All posts by Rob Boelke

Facing Their Calling | Friar Reflections | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Good Friends,

St. Francis of Assisi, when he first encountered his call, did not feel worthy of the task. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, living in luxury, yet God called him to a radical life of Gospel poverty and service. When Francis rebuilt the church of San Damiano, he thought his mission was simply to restore a physical structure—but God was calling him to rebuild the Church spiritually. His journey, like Peter’s in today’s Gospel, was one of being overwhelmed by God’s presence and yet still being sent forth in mission.

All three figures in today’s readings—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter—share one thing in common: they feel unworthy of their calling. Isaiah encounters the majesty of God and cries, “Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips!” Paul confesses that he is the least of the apostles, unworthy because he persecuted the Church. Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Peter and his companions had worked all night and caught nothing. Their strength had failed them. But when they obeyed Jesus’ command, their nets overflowed. The lesson here is simple: when we rely on our own strength, we may struggle and find little success, but when we surrender to Christ’s will, He provides in abundance.

St. Francis also had to learn this lesson too. At first, he tried to follow God in ways that made sense to him, but his true breakthrough came when he surrendered everything, even his own plans, to God’s providence. He embraced poverty not as a burden but as a radical trust in God’s abundance.

Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This transformation—from fearful fisherman to courageous apostle —did not happen overnight. Peter had to go through failures, betrayals, and doubts. Yet, Jesus still chose him, worked through him, and sent him forth.

Francis, too, started with fear. He was mocked, rejected by his own family, and even doubted his mission at times. But like Peter, he trusted, followed, and was transformed into a fisher of souls.

God does not call us because we are perfect. He calls us because He sees in us what we cannot yet see in ourselves. When we feel weak, He is our strength. When we feel unworthy, He makes us worthy. When we feel afraid, He says, “Do not be afraid.”

Like Isaiah, may we say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Like Paul, may we proclaim, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” Like Peter, may we drop our nets, follow Christ, and trust in His abundance. And like Francis, may we embrace the Gospel with joy, simplicity, and love.

May the Lord give you His peace!

-Fr. Zack

Online Mass | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Music and Readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 9, 2025

Opening Song: You Walk Along Our Shoreline G-873

Glory to God: New Wine Mass (Jakob)

Psalm 138: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Two Fishermen G-866

Eucharistic Acclamations: New Wine Mass

(Click for recordings of the setting)
  • From Director of Music Philip JakobWe have been using the NEW WINE MASS setting of the Glory to God and Lamb of God for a few years. Now we will add the Holy, Memorial Acclamation and Great Amen. These recordings will hopefully assist you to learn the new bits quickly. The recording was made as part of a Catholic Schools Week project in the Diocese of Hallam, UK where I was Director of Music for 20 years. 5 schools learned the music and then came together to complete the project by recording the entire Mass setting in the Chapel of Mount St. Mary College, Spinkhill, Derbyshire. This setting of what in 2011 were newly revised texts was widely used throughout the UK.

Lamb of God: New Wine Mass

Communion Song: Here I Am, Lord G-844

Dismissal: We Will Walk with God G-807

Recognizing the Relationship | From the Desk of the Pastor | February 2025

Dear Parishioners,

As we get closer to the Lent, I wanted to share with you a decision that the parish has made about the weekly Stations of the Cross hosted on each of the Friday evenings during the season. Over the past few years the attendance for Stations has decreased. I believe there are several reasons for this. First, is that we do not have free parking available on Friday evenings near the church. The city previously allowed free parking on the street after 6 p.m., however that changed several years ago, and now, of course, you have to pay at a station of via the app. Second, the increase in activity downtown can make it difficult to find any parking, especially spaces that do no have surge pricing due to an event. Several older parishioners have informed me they don’t like driving in downtown Tampa at night. Last year, we also had stopped the Soup Suppers due to attendance.

The staff has looked at other alternatives, such as changing the timing or frequency. However, we always have to consider our busy wedding schedule in relation to in-church events on weekend evenings. Our wedding schedule allows for a Friday afternoon wedding where the church is occupied from 1 to 3:30 p.m.. Then we run into rehearsals for the Saturday weddings, which can be scheduled at any point between 4 and 7 p.m.

The staff came up with a solution that I am excited about, especially in relation to the increase of visitors to the church as part of the Jubilee pilgrimage. Signage will be placed in the back of the church inviting parishioners and visitors alike to take part in a self-guided prayer service of our stations. This will be available to all during our normal hours of operation.


I recently read a letter that Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, wrote this past December. In it he talks about the renewal of the church ushered in by the Second Vatican Council. I would like to share this with everyone.

“By recognizing this relationship between how we worship and what we believe, the bishops at the council made clear that the renewal of the liturgy in the life of the church is central to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. It would be a mistake to reduce the renewal to a mere updating of our liturgy to fit the times we live in, as if it were a kind of liturgical facelift. We need the restoration of the liturgy because it gives us the capacity to proclaim Christ to the world.

“Thus, for instance, the council called for the full, active and conscious participation of all the baptized in the celebration of the Eucharist to reflect our belief that in the sacred liturgy the faithful become the Body of Christ that they receive.

“Our ritual for receiving of Holy Communion has special significance in this regard. It reminds us that receiving the Eucharist is not a private action but rather a communal one. For that reason, the norm established by Holy See for the universal church is for the faithful to process together as an expression of their coming forward as the Body of Christ and to receive Holy Communion standing.

“It is important to recall that processions have been part of the liturgy from the earliest days of Christian practice. They give us a sensible experience of what it means to be a pilgrim people, helping us keep in mind that we are making our way together to the fullness of the heavenly banquet Christ has prepared for us. This is why we process into the church, process up to bring the gifts, process to receive Holy Communion and process out at the end of Mass to carry the Lord into the world.

“Nothing should be done to impede any of these processions, particularly the one that takes place during the sacred Communion ritual. Disrupting this moment only diminishes this powerful symbolic expression, by which the faithful in processing together express their faith that they are called to become the very Body of Christ they receive. Certainly reverence can and should be expressed by bowing before the reception of Holy Communion, but no one should engage in a gesture that calls attention to oneself or disrupts the flow of the procession. That would be contrary to the norms of the church, which all the faithful are urged to respect and observe.”

You can read Cardinal Blase’s full statement here.

Peace and All Good,
– Fr. Mike

Online Mass | The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (2025)

Music and Readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2025

Opening Song: Long Awaited Holy One G-957

Glory to God: New Wine Mass (Jakob)

Psalm 24: The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory!

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 1996, 2024, 2025 Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Love Divine All Loves Excelling G-767

Eucharistic Acclamations: New Wine Mass

(Click for recordings of the setting)
  • From Director of Music Philip JakobWe have been using the NEW WINE MASS setting of the Glory to God and Lamb of God for a few years. Now we will add the Holy, Memorial Acclamation and Great Amen. These recordings will hopefully assist you to learn the new bits quickly. The recording was made as part of a Catholic Schools Week project in the Diocese of Hallam, UK where I was Director of Music for 20 years. 5 schools learned the music and then came together to complete the project by recording the entire Mass setting in the Chapel of Mount St. Mary College, Spinkhill, Derbyshire. This setting of what in 2011 were newly revised texts was widely used throughout the UK.

Lamb of God: New Wine Mass

Communion Song: Take and Eat G-1009

Dismissal: We Are Marching G-865

  • Readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2025
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2025
  • Contemporary Music for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2025

Online Mass | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Music and Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 26, 2025

Opening Song: Gather Your People, O Lord G-919

Glory to God: New Wine Mass (Jakob)

Psalm 19: Your words, O Lord, are spirit and life. (x2)

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Sing A New Church G-818

Eucharistic Acclamations: New Wine Mass

  • From Director of Music Philip Jakob: We have been using the NEW WINE MASS setting of the Glory to God and Lamb of God for a few years. Now we will add the Holy, Memorial Acclamation and Great Amen. These recordings will hopefully assist you to learn the new bits quickly. The recording was made as part of a Catholic Schools Week project in the Diocese of Hallam, UK where I was Director of Music for 20 years. 5 schools learned the music and then came together to complete the project by recording the entire Mass setting in the Chapel of Mount St. Mary College, Spinkhill, Derbyshire. This setting of what in 2011 were newly revised texts was widely used throughout the UK.

Lamb of God: New Wine Mass

Communion Song: Take and Eat G-1009

Dismissal: We Will Walk with God G-807

Christ In Our Own Way | Friar Reflections | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

I can’t help but wonder if the Church chose this reading from the Gospel according to John (2:1-11) to direct our attention to back to the celebration last week, the Baptism of the Lord, and it’s Gospel reading according to Luke (3:15-16; 21-22).

Today’s Gospel mentions that the copious amount of water (twenty to thirty gallons in six stone water jars) were there for Jewish ceremonial washings. Washings would have been another way of saying cleansings. And isn’t that what Baptism is all about? Well, that’s part of what Baptism is about. True, we are washed clean of original sin. Baptized into the “name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit” our human nature begins to be changed; divinized. We are gifted with the identity and mission of Christ. Anointed with the Chrism of Salvation (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) we are called to be the Light of Christ, as Priest, Prophet, and King. While our white baptismal robe is a sign of our Christian dignity. As St. Augustin wrote, “Rejoice O Christian! For by your baptism, you are more than a Christian, you are Christ Himself.” We are called not to be Jesus Christ, (We can’t be since we are not fully human and fully divine. Nor are we first century Jewish men.) but are called be Christ in our own way, in our own time.

God the Father gives us a “new name; we become a glorious crown and a royal diadem.” We are God’s Delight and His Spouse…God rejoices in you!” as Isaiah wrote in the first reading (Is. 62:1-5). God weds Himself to us, and in a way, we can say that in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, God weds Himself to creation and Humanity. In Christ the two become one without confusion.

The second reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12: 4-11) shows us how our baptismal relationship with the Holy Trinity should be lived.

We are gifted for service toward one another. We are given the Holy Spirit who manifests Himself through wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues and their interpretation. We are called to yield our lives to the Spirit and produce these fruits of the Spirit in the world.

We might say that today’s Gospel reminds us that God has wed Himself to each of us and together we make up the Church. Let us not live barren lives, but rather let us help one another to grow in holiness and imitation of Christ. For that is what Baptism and the Sacrament of Matrimony is all about.

– Fr. Steve

Online Mass | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Music and Readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 19, 2025

Opening Song: O God Beyond All Praising G-674

Glory to God: New Wine Mass (Jakob)

Psalm 96: Proclaim the wonders of the LORD among all the peoples.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Diverse in Culture, Nation, Race G-909

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation

Communion Song: Taste and See G-1006

Dismissal: Celtic Alleluia (Sending Forth)

A Profound Act of Humility | Friar Reflections | The Baptism of the Lord

My Dear Friends,

The Baptism of the Lord is an important feast in the Christian liturgical calendar, especially in the Franciscan tradition. The event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34) and marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. For Franciscans, this feast offers rich theological reflection, inviting us to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s humility, his identification with humanity, and his mission to bring about God’s kingdom.

Humility is considered the cornerstone of the Christian life, and St. Francis of Assisi himself is known for his deep commitment to humility, as seen in his rejection of worldly honor and his embrace of poverty. The Baptism of Jesus is seen as a profound act of humility. Though sinless, Jesus enters the waters of repentance, not because he needs purification, but because he desires to identify fully with the human condition. This moment calls us to reflect on our own call to humility, inviting us to follow Christ’s example in our own lives—especially in moments when we may feel called to serve others without seeking recognition.

When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the voice of God the Father declares, “This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This moment of divine revelation affirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and shows the deep love the Father has for him. As Franciscans, our approach to this passage emphasizes God’s love not only for Jesus but for all of creation. St. Francis often spoke of creation as a reflection of God’s love, and he saw everything—people, animals, plants—as brother or sister in the vast family of God. The Baptism of the Lord reminds us to live in the grace and love bestowed upon us and to share it generously with all creation.

The Baptism of the Lord is one of the clearest moments in the New Testament where the Holy Trinity is revealed: the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. The dove represents peace, simplicity, and gentleness—qualities that were central to St. Francis’s way of life. The dove’s presence at the baptism is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering Jesus for his mission, and it reminds us of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. The Spirit calls us to embody peace and gentleness in our interactions with others and to live out the radical love that Jesus demonstrated.

The Baptism of the Lord is a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and a rich source of reflection. It is an opportunity to contemplate the humility, love, and mission of Christ, to renew our own baptismal calling, and to remember that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of peace, service, and joy. Through the Baptism of Jesus, we are reminded that all our vocations in life call us to be of transformed by humility, and to pursue active participation in the divine mission of working towards bringing peace to the kingdom of God to earth.

Pax et bonum!
-Fr. Zack

Online Mass | The Baptism of the Lord (2025)

Music and Readings for the Baptism of the Lord, January 12, 2025

Opening Song: Baptized in Water G-993

Glory to God: New Wine Mass (Jakob)

Psalm 104: Bless the LORD, O my soul! My God, how great you are!

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: To Jordan Jesus Humbly Came G-512

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation

Communion Song: Come to the Water G-640

Dismissal: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing G-855

Rescheduled GFTH Drive to Assist Families with Youth Facing Illness, Parish Homeless Outreach

Rescheduled from October 2024 due to Hurricane Milton


“If you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted;
Then your light shall rise in the darkness,
and your gloom shall become like midday.” | Isaiah 58:10

The phrase “infectious diseases of poverty” is used to describe infectious diseases that are more prevalent among poor and vulnerable populations, even among what researchers consider high-income countries. These diseases, like HIV/AIDS or Tuberculosis, among others, often lead to adverse outcomes in pregnancy, child development, and employment opportunities. The Children’s AIDS Foundation of Tampa Bay states that “more than 80% of the children treated (for HIV/AIDS) in the Tampa Bay area live below the poverty level.”


Can’t make it to the North Campus on the day of the drive?

Click the image to access our Amazon Wishlist, and have your donation shipped directly to the parish office!


On Saturday, October 12, join volunteers from our Open Doors ministry at our next Giving from the Heart drive-thru donation drive, benefitting the patients and families under the care of the USF Health Department of Pediatrics for Infectious Disease, as they gather to receive needed supplies for families afflicted by these diseases and circumstances.

On Saturday, February 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., join volunteers from Open Doors and Hands of Hope at our next Giving from the Heart drive-thru donation drive, benefitting the patients and families under the care of the USF Health Department of Pediatrics for Infectious Disease, as they gather to receive needed supplies for families afflicted by these diseases and circumstances. The drive will also benefit our Hands of Hope ministry, as they collect items that will directly go to our needy neighbors, and necessary supplies for their weekly outreach.

Each Saturday, our Hands of Hope ministry gathers together to prepare a meal at the North Campus for our homeless neighbors, distributing the meal and supplies downtown while offering friendship and fellowship to the people they serve.

USF PID provides comprehensive HIV testing and care to children and adolescents in West Central and Southwest Florida from their clinic in Ybor City and outposts at both Tampa General and St. Joseph’s. Their physicians provide medical care, access to clinical trials, psychological and social support, and education for infected children and young adults. USF PID states that its patients are often in need of clothing and household essentials, and has provided our parish with a list of items that cannot be covered by financial assistance programs such as SNAP (food stamps).

Items of greatest need include: Sanitary Napkins | Baby Wipes | Diapers (All Sizes) | Bath Soap | Laundry Detergent | Toothbrushes | Toothpaste | Floss | Tampons | Travel Size Hand Sanitizer | Disinfectant Wipes | Deodorant (Men’s and Women’s) | Socks (Youth to Adult) | Underwear (Toddler to Adult XL) | Adult Size Clothing (Gently Used or New; Men’s or Women’s; Larger Sizes Are of Greatest Need) | Toddler and Youth Clothes (Girls & Boys; Gently Used or New) | Boost Nutritional Drinks | Bug Spray or Mosquito Repellent Bracelets | Granola / Snack Bars | 8 oz. Bottles of Water | Snack Sizes of Chips/Crackers/Cookies | Aluminum Serving Trays (Full Size) | Canned Fruit | Compostable Food Containers

We want to supply the these young patients and families experiencing illness and hardship with the everyday items that might help them focus fully on their treatment and recovery. So, too, we wish to ensure that Hands of Hope has the supplies they need to continue their ongoing outreach to our local homeless. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.