In an article published recently by Our Sunday Visitor, Deacon Jim Grevenites, chairman of the executive committee of the National Association of Diaconate Directors, and director of deacon personnel for the Diocese of St. Petersburg said our diocesan staff looks for the moment “when we see the heart of the deacon developing,” and when “you know they can work themselves into any circumstances and be a presence of Christ.” When reflecting on the last nine years Deacon Ray Ferreris has spent with us at Sacred Heart, there is no better summary. From the moment he began training under former pastor Fr. George Corrigan, OFM, to his ordination with Bishop Gregory Parkes, and throughout his time serving as our parish’s first permanent deacon, Deacon Ray has sought to help whenever and wherever he can, bringing the presence of Christ along with him.
“Being a deacon, and being married with children, having multiple vocations like that, you may think that is a lot to handle,” Deacon Ray said when asked to reflect on his time with our parish. “But it wasn’t. It gave me a chance to meet our parishioners wherever they were, whether I was assisting at Mass, with marriage preparation, faith formation, or comforting folks at wakes.”
Ferreris has said that Baptisms were among his favorite duties as deacon here at Sacred Heart, getting the chance to usher in new Catholics from infants to adults. “I love to see the joy on the faces of the converts at the Easter Vigil, or think of the future calling those children might have.”
Deacon Ray similarly indicated the importance of those following God’s calling throughout the parish as catechists, volunteers, liturgical ministers, and the like. “The involvement of parishioners and laity in taking up a role in the parish is not to be taken for granted, and that certainly is something I have always admired about Sacred Heart.”
Sunday’s 7:30 and 9 a.m. (6/21/26) Masses are set to be Deacon Ray’s last at Sacred Heart ahead of his transfer to Incarnation Catholic Church in the Town N’ Country neighborhood of West Tampa. Incarnation was Deacon Ray’s home parish when his family relocated to Florida from the northeast in 1997, so his new appointment is something of a homecoming. “Our family has celebrated many important moments at Incarnation, so I do not take lightly just how special this new opportunity is for them and my ministry.”
“[Sacred Heart] was my first assignment,” Ray concluded. “I learned so much and I met so many wonderful people. I want to thank you (our parishioners). I love you all. I won’t be a stranger, as Barbara, my wife and your faith formation director, will still be here, and I’ll becoming to help her out every now and again. But you can always visit me at Incarnation, as well. God bless!” A reception for Ray will follow this Sunday’s 9 a.m. (6/21/26) Mass in St. Francis Hall. Please join the friars and staff in wishing Ray well, and thanking him for his time at our parish.
Below is farewell letter to parishioners from Deacon Ray Ferreris:
As my time at Sacred Heart comes to a close, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of the parishioners who have been such an important part of my journey over the past nine years. From the very beginning, you welcomed me with open arms, surrounded me with love, and cared for me as part of your family. The support and encouragement I received from this parish made my formation into the diaconate so much easier and more meaningful. I will be forever grateful for the prayers, friendships, and kindness that each of you shared with me.
I would like to offer a special thank you to Fr. George Corrigan, O.F.M. After my ordination, he took a chance on me and blessed me with the opportunity to become the first permanent deacon assigned to Sacred Heart. He was more than a mentor; he was a trusted friend whose guidance and support helped shape my vocation and ministry. I will always be thankful for his confidence in me and for the example he set through his faithful service.
I also want to thank the many volunteers who faithfully support the many ministries of Sacred Heart. Your dedication and commitment are a living example of what it means to be the Church. As we are reminded in Matthew’s Gospel, the people are the Church, not the building. It is through your service, generosity, and love that the Gospel is brought to life each day in this parish. My prayer is that all of your ministries continue to blossom and grow for many years to come.
To my beautiful bride, your director of faith formation, it has been an honor and a blessing to serve God’s people alongside you. Watching the Holy Spirit work through your life and ministry has been inspiring. I now understand why so many people speak so highly of you and the impact you have on our parish family. I will always treasure the moments we shared in ministry together.
Finally, thank you all for allowing me the privilege of serving you, the faithful parish community. Sacred Heart will always hold a special place in my heart. Although my parish assignment may change, my commitment to serving God’s people remains the same. Please know that wherever I may be called, I will always be at your service.
May God continue to bless each of you, your families, and the entire Sacred Heart community.
Peace of Christ,
Deacon Ray Ferreris
