Dear Parishioners,
Peace be with you! We have an incredible amount of activity happening in our parish right now, and I am so energized by the enthusiasm of our young adults who are eager to get involved and do more. As we move into a season of transition and renewal, I want to share several important updates with you.
Farewell and Blessings to Deacon Ray Ferreris: Please join me in congratulating Deacon Ray Ferreris on his new assignment at Incarnation Parish, beginning July 1, 2026. His last Sunday will be June 21, as he celebrates with us at the 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Masses. A farewell reception will follow immediately after the 9 a.m. Mass in St. Francis Hall. All parishioners are invited to come by to offer him your prayers and well wishes as we say goodbye!
Maintenance Committee Updates: Our facilities require continuous care, and the Maintenance Committee has been hard at work planning essential updates for our worship and community spaces.
- Main Church Buildings
- Dome & Choir-Side Exterior Repointing: Work will begin this June to repair the dome and repoint the exterior brickwork on the southern side of the church. This vital structural work is estimated at $282,000.
- New Wireless Microphone System: To fix the frustrating “dead spots” and drop-offs we have experienced for quite a while, we are replacing much of our wireless microphone system. This $20,000 project will begin soon and greatly improve our sound quality.
- North Campus Renovations: We are very close to beginning a major renovation of the Kitchen and Auditorium, which we hope will start by late summer.
- The Scope: The kitchen and restrooms will be gutted to install brand-new electrical and plumbing.
- We will also be addressing asbestos removal, installing a building-wide sprinkler system, and bringing the facility into full ADA compliance.
- Please Note: Due to strict budget constraints, we unfortunately cannot replace the roof at this time or purchase all the kitchen equipment we might want. Furthermore, there will be a period of time when the building will be completely closed and unavailable for use.
Looking Ahead | Franciscan Mural Project: We are currently gathering designs for an exciting new mural to be placed on the 11’×12′ exterior wall of the Parish Office building.
- The goal of this project is to create a visually compelling and spiritually meaningful work of art in downtown Tampa.
- It will reflect the core values of Franciscan spirituality—particularly humility, compassion, and service to the poor. It is our hope that this mural serves as both a warm invitation and a holy witness, inspiring our own parish family to deepen their faith in action while offering encouragement and hope to everyday pedestrians and visitors.
- While we do not have a final cost quote yet, we are praying we can secure the funds to complete this beautiful project in celebration of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, stewardship, and dedication to our vibrant parish life.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike Jones, OFM
