Dear Parishioners,
As I mentioned in my letter to you all last month, I am using this space over the coming months to highlight some of our parish ministries and the incredible work that they do week in and week out. Last month, we spotlighted our parish Gift Store, and this month I would like to focus on our St Vincent de Paul Society. You see them twice a month after the Masses with their collection baskets by the church doors, but there is so much more to this ministry you may not see.
Ralph Stoddard, president of the Sacred Heart Conference of the Society gives us a sample here of how the ministry works:
“A family of four; mom, dad, a six-year-old and six-month-old had moved to Tampa last year to follow a very good job, but the company closed, and the father was out of work for three months during which time they not only got behind in rent, but had to go to court and were ordered out. The deputy that came to evict them told them kindly but firmly that they had to be out in five days or she would be back with a crew to move their belongings to the street. They were lucky to find another place, and he had found work and had some money, but even that with whatever they could borrow was not enough to pay the first and last month’s rent and security deposit.
“They were close, but still short, and out of time. They had called every social services agency they could think of, but couldn’t even get an appointment in time. A friend told them a Catholic church downtown might be able to help so they said a little prayer and called our help line. “Three days later, our Vincentian team met with the family and then made arrangements directly with the landlord. As we are not a service agency but a ministry we talked and prayed with the family and they were grateful , which was rewarding for us and as Dad was a thoughtful man, made me promise that I would thank the people who gave the money, the parishioners of Sacred Heart and so on that family’s behalf, I say THANK YOU!
“Locally we are known as the Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Our conference is the Florida West Coast’s second oldest, founded on April 22, 1932. We are just a small part of the international St. Vincent de Paul Society which was founded in Paris in 1833, one of the oldest and best known of all the Catholic Charities. Formally, we are a state registered non- profit corporation and registered with the IRS so contributions are tax deductible.
“Our vision is simply what you’d read from Matthew’s 25th chapter: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me… | Matthew 25:35-36
We consider our mission to be a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
What Vincentian Volunteers Do:
- Confidentially answer calls for help, by phone and through home visits, to discern legitimate, qualified requests
- Document accountability when one-time financial assistance with basic necessities is provided
- Provide referrals to government and private support services
- Listen to and comfort the needy through prayer and encouragement
“The sum total of our tangible corporate assets are a handful of brochures, four collection baskets and a small bank account to deposit donations and pay for clients’ needs. From that modest system, you, the parishioners of Sacred Heart, were able to pay over $63,000 across 2024, helping 132 families, including 176 children and 325 individuals, stay sheltered and keep the utilities on. We have only a few hundred dollars in administrative expenses annually, mostly dues. The sum total of our most valuable assets are our 22 volunteers and of course, you, Father Steve’s beloved ‘Saints of God.’
“If you are interested in helping or just learning more, just dial the help line, (813)-229-1595, ext. 302), follow the prompts, give us your name and number and just say “call me, I’d like to learn more” or “I’d like to help,” and someone will call you back. Thank you, and God bless you all.”
Quotes from SVdP volunteers:
“As members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we’re blessed with the opportunity to walk alongside our neighbors in need, offering compassion, dignity, and respect—no matter their background or beliefs. Through simple, person-to-person outreach, we do our best to bring hope, share God’s love, and live out the heart of our Catholic faith.” | Gaile & Noel Rametta
“Volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul provides the unique privilege of helping our needy neighbors in a direct and meaningful way. It is a blessing to be associated with a group of parishioners who want to make a difference in the lives of others.” | Susan Coppin
Changing of the Guard:
This past week, we formally welcomed Tony Miranda to our parish staff as the new Business Operations Manager. Tony has been a parishioner of Sacred Heart since 2018, and is actively involved in several ministries, including Hands of Hope, our Knights of Columbus Council #12110, our Parish Outreach Committee and Advisory Board, and as an usher.
Tony was our parish’s 2023 recipient of the St. Jude Medal, given each year in the Diocese of St. Petersburg as a way to recognize those persons showing distinguished and outstanding service to their parish. Tony is replacing Larry Cabrera, who will be retiring at the end of this month. Larry started working here at Sacred Heart more than 37 years ago, in January, 1988, while being a parishioner for more than 53 years. The friars and staff are currently organizing ways that parishioners can thank Larry for his service to the parish. We will announce those details very soon.
Tony is coming onboard prepared. He has already been part of the conversation about the North Campus renovations, and has been added to our Maintenance and Finance committees. He will be working hand-in-hand with Larry for the next month.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike
