Each weekend during Lent, we will feature members of our parish Elect in the bulletin so that parishioners may have the chance to learn each of their faith journeys, and welcome them to the Church. Learn about our 2026 Elect, here we have compiled their thoughts ahead of their initiation.
Our parish is blessed to have 26 people seeking Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil: Brittany Bailey, Owen Brown, Brianna Burke, Jeffrey Cui, MacKenzie Fawthrop, Erin Garcia, Audrey Giordano, River Giordano, Joseph Hallinan, Daniel Hancock, Jessica Hernandez, Myai Hoang, Amber Jacobsen, Rory Lee, Will McLoughlin, Annie Morlang, Cameron Nicoletta, Peyton Pirozzi, Karina Poulos, Tracy Roberts, Jacqueline Sheppard, Jocelyn Sheppard, Stephanie Smith, Katie Watterson, Catherine Woody, and Mariya Yaroshenko .Please continue to keep the Elect in your prayers as they continue their final preparations toward the Easter Sacraments at the Vigil.
Catherine Woody, 20
Profession: Student
Favorite Pastimes: Playing any sport, preferably outside
Catherine says she “stumbled upon” Sacred Heart, with the beauty of our church and the warmth of the community here able to draw her in. Her faith journey, she says, is focused on finding peace and a baseline for her life. “I hope to relieve anxiety through this process and learn to surrender.”
Brianna Burke, 35
Profession: Quality Control for Asphalt
Favorite Pastimes: Crafting gifts & gaming with my 17 year old son
Brianna has shared her faith journey with Chaz, her partner, who was recently confirmed with the baptized group within our parish’s O.C.I.A. earlier this year. She finds Sacred Heart to be an “incredible community,” and that the love she has felt from the parish since arriving has been “unbelievable,” crediting the friars for offering “such valuable” information to the Elect.
When asked what her hope for her initiation into the Catholic Church will be like, Brianna stated, “My hope is to become closer to the Church in as many ways as possible. I would like to use my faith to help benefit those around us in any way possible. I also plan on becoming a sponsor for the next O.C.I.A. class!”
Myai Hoang, 27
Profession: Public Health
Favorite Pastimes: Paddleboarding, being outdoors, and reading
“After a life-changing spiritual experience, I felt called to the Catholic Church, and through many beautiful signs, I was led to Sacred Heart,” Hoang stated when asked what brought her to our parish. “The Franciscan values beautifully reflect Christ’s teachings, especially in their commitment to serving those who are most underserved. The priests and parish community live out their faith in ways that genuinely draw people closer to God, and the beauty of the church’s architecture is a nice added bonus!”
Myai hopes to “remain steadfast” in her faith following the Easter Vigil, living each day “more fully as a Christian.”
Jeffrey Cui, 23
Profession: USF Medical Student
Favorite Pastimes: Hiking & running
Moving to the Tampa Bay area two years ago, Jeffrey found Sacred Heart after beginning to attend Masses while in college. He says the architecture is one of the many things that make this parish special. When asked where he sees his faith journey taking him following the Easter Vigil, Cui stated, “I hope to continue to grow in my relationship with God and the church community. I look forward to receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I hope to start volunteering as a TGH Eucharistic Minister after my baptism. In the future, I hope to raise a loving Catholic family and pass on the faith.”
Anni Morlang, 23
Profession: Legal Assistant
Favorite Pastimes: Figure Skating
Anni’s path to Sacred Heart started as she “wanted to learn more about the faith and how to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.” “I want to do more good with the life I’ve been given,” she continued. Our parish is special to her because of “the community aspect and how dedicated everyone is. Coming to Mass and seeing how devoted and accepting everyone is,” sets our parish apart in her eyes. Like many, she sees her initiation into the Church as a means “to overcome my anxiety to better fulfill my purpose on this earth.“
Be on the lookout for more profiles of our Elect on this page and in the parish bulletin throughout Lent. If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, contact our Director of Faith Formation, Barbara Ferreris via email at bferreris@sacredheartfla.org or click here to learn more.
