All posts by Rob Boelke

Online Mass | The Easter Triduum (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Thank you for participating in Sacred Heart’s Mass, whether in person or online. On this page you can find the readings for our celebrations as well as the music for Mass.

Following His Path | Friar Reflections | Palm Sunday (2025)

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!”— Luke 19:38

Today we walk with Jesus as He enters Jerusalem—not on a warhorse, not surrounded by soldiers, but riding a borrowed colt. The crowds shout and wave palms, but this is not the triumph of a conqueror. This is the gentle arrival of the Prince of Peace is exactly the kind of King that St. Francis would recognize.

I would imagine that image of Jesus on a colt would have moved St. Francis deeply. For Francis, all of creation was his brother and sister. He saw no creature as lowly, no moment as small, no life as insignificant. Even a humble donkey was part of God’s plan.

This passage reminds us that God doesn’t ride in on extravagance and power, but on gentleness. Jesus doesn’t come to dominate but to dwell among us. So, what kind of King rides a colt? A King who is not afraid to be small a humble King. People expected a liberator—someone to throw off the Roman Empire. But Jesus’ revolution is not one of swords, but of servanthood. He comes as a King who lays down His life, not one who takes the lives of others.

St. Francis followed that same path. Although in his “pre-conversion” Francis had the ambition to be a solider and a knight, he soon thereafter renounced weapons, embraced the poor, and sought to rebuild the Church; not with stones, but with love. He took up the cross of Christ, not a sword. To follow Jesus into Jerusalem, we too must choose that same way of peace, embracing our own cross for Christ.

When the Pharisees tell Jesus to silence the crowd, Jesus replies: “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40) This is Franciscan at its core! In the Canticle of the Creatures, Francis invites the sun, moon, fire, water, and even Sister Death to praise God. Jesus reminds us: all creation knows its Maker. And should we forget how to praise, creation itself will carry the song.

So, what does this mean for us?

  • Are we looking for a flashy savior, or do we have eyes to see the God who comes in humility?
  • Will we walk the road to Jerusalem—knowing it leads to the Cross—and still shout “Hosanna”?
  • Can we join Francis in singing with the stones and with the colt?

And so we pray…

Lord Jesus, humble King, You entered not with might, but with mercy. You chose the lowly path, and called it holy. Make our hearts like Yours—gentle, courageous, and full of praise. May we sing with all creation:

“Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Amen.

Have a Blessed Holy Week!
-Fr. Zack

Online Mass | Palm Sunday (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, April 13, 2025

Opening Song: All Glory, Laud, and Honor G-535

Glory to God: Missal Tones

Psalm 22: My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why have you forsaken me, my God? (Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Palm Sunday Gospel Greeting

Preparation of the Gifts: What Wondrous Love Is This G-704

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missal Tones G-211 to 215

Lamb of God: G-217

Communion Song: We Remember G-1005

Dismissal: Jesus, Remember Me G-804

Turning the Tables | From the Desk of the Pastor | April 2025

From the Desk of the Pastor, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the fifth Sunday of Lent. In today’s Gospel of John, we hear about the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and the Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus as a way of testing Him. They then asked Him “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” (John 8:4-5) If He said “no,” then they would have charged Him for not following the law of Moses. If He said yes, then they would have said He doesn’t believe in God’s mercy.

Jesus realizes that the scribes and the Pharisees don’t care about this woman. They are using her for their own purpose. Was the woman not also used in this adultery? Many have asked, “where was the man?” Adultery takes two people, yet the man is not brought before the people and charged. Jesus breaks this cycle by asking “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Like so many other times when Jesus is challenged, He turns the table around and puts the onus on them.

Jesus then shows us God’s mercy when He asks “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”(John 8:10-11)

Jesus is showing us how to be forgiving and merciful and not be judgmental of others. In all of the times we hear Jesus forgiving people He never gives a penance. He gives them hope that they can start anew through God’s love.

Pope Francis in similar words states: “Sin is not a stain that I must wash out. What I need to do is ask forgiveness and reconcile myself, not go to the drycleaners. I have to go encounter Jesus who gave his life for me.” In the end the woman caught in adultery encountered Jesus. That encounter enabled her to go off and to sin no more.

At this Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. Mass, we are celebrating the Third Scrutiny for the twenty Elect who will be coming into the church at the Easter Vigil. At this Mass, we hear the readings from Year A. We have another story from John’s Gospel, the story of Lazarus. Fr. Steve has given the Elect some reflection questions in their Catechumenate sessions that I feel all of us could benefit from in our own reflection over this final week before Holy Week:

  • Why is it important to read that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus”?
  • How does Martha respond to Jesus question, “I am the resurrection and the life…do you believe this?”
  • Why is it important that Jesus gives the community two commands, “take away the stone” and “untie him?”
  • Do you believe that Jesus loves You? Why or why not?
  • Who is Jesus for you?
  • Lazarus is resuscitated, not resurrected. What is the difference?
  • What stone stands in the way of your relationship with Christ, yourself, and others?
  • What do you need to be untied from or let loose of?
  • What would you like your new life in Christ to look like?

I have reflected year after year on one aspect of this Gospel passage, “And Jesus wept” (John 11:35). It’s just a three word exclamation of what was occurring, but this sentence is so full of meaning. What part of John’s telling of The Raising of Lazarus resonates with you?

I hope that over the next few weeks you will continue to pray for all those who will be entering the Church at this year’s Easter Vigil. We are so blessed to have all them become a part of our faith community.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Online Mass | Fifth Sunday of Lent (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 6, 2025

Opening Song: All Will Be Well G-763

Glory to God: Missal Tones

Psalm 126: What great deeds the LORD worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.
(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory | From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Preparation of the Gifts: The Master Came to Bring Good News G-1052

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missal Tones G-211 to 215

Lamb of God: G-217

Communion Song: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say G-781

Dismissal: From Ashes to the Living Font G-529

Online Mass | Laetare Sunday (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 30, 2025

Opening Song: Amazing Grace G-701

Glory to God: Missal Tones

Psalm 34: Taste and see that the LORD is good. (Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Psalm 23 (Noon): The LORD is my shepherd; There is nothing I shall want, there is nothing I shall want. (Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2025, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory | From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Preparation of the Gifts: Healer of Our Every Ill G-1064

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missal Tones G-211 to 215

Lamb of God: G-217

Communion Song: Our Father, We Have Wandered G-1059

Dismissal: From Ashes to the Living Font G-529

Former Parishioner’s Art Inspired By Christ’s Passion

Parish News

As we draw closer to Good Friday in this holy season of Lent, we are called to contemplate and meditate on our repentance and imitation of Christ as well as the suffering Jesus endured for our salvation. To that end, local artist Eric Santos is creating sculptural works to help facilitate that spiritual devotion. The weapons of Christ, or Arma Christi, are a collection of symbols and items associated with the crucifixion. The first two pieces in this installation Eric has created are interpretations based on history and theology of the Crown of Thorns and the scourges used during our Lord’s Passion. These implements used to harm Christ were simultaneously used by God to conquer sin and death.

“My goal is to help myself and others to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the death and resurrection of Jesus,” Santos stated when visiting Sacred Heart earlier this month. Eric is currently finishing his BFA in Studio Art at the University of South Florida, and is set to complete a Master’s in Sacred Art soon after. Santos went through O.C.I.A. here at Sacred Heart and attended Mass here for several years.  “I have a deep love and appreciation for [Sacred Heart]”, Santos continued. Following his coursework, Eric says his goal is to “spend my life in the service of Christ through my artwork and to use my artwork to inspire myself and others to grow in their faith.”

View a gallery of Eric Santos’ Arma Christi below.

Online Mass | Third Sunday of Lent (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, March 23, 2025

Opening Song: Again We Keep This Solemn Fast G-523

Glory to God: Missal Tones

Psalm 103: The LORD is compassionate and gracious. (Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Psalm 95 (10:30 a.m.): O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’ ‘Harden not your hearts.’ (Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2025, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory | From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Preparation of the Gifts: Hosea G-514

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missal Tones G-211 to 215

Lamb of God: G-217

Communion Song: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy G-703

Dismissal: From Ashes to the Living Font G-529

Moments of Clarity | Friar Reflections | Second Sunday of Lent (2025)

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Have you ever have an “Aha!” moment? I did, and because I am a not too-smart Franciscan, I have them often. The most life changing “Aha!” moment happened when I was discerning my vocation. Should I continue my plan of returning to teaching as a Franciscan Brother or was God calling me to ordination? It happened that a woman approached me while I was a student friar and tearfully asked if I would hear her confession. The cause of her tears was that she was denied absolution because she didn’t know the Act of Contrition…in Latin! I told her I wasn’t a priest, but Father Andrew would make everything okay. He did, and I never saw her again.

On the ride back to the friary, I expressed my indignation at that priest, and, trying to calm me down, Fr. Andrew suggested that I go to the beach and reflect on the incident. I did, and after about twenty minutes I realized I had been asking the wrong question concerning my vocation. The question was not “should I get ordained” but rather, “how can I best serve.” And the rest you know.

It seems to me that all three readings today are about “Aha!” moments. In Genesis (15:5-12,17-18), Abram experiences the Lord God, and because of his obedience the LORD made a covenant with him and his descendants. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:17-4:1), he writes that God “will change our lowly body to conform with His (Christ’s) glorified body.” The result (the “Aha!”) of standing firm (in faith) in the Lord.

With the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28b-36) of Jesus, the apostles Peter, John, and James, having become overwhelmed by sleep became “fully awake” and “saw (Christ’s) glory and the two men (Moses and Elijah) standing with Him.” An “Aha!” moment to say the least, but one which they didn’t fully understand until the Resurrection/Pentecost.

If Catholicism is anything, it is a religion of “aha moments”…Baptism changes us into Christ…bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ….we celebrate our forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

My prayer for all of us this Lent is that our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving may open us to a greater awareness of the “aha moments” that enfold us.

– Fr. Steve

Online Mass | Second Sunday of Lent (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, March 16, 2025

Opening Song: How Good, Lord, To Be Here G-965

Glory to God: Missal Tones

Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2021, 2022, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory | From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Preparation of the Gifts: Christ In Me Arise G-834

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missal Tones G-211 to 215

Lamb of God: G-217

Communion Song: Transfigure Us, O Lord G-864

Dismissal: From Ashes to the Living Font G-529