All posts by Rob Boelke

Online Mass | Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time | October 1, 2023:

Opening Song: All Creatures of Our God and King G 665

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob) (Lyrics: G250)

Psalms 25: Remember your compassion, O LORD. (3)
(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2020, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way G 878

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation

Communion Song: No Greater Love (Joncas) G 769

Dismissal Chant: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

  • Readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023

It’s Not Fair | Deacon Reflections | Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Friends,

The Gospel this week may not be one of our favorites…

“It’s not fair!”

It’s a common response from children amongst siblings, but it’s also something we adults often feel. One may think that Jesus isn’t being fair when we hear this parable. It goes against what some of us value, the value of a hard day’s work and receiving proper and just compensation for it.  To think that we worked all day while someone else worked for only one hour and we both received the same pay would drive some of us wild.

“It’s not fair! “

But what the landowner says in response to the workers is correct. “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?”  The landowner made the workers an offer when they took the job and he kept his word.  You work for me today and I’ll pay you “X” amount of money.  Paying someone else more is up to him.

Why do you think the workers got upset that the others got paid the same for less work?  It could be that they were more focused on the pay and not the sense of purpose or pleasure in doing the work. This is something we should ask ourselves.  Why do I do what I do, is it for money, recognition, praise from others or pure sense of purpose?  If you’re doing something that is not self-satisfying and self-fulfilling, you might have some resentment and anger about doing it, and when someone comes along doing the same job and gets paid more, you’re likely to feel resentful like the workers in the parable.

The story is told of Yogi Berra. The New York Yankees were at their peak and were negotiating contracts for the next year. A group of reporters interviewed players as they emerged from the owner’s office, and one of them asked Yogi Berra about the terms of his contract. In his characteristically, plain-spoken style, he said, “I’m gonna get to play baseball again next year for the Yankees, and would you believe it, they’re gonna pay me besides!”  That’s the way to think about gainful employment, doing what you do and doing it well and getting paid for it too.

A second point I’d like to make is with the disgruntled workers in the parable, I feel perhaps they lacked a sense of gratitude. Think about it.  I know, like probably many of you as well, how it feels to be out of work.  It’s not the best of times, it’s a difficult situation.  Can you remember how grateful you were when you got that call with a job offer?  It’s the best feeling! In the parable, some of the workers who showed up to find the positions filled were saddened and stayed around all day and were probably hoping for a different opportunity or vacancy of sorts, so they could work to feed their families.  Then suddenly the landowner shows up and offers them a job.  What a feeling of relief and gratitude. 

At that point the worker would accept any amount of money to help feed his family. It was more than what he had started with!  At the end of the day the landowner pays them all the same because he knows that it takes “X” amount of money to feed their families, so he is generous enough to do so.  We, too, need to consider those less fortunate in our daily lives. You probably heard this before: “I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” The same holds true for every level of work. Are you able to clean your house or mow the lawn? Are you able to buy your groceries and pay your bills? There are those who are not able to do any of these things. The more we consider how blessed we are, the more we’re able to look upon those less fortunate with compassion instead of resentment. 

So let us be open to recognizing our blessings and recognizing the needs of others by reaching out to our sisters and brothers.  May we always remember that our God is never outdone in generosity. May we strive to be more like Him!

Peace of Christ,
Deacon Ray Ferreris

Online Mass | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time | September 24, 2023:

Opening Song: Praise and Thanksgiving G 699

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob) (Lyrics: G250)

Psalms 145: The Lord is close to all who call on Him in truth.
(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2020, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Lord of All Hopefulness G 714

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation

Communion Song: Eye Has Not Seen G 785

Dismissal Chant: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

Aiding Frontline Ministries | Our Next Giving from the Heart Donation Drive | October 14, 2023

Parish News

In our continued effort to meet the growing needs of our community, Sacred Heart is holding its latest Giving from the Heart drive-through donation event on Saturday, October 14, at the North Campus from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be gathered to receive items assisting our Hands of Hope ministry, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

With our next drive, the emphasis is on stocking the shelves for two of our parish’s frontline ministries addressing the needs of the financially unstable, hungry, and unhoused of our community ahead of the holiday period.

Operating out of the North Campus kitchen each Saturday, Hands of Hope prepares and delivers meals and care packages to the unhoused in downtown each Saturday.

Click to View the Hands of Hope Needs List:
  • Zip Lock Bags (all sizes)
  • Used plastic or paper grocery bags
  • Bug spray/insect repellent 
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hygiene products
  • Deodorant
  • Pre-packaged & non-perishable snack foods
    • granola bars, crackers, cookies, etc.
  • Ensure, Boost protein/nutrition drinks or similar
  • Bus passes
  • Adult Socks

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry provides emergency groceries to those in need from nine locations across Hillsborough County, as well as two thrift stores, which provide low cost clothing and supplies.

Click to View the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Needs List
  • Family meal foods
    • Rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned meals, cereals, canned fruits and veggies, pop tarts
  • Pre-packaged & non-perishable snack foods
    • granola bars, crackers, cookies, tuna, pudding, etc.
  • Ensure, Boost protein/nutrition drinks or similar
  • Plastic Utensils
  • Paper plates, napkins, towels, tissues
  • New Adult male undergarments, sizes medium to XL
  • Gently used adult male jeans
  • Incontinence pads for beds

Additional information and needs list updates will be available on this page as they are received. As always, the church appreciates your attentiveness and generosity for these drives.

Forgiving Without Limit | Friar Reflections | Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of being a Catholic Christian is the call to be a forgiving person. This his highlighted in all the readings this weekend and even the Psalm (103) which states, “the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.” Today’s first reading from the Book of Sirach (27:30-28:7) states, “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice, then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” This reminds me of the Lord’s prayer which states, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The phrase “as we” contains within it both a sense of time and a sense of manner.

Today’s Gospel according to Matthew (18:21-35) raises the question of how many times must we forgive. As much as seven times, Peter responds suggesting this is a generous amount by any standard. Perhaps. But Jesus answers, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times!” This is God’s standard, forgive without counting and without limit. Even the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans (14:7-9), while not mentioning forgiveness, reminds that that we are called not to live for oneself, but for the Lord. A way to show that we are living for the Lord is to be a person of forgiveness. Even as he was dying on the cross, Jesus not only forgave those who crucified him, but even more astonishing made excuses for them: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

The dilemma is that most of us think that forgiveness is a feeling. It’s not. Forgiveness is a choice we make to treat with kindness and respect the person who wronged us. Forgiveness has nothing to do with forgetting how we were hurt or who has hurt us. Forgiveness is about remembering who hurt us, or how we have been hurt, but choosing to live our lives imitating our Lord who is kind, merciful, and rich in compassion. Forgiveness is choosing to live in the freedom of the present and the future Christ calls us to, and to not be shackled to past injustices done to us.

All of us have been hurt, and all of us have hurt others. We are a people, a community of disciples, both called to forgive and be forgiven. Asking for forgiveness is a hard pill for some of us to swallow, or, given the circumstances, impossible to ask from others. If this is the case, and we cannot “make amends,” then the least we can do is to ask God to bless those we have hurt. Let us remember, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has God put our transgressions from us.” Let’s put the transgressions against us as least as far.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Steve

Online Mass | Twenty-Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time | September 17, 2023:

Opening Song: As We Gather at Your Table G 922

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob) (Lyrics: G250)

Psalms 103: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and rich in mercy.
(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2020, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace G 893

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation

Communion Song: Where Charity and Love Prevail G 774

Dismissal Chant: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

  • Readings for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 17, 2023
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 17, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 17, 2023

Reconciling with Your Brother | Friar Reflections | Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Last Sunday, we heard Jesus telling us we must take up our cross and follow him. That’s always difficult to hear. When we have the courage to do so, we are showing our willingness to follow Him. By taking up our cross, we show we are joined to Him. We show our trust in Him.

This Sunday, Jesus points towards a very common, real, and unfortunately uncomfortable experience in the task of offering forgiveness and reconciliation to an offending brother or sister. It is in this process of healing broken relationships that discipleship shows its very real and practical meaning. Life in common, even life in common among Christians, is not easy. We can rub each other the wrong way. Our speech can easily offend. Our anger can cause us to lash out. We are prone to gossip or tell stories about others that do not reflect the best in them, or ourselves.

Jesus outlines for us a three-step process for attempting to gain reconciliation in approaching a person who has offended us, but I would just like to address the what I feel is the first and most important step. While this process might not work for every case, we must engage in the process regardless.

That step we must take is to ensure the reconciliation is done face to face, one on one.

We must attempt to dialogue with one another in a deeply interpersonal manner. The process of coming together is not conducted by text message or email. The personal element preserves honor and dignity. You are carrying your cross and not forcing others to carry it for you.

Isn’t that where healing begins?

While we may not get through to the offending party, we can at least begin to come to terms with the hurt. Though Jesus says that the entire community may need to be brought in to resolve the situation, it is also true that reconciliation may happen prior to going that far.

Saint Paul sums it all up today when speaking about the Commandments that involve interpersonal behavior and responsibility. He says that, in the end, we owe no one anything except to love. For to love means that our lives are at peace with others and with the world.

Loving here is the most profound form of respect and caring. May the Lord give us that peace.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Zack

Franciscan Celebrations 2023

Parish News

Each year on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world pauses to celebrate the solemnity of our Holy Father Francis’ Transitus, his passing over from this life to the next. St. Francis was not afraid of what would come at the end of his earthly life, choosing instead to recognize in that experience, not an end, but a transition from one way of living to another was to come.

The Friars of Sacred Heart invite you to join them for a series of Franciscan celebrations, reflecting on that devotion and understanding of creation, as we observe the Transitus and The Feast of St. Francis.

Want to Learn More About the Transitus? Click Here
Transitus of St. Francis | Tuesday, October 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Church

Every year, on the third evening of October, Franciscans ritually remember the passing of Francis of Assisi from this life during this liturgy, as a reminder to renew our own commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi. Join the friars as they continue this tradition, and later for a reception with light refreshments in St. Francis Hall following the liturgy.

The Feast of St. Francis | Wednesday, October 4 | Church

The Feast of the Father of our Order, St. Francis, will be celebrated at both scheduled daily Masses, at 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., with musical accompaniment at the 12:10 p.m. Mass from Director of Music, Philip Jakob.

Blessing of the Animals | Friday, October 6 | 6 p.m. | The Franciscan Center

The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave.) once again plays host to our Friars blessing the animals of our local community as part of their annual “St. Francis Day.” The event is free to the public and will feature live music, pet-friendly vendors, food trucks, and exhibits along the Franciscan Center’s riverfront grounds.

Full Schedule for St. Francis Day at the Franciscan Center

Event Description:  The Franciscan Center is co-sponsoring with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Annual St. Francis Day Celebration & the Blessing of the Animals. The Spirituality/Conference Center was established on donated land and developed by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY as a place of peace, healing, community, and joy. The Blessing of the Animals is an annual event in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron Saint of animals and the environment. This year’s event features several celebratory opportunities:

2 p.m. | The Way of Francis: Seeking Peace and Justice for all of Creation! | A 90 minutes interfaith prayer & music program presented by Louis Canter, OEF. This is part of an international observance of 2023 Seasons of Creation Initiative led by the Catholic Climate Covenant organization.

4:30 p.m. | Food Trucks will be on site offering food and soft drinks as well as ice cream and other refreshments.

6 p.m. | Pets of all kinds and their owners will be blessed by Franciscan Friars from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tampa. This annual “Blessing of the Animals” for all furry, finned, and feathered friends is a Franciscan Tradition in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment.  

This event will feature live music by Ray Gurka Music, pet friendly vendors, community partner information exhibits, food, and activities for the whole family on the beautiful riverfront grounds of the Franciscan Center at 3010 N. Perry Avenue Tampa, FL  33603. Media outlets are encouraged to be present for this family friendly event.

The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, FL 33603, is a non- profit, 501(3)(c), private retreat house sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY with dedicated laity who are committed in carrying out the mission. More information about the Center, upcoming retreats, and events, and venue bookings, visit: Franciscancentertampa.org.

This page will be updated with additional details for this year’s series of Franciscan Celebrations as they are announced.

Online Mass | Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | September 10, 2023:

Opening Song: All Are Welcome, All Belong G 924

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob) (Lyrics: G250)

Psalms 95: O that today you would listen to his voice! “Harden not your hearts.”. (2)

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2020, 2023, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God G 997

Eucharistic Acclamations: Land of Rest G 411-413
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: Where Charity and Love Prevail G 774
Dismissal Chant: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

  • Readings for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 10, 2023
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 10, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 10, 2023

Remembering Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM

Parish News

On Friday, September 1, the Friars were alerted to the passing of their brother, and former Sacred Heart parochial vicar, Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM. Fr. Salim spent the better part of three years here at Sacred Heart, from 2018 to 2020, his first assignment in the United States. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. A wake will be held at Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church (3920 S Kings Avenue, Brandon) from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12. Internment following the funeral will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery (5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater).

Click here to view the Funeral Mass of Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM | September 13, 2023

The following is a tribute and short biography to our beloved friend and friar from the Order of Friars Minor of the St. Thomas the Apostle in Southern India. (Click here to view the full tribute with images.)

On 31 May 1965, the lives of Mr. C.M. Joseph Mani and Mrs. Alyamma Joseph were graced with the arrival of their beloved son, Br. Salim Joseph. Little did they know, as he lay in the gentle embrace of his mother then, that this boy would one day answer God’s call and serve the Lord as a Friar Priest. Thus began a pilgrim’s journey on this earthly plane that transcended borders and oceans, a path of faith.

With the completion of his Higher Secondary School education, Br. Salim Joseph embarked on his pilgrimage, bidding farewell to the familiar shores and knocking on the sacred doors of the Friary. The horizons of the Franciscan Cloister, which for St. Francis stood for the entire world, unfurled before him as he stepped through the doors of St. Louis Friary Novitiate on 12 June 1985. The pilgrim’s journey as a friar commenced with the donning of the habit on that day. It marked the beginning of a remarkable path as Br. Salim Joseph made his first profession on 13 June 1986, signifying his readiness to journey in the footsteps and share in the dreams of St. Francis of Assisi.

As Br. Salim Joseph progressed in the stages of Formation, he also grew in his zeal and vigour for the pilgrim’s journey resulting in the perpetual profession which he made on 6 October 1991. Completing his theological Studies and pastoral ministry, Br. Salim Joseph was ordained a priest on 5 April 1995. The journey continued…

The journey took him, a newly ordained priest, to serve in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Sion, Mumbai for a brief period in 1995. After this, he was appointed as the Director of the Technical School, St. Francis Friary, Kochi from 1995-2001. During the same time, he was appointed the Guardian of St. Francis Friary, Kochi which he held from 1998-2001. Besides these administrative responsibilities, he was zealous pastor in attending to the pastoral needs of the faithful as a Chaplain. It was during this time that his endearing nature endeared him to friends from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The journey pressed forward as he assumed the role of Parish Priest at St. Mary’s Church and Guardian of Assisibhavan, Chippilithode, from 2003 to 2004.

Click to view a gallery of moments from Fr. Salim’s time at Sacred Heart

The journey beyond borders truly took flight as Br. Salim embarked on a mission to Libya. In this foreign land, he served as the Secretary to the Bishop and Guardian of the Friary. Amidst these responsibilities, he also dedicated himself to addressing the pastoral needs of the Indian Catholic community residing there. His commitment transcended geographical boundaries, embodying the spirit of a pilgrim on a journey.

Upon his return to India, Br. Salim Joseph served as the Assistant Parish Priest at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Hyderabad from 2011 to March 2014 during which time he was also the Bursar of the Fraternity until March 2013. His journey then led him to Singapore, where he served as the Spiritual Director and tended to the pastoral needs of the Malayalam Commission from 2014 to 2018. His unwavering commitment and devotion continued to shine brightly, regardless of place.

Br. Salim Joseph embarked on yet another chapter of his journey, this time across the ocean to the United States of America. In this new land, he served as parochial vicar and pastor in several parishes: Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, FL, from 2018 to 2020; Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, NC, from 2020 to 2022; and St. Anthony’s Shrine in 2023. His connection to America deepened as his family had also moved to this country. In May 2023, Br. Salim Joseph took the significant step of incorporating himself as a member of the Holy Name Province.

Br. Salim Joseph embarked on his pilgrim’s journey, leaving a trail of indelible impressions in every place he ministered. His presence, accompanied by a warm and radiant smile, had the power to brighten the faces of all those he encountered. He remained a beloved friar, spreading light and joy wherever he went. An outspoken friar, Br. Salim Joseph was deeply passionate about his Franciscan vocation. He never missed an opportunity to share his profound views and opinions on our life and mission as friars.

Br. Salim Joseph’s simple and affable personality made him a wonderful pastor who connected with everyone through a sense of love and respect. Whether young or old, people were drawn to his company, always wearing cheerful expressions. His grace was the gift of bringing charm and warmth to everyone in his presence. The life journey of Br. Salim Joseph was marked by numerous significant milestones, each contributing to the legacy of his existence. As his life continued to unfold, little did we know that it would be abruptly cut short by his sudden and unexpected passing. On 1 September 2023, as Br. Salim Joseph was en route to Logan Airport, he suddenly suffered a heart attack, tragically bringing his 58 years of life’s journey to a shocking and unexpected end.

We are now gripped by profound sorrow over the loss of our beloved Br. Salim Joseph. This unfortunate and untimely death leaves an irreplaceable void, a vacuum that can never be filled. Yet, in the midst of our grief, our faith reassures us that Br. Salim Joseph’s life journey did not come to a final end here; rather, it has transitioned to the eternal realm. His earthly pilgrimage, meant to culminate in the Eternal, has now truly reached its destination. Requiescat in pace!

Fr. Salim Memories

In the space provided, if you are inclined to, you may share a memory of Fr. Salim from his time here at Sacred Heart. You may do so anonymously. These submissions will be collected and shared among the friars and his family. Click the submit button below when finished. Thank you!
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If you wish to add a photo to our gallery of Fr. Salim, please share it here for inclusion.