:30 p.m.

Join the Friars of Sacred Heart at The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave. Tampa, 33603) on Friday, December 1, from 6-7 p.m. for a very special tradition, the annual Blessing of The Crèche

This blessing is a yearly tradition at the Franciscan Center, and holds deep roots within the Franciscan order. Guests are invited to bring a figurine from their own Nativity scenes to be blessed. Christmas caroling, baked goods, and refreshments will be provided by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

Baby and early childcare donations benefitting Mary’s Shower, who provide baby showers for local families in need, will be collected prior to the blessing. For more information, contact Lily Houghson via email or 813-229-2695.


Cookies with St. Nicholas | Sunday, December 3 | 11 a.m.

Sacred Heart is hosting its annual Cookies with St. Nicholas event on Sunday, December 3, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the North Campus Auditorium.

Children can decorate cookies, play games, make crafts, and take pictures with jolly old St. Nicholas himself. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

If you’re interested in volunteering, baking cookies or helping in general, contact us via email.


Historic Christmas Tour of Sacred Heart Church | Tuesday, December 26 | 3 p.m.

Join the Docents of Sacred Heart on Tuesday, December 26 at 3pm for an historic Christmas tour of our Church. Decorated splendidly for the Christmas season, including the historic “creche”, the tour of the church will include multiple stations featuring our docents, in period dress, and special guests explaining extraordinary features of the church including:

— the motivation behind the significant donation of the altar and altar rail
— unique architecture and design elements
— original relics that were obtained for the dedication of the church in 1905
— memorial stained glass windows
— renovations to improve and sustain our church

Learn about these and so many more interesting aspects of this ecclesiastical jewel of downtown Tampa. As always, docent-led lecture and tours are free, and open to the public.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the tour in St. Francis Hall.

Donations are gratefully accepted and used to continue the renovation and restoration of the church.


Sing Out Epiphany | Sunday, January 7 | 3 p.m.

On Sunday, January 7 at 3 p.m., you’re invited to gather in the church for a festival of carols to celebrate the close of the Christmas season.

We all love to sing Christmas carols, but it may be that your particular favorites will not find a place in the liturgies of the Christmas season. Alongside a few of those liturgical standards, we will sing seasonal favorites that may have been missed. Our director of music, Philip Jakob, may also introduce some carols with amusing alternative lyrics! Festive costumes and attire are encouraged, with the most festive ensemble receiving a funny prize! All are welcome!

Hurricane Idalia Updates and Closures

*This page will be updated as additional information is received.


Monday, August 28: The following parish activities have been adjusted or cancelled through the evening of Wednesday, August 30. This includes:

  • Bible Study | Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. | Cancelled
  • A.A. | Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. | To meet via Zoom
  • Daily Mass | Wednesday at 7 a.m., 12:10 p.m. | Cancelled
  • Confessions | Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. | Cancelled
  • Catechist Orientation | Wednesday at 6 p.m. | Cancelled

*Additional events, groups, and ministries may appear on this list at the situation develops.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule will remain for Tuesday, August 29.

The church, parish office, and North Campus will be closed on Wednesday, August 30. Daily Mass and confessions will not be held.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule is slated to resume on Thursday, August 31, beginning with the 7 a.m. Mass (subject to change).


Information about Catholic Schools and Diocesan Closures can be found here.


Additional Resources:


Prayer against Storms | from the Pieta Prayer Book
Make the sign of the cross when you see the (+) symbol.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. + God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. + Christ was born of a virgin. + Christ suffered. + Christ was crucified. + Christ died. + Christ rose from the dead. + Christ ascended into Heaven. + Christ conquers. + Christ reigns. + Christ orders. + May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh. + Christ is with us with Mary. + Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root of David, was won. + Holy God! + Holy Powerful God ! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us.

Amen!

Online Mass | The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hymns for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Opening Song: As we gather at your table G 922
Penitential Act: Glory to God: Mass of Joy & Peace (Alonso) G 250

Responsorial Psalm 121:

When the just one cries out, the Lord hears,

When the just one cries out, the Lord hears,

And rescues him, rescues him,

And rescues him from all his distress.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2016, 2022, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia (Walker)
Preparation of the Gifts I want to walk as a child of the light G 650
Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238
Lamb of God: Mass of Creation G 240
Communion Song: Come to me (Joncas) G 789
Dismissal: We will walk with God G807

Links to Resources for Mass:

Parking Alert – November 13 & 14, 2021

To Parishioners who park in the Madison Building garage (416 E Madison St) for Mass and parish events, be advised that the building owners will have the lobby on the main floor locked for maintenance (floor replacement) the weekend of November 13-14, 2021, and parking in the garage may be limited to monthly members only. The elevators will not be available, requiring parishioners to utilize the garage’s stairwells.

Our apologies for this inconvenience.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) – Nov. 2, 2021

Thank you for participating in Sacred Heart’s Mass. On this page you can find the readings for All Souls’ Day, as well as the music for Mass.

  • Readings for the All Souls’ Day
  • Music for the All Souls’ Day

Included in this Feast Day’s music document is a prayer for successful outcomes of the 26th annual U.N. Conference of the Parties on climate. For more on this important gathering, and how Pope Francis has been involved, click here.


On October 17, we began singing a new Glory to God  at most Masses. To preview the new arrangement, links to the sheet music and a recording have been added below.

  • Sheet Music for the new Glory to God from the NEW WINE Mass
  • Sample Recording of the new Glory to God from the NEW WINE Mass, as sung by the Catholic Primary School Choirs of Sheffield, England (Diocese of Hallam, 2010)

Why We Should Dress for Online Mass

It’s 9:30 a.m. on a Sunday. I look in the mirror at my well-dressed self: spring-ready floral dress, pastel heels, dangly earrings. I dab a bit of blush on my cheeks and give my smoothly straightened locks one last spritz of hairspray. Then I take a deep breath and head to church … or, should I say, my living room.

Along with millions of other Catholic believers, for the last few weeks, I’ve been viewing Sunday Mass via livestream as a measure of social distancing. It’s an adjustment that’s certainly taken some getting used to. I’d be lying if I said if it were easy to go without the comforts of seeing friends and hearing my priest’s encouragement in person—or, most importantly, receiving the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. For me, forgoing these blessings has been one of the most painful sacrifices of the COVID-19 experience.

And yet, despite the fact that I can’t physically attend church, for the last three weeks, I’ve found comfort in dressing up to view Sunday Mass. Of course, I could wear pajamas (or at least change into some daytime jammies from my nighttime ones) — there’s no one to see or care whether I’m in any particular state of decorum or disarray. But I find that getting ready for Mass as I usually would provides a sense of normalcy. I thrive on routine. Maintaining my Sunday morning pattern of makeup, hair, and wardrobe is an anchor of order in this very disordered time.

As I put on a dress and heels, it sets the tone in my mind: I am devoting this morning to worship. Worship requires mental and spiritual preparation, which my physical preparation can enhance. Would I really be able to get into a worshipful mood with my fuzzy unicorn slippers staring goofily up at me? Probably not.

I’ve noticed, too, that looking my best keeps me engaged and reverent during the Mass itself. Wearing shoes with a lift or a skirt that makes me suck in my tummy not only formalizes my appearance, it harnesses my attention. When I don a classy outfit instead of yoga pants, I sit up straighter. I take more care in my movements as I stand or kneel. I feel, in short, more mindful. I become me more of a participant and less of an observer of Mass.

Dressing for church reminds me that the reverential supper of the Lamb, though on a screen, isn’t entertainment. Sure, maybe I’m sitting in the same spot where I’ve binge-watched old ‘90s reruns for the last several nights. But Mass deserves more from me—and my wardrobe—than any show or movie.

Besides, throughout the new normal activities of my week—educating my kids, working from home, the occasional foray to the grocery store—Sunday provides the only opportunity to get a little fancy, anyway. I’ve begun to relish having a reason to actually dress formally, to wrestle my naturally frizzy hair into something resembling a style, and maybe even shave my legs for display below a hemline. And I’m happy for my kids to step out of their usual uniform of basketball shorts and t-shirts once a week, too. It breaks us all out of monotony, pointing us to the uniqueness of the celebration of our faith.

As we face unknown weeks ahead without in-person Mass attendance, I’m thankful we can carve a bit of extra sacredness into our family’s Sunday by dressing up for church. Though our communal gathering is on pause, the work and life of the Church go on. When Mass returns in person, we’ll be ready — and dressed! — for the occasion.

Sarah Garone

Announcement: Credibly Accused Jesuits

Announcement from the Diocese of St. Petersburg: The U.S.A Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) has published a list of credibly accused members of their province, including those Jesuits who have served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Among those listed in the report, the following four Jesuit priests served at Sacred Heart Parish:

Rev. Edward DeRussy, S.J.
Served as Parochial Vicar from 1990 to 1991. Father DeRussy also served at St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills (1991-1997) and St. Benedict Parish, Crystal River. He died in 2001.

Rev. Thomas Hidding, S.J.
Served as Parochial Vicar from 1993 to 1997. He was removed from ministry in 2002 and died in 2005.

Rev. Austin Park, S.J.
Served as Parochial Vicar from 1970 to 1976. He died in 2013.

Rev. Norman Rogge, S.J.
Served as Parochial Vicar from 1960 to 1972 and again from 1973 to 1979. He died in 2009.

Victims of abuse are encouraged to report crimes to local law enforcement. They may also wish to contact Mr. John Lambert, the diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at (866) 407-4505.


After receiving this list from our Bishop, the Jesuit Order also released a list of “Credibly accused Jesuit Priests formerly assigned to Jesuit High School, Tampa”:

Rev. Claude Boudreaux, S.J., 1949 – 1951
Rev. Norman Rogge, S.J., 1950 – 1953
Rev. Thomas Hatrel, S.J., 1957 – 1979
Rev. Edward De Russy, S.J., 1959 – 1960
Rev. Francis Landwermeyer, S.J., 1962 – 1963; 1978 – 1980
Rev. Charles Bartles, S.J., 1967 – 1971
Rev. Thomas Naughton, S.J., 1968 – 1972
Rev. Thomas Hidding, S.J., 1980 – 1982
Rev. Vincent Orlando, S.J., 2000 – 2002

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Office of Communication at (727) 344- 1611.