Dear Parishioners,
Many of you might have seen on the diocesan website that the National Eucharistic Congress will be held July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. Reflecting on this event, two quotes sprang to mind. The first is from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s address at the Eucharistic Congress in Nairobi, Kenya in August of 1985. Entitled “Satisfying the Hungers of the World’s Children: Eucharist: Call to Unity and Peace,” he stated,
“The Eucharist, rightly understood and received, demands that we respond. Having received forgiveness and reconciliation, we are prompted to forgive others, to be reconciled with them. Having experienced the peace and fellowship of the Lord’s Table, we are compelled to work for justice and harmony in the world. Having experienced the unity of the One Table, we are enabled and mobilized to work for peace, harmony, and unity among all God’s children. In fact, in the Beatitudes the title ‘God’s children’ is especially reserved for peacemakers.”
The second quote came from Pope Francis in his book “The Joy of the Gospel” in which he writes, “The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”
Cardinal Bernardin reminds us the Eucharist demands that we respond to the Gospel. Pope Francis reminds us that the Eucharist gives us the nourishment we need to respond to the Gospel.
There are many ways we can respond to our faith here at Sacred Heart. Participation in ministries like Hands of Hope, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, or Bikes from the Heart are just a few ways people in our parish live out our faith. There so many opportunities for people to put their faith into action within our parish. The important thing is for us all to live and share our faith to the best of our abilities.
The Friars and I are looking forward to seeing you and your families at our new event coming up on July 12. The Summer Social will be feature a fantastic barbecue dinner provided by Big John’s Alabama BBQ. Believe me, if you like barbecue you will really enjoy the ribs and chicken and great sides from this Tampa staple. There will also be great games like inflatable axe throwing (this is safe!) and inflatable basketball hoops where the high scores will receive fun prizes. Whether or not you think you can dance, be sure to take in one of the several line-dancing classes that will take place several times over the evening. And to cool you down from all the activities, sno-cones will be on offer. Our Knights of Columbus Council #12110 will also be on hand to serve refreshing drinks including adult beverages.
So come and enjoy a nice summer evening and dinner with your fellow parishioners. Tickets to the dinner are $15 for adults and $8 for kids under 12. Information on how to purchase tickets can be found by clicking here.
Peace and All Good,
– Fr. Mike
