All posts by Rob Boelke

Online Mass | Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Music and Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time | September 3, 2023:

Opening Song: Lift High the Cross G 968

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

Psalms 63: “For you my soul is thirsting, thirsting for you, my God. (2)”

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

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: The Summons G 869

Eucharistic Acclamations: Land of Rest G 411-413
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: Unless a Grain of Wheat G 868
Dismissal Chant: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

  • Readings for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 3, 2023
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 3, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 3, 2023

T.S./Hurricane Idalia Updates

Thursday, August 31: All parish activities have resumed following the conclusion of the storm, and an inspection of all parish facilities.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Idalia. The DOSP Disaster Relief Fund sends 100% of all donations made to organizations assisting the people affected by natural disasters as they occur. To support victims of natural disasters, click here.


Monday, August 28: The following parish activities have been adjusted or cancelled through the evening of Wednesday, August 30. This includes:

  • Bible Study | Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. | Cancelled
  • A.A. | Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. | To meet via Zoom
  • Daily Mass | Wednesday at 7 a.m., 12:10 p.m. | Cancelled
  • Confessions | Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. | Cancelled
  • Catechist Orientation | Wednesday at 6 p.m. | Cancelled

*Additional events, groups, and ministries may appear on this list at the situation develops.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule will remain for Tuesday, August 29.

The church, parish office, and North Campus will be closed on Wednesday, August 30. Daily Mass and confessions will not be held.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule is slated to resume on Thursday, August 31, beginning with the 7 a.m. Mass (subject to change).


Information about Catholic Schools and Diocesan Closures can be found here.


Additional Resources:


Prayer against Storms | from the Pieta Prayer Book
Make the sign of the cross when you see the (+) symbol.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. + God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. + Christ was born of a virgin. + Christ suffered. + Christ was crucified. + Christ died. + Christ rose from the dead. + Christ ascended into Heaven. + Christ conquers. + Christ reigns. + Christ orders. + May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh. + Christ is with us with Mary. + Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root of David, was won. + Holy God! + Holy Powerful God ! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us.

Amen!

Let Justice and Peace Flow | From the Organ Bench w/ Philip Jakob

Dear Friends,

This Friday, September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation marks the beginning of the Season of Creation which continues through October 4 and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology and founder of the Franciscans who bless our church of Sacred Heart with their presence.

This year we are called to ‘Let justice and peace flow.’ The prophet Amos cries out, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24), and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. So where do we little people start when it comes to such global issues? I suppose we could start on those elements we can control, over which we might exercise our care for creation. Since this year’s theme includes the word “flow,” we might start with that most valuable resource: water.

I heard recently that vast amounts of water are consumed in the cooling systems of data centers, which include cooling towers, chillers, pumps, piping, heat exchangers/condensers, and computer room air conditioner units, with only some of this water being recycled. Cloud-based servers and our social media are not as cheap as I used to think! You might want to investigate this further for yourselves, but apart from lobbying or writing letters there may not be much we little people can do.

We can make changes in our own lifestyles which do reflect our care for creation. If we regularly water our gardens or wash our cars in a season in which daily rainfall is almost guaranteed, then we are wasting water. If we run the shower for longer than we need to, or brush our teeth while running the water, then we are wasting water. And water is a God-given resource. Just “as the deer thirsts for the running streams,” (Psalm 42) so we also thirst for God in our lives and for a more just use of resources. However small our sacrifices may appear, they do serve to prevent us from taking for granted what we have by the gift of God, and they enable us to consider the plight of those for whom water ‘on tap’ cannot be a daily expectation.

In addition to considering our consumption of water, we might also have care over what we allow to enter the water system, and to concentrate on keeping the water ecosystem as clean as we can. Simple actions such as not pouring fat drippings or household chemicals down the drain, reducing use of detergent or opting for earth-friendly brand products, and minimizing the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in the garden will all contribute to a reduction in environmental pollution.

A more contentious issue concerns our choice between tap water or bottled water. The reasoning behind using bottled water is primarily convenience but also because water quality in Florida, whilst still meeting the stringent Federal standards, is among the lowest of all the states. On the other hand, we also know the damage done to the environment and wildlife by increasing our need to dispose of plastics and we are learning that some of the plastic from the bottle can break down into the water. Not for nothing did India last year ban all single-use plastic bottles and that is a considerable risk for a country with serious tap water concerns! In so-called ‘first-world’ countries, many who have the financial wherewithal may choose to invest in a domestic filtration system or water softener which removes from our tap water some of the chemicals which still cause concern.

Mother Teresa, when asked how she had managed to change so many people’s lives, replied “one person at a time.” The assassinated Archbishop Óscar Romero answered a similar question:  “We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”

I think it is the same with our lifestyles and the environment: once we have become conscious of the issue we begin to make positive changes, bit by bit, gallon by gallon, until “justice rolls like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

Peace and All Good,
Philip Jakob
Director of Music


As Phil mentions, there are many ways we can embrace the ecumenical call of the annual Season of Creation. As a Franciscan parish, you’ll know that integrity of creation serves alongside justice and peace as key tenants of the Franciscan charism. The following are suggestions for how you can help ‘let justice and peace flow’ right here at Sacred Heart:

Laudato Si’ Ministry | Meets on the second Saturday of each month, discussing environmental topics.

Garden Ministry | Meets monthly to tend to the North Campus property and garden.

For more on the Season of Creation, view livestream prayer services, and read the 2023 guide, visit seasonofcreation.org.

Online Mass | Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Music and Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time | August 27, 2023:

Opening Song: God is Here! As We His People G 911

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Psalms 138: “O LORD, your merciful love is eternal; discard not the work of your hands”

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Christ Arise In Me G 834

Eucharistic Acclamations: Land of Rest G 411
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: There Is A Longing G 720
Dismissal Chant: Go Make of All Disciples G 843

  • Readings for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 27, 2023
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 27, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 27, 2023

From that Hour | Friar Reflections | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

Saints of God the Lord be with you!

Years ago, when I was starting my theological studies, one of my professors said that we can see “the other, the stranger,” as either a gift or a threat. It seems to me that the authors of all three readings this weekend are writing about the struggle in making that distinction, with them all coming to the same conclusion.

Isaiah (56:1, 6-7) writes that the Lord told him to “observe what is right, do what is just” not for his fellow Jews but to the foreigners that live within the borders of Israel. Not just the Temple building located in Jerusalem, but the Temple that all of Israel was supposed to be, “shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” What a vision God had? Too bad the people of Isaiah’s day didn’t cooperate to fulfill it.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans (11:13-15, 29-32) is writing to a church composed of Jews and Gentiles. Paul is warning the Gentiles not to be smug that God has called them, while many of the Jews have rejected the Messiahship of Jesus. He writes, “God delivered all to disobedience that he might have mercy upon all.”

Jesus to seems to struggle when confronted with a Canaanite woman with a demon-tormented daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). For a while, He seems trapped by cultural prejudices, not to mention the strict norms of gender and religion. Unfortunately, His initial reaction is supported by the disciples. However, the persistent faith, courage, and love for her daughter win Jesus over, and her daughter is healed “from that hour.” I can’t help but think that this encounter led Him to a deeper understanding of His mission.

There seems to be a lot of fear in our society and Church to people that are not like us. Whether they have a different skin color, ascribe to a different religion, are a different sexual orientation or gender identity, it seems to me that the only way, the Gospel way, to interact with them is to remember that God has mercy upon all. Pope Francis calls us to live the “sacrament of encounter” particularly with people who are different from us. Judgement and condemnation are not what Christ calls us to. We are called to respond to those who are least like us with the same compassion Christ has towards us.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Steve

Online Mass | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Music and Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time | August 20, 2023:

Opening Song: All Are Welcome G 915

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Psalms 67: “Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! (2)

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: There’s a wideness in God’s mercy G 703

Eucharistic Acclamations: Land of Rest G 411
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: Come to the Water G 640
Dismissal Chant: If you believe and I believe G 886

  • Readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2023
  • Contemporary Music for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 20, 2023

Online Mass | Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Music and Readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | August 14-15, 2023:

Opening Song: Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above G 967

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Vigil | Psalms 132: “Go up, LORD, to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your strength.”
Day | Psalms 45: “On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.”

(Vigil | Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2021, 2023, Philip Jakob)
(Day | Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2021, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Salisbury Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Ave Maria

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: Eye Has Not Seen (v. 1-3) G 785
Dismissal Chant: Immaculate Mary G 977

  • Readings for the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 14, 2023
  • Readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2023

Focus on His Presence | Friar Reflections | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

In 1964, Simon & Garfunkel released their album “Wednesday Morning, 3 a.m.,” which included the song “The Sound of Silence.” According to Art Garfunkel, the song symbolizes the “inability of people to communicate with each other, not particularly intentionally but especially emotionally, so what you see around you are people unable to love each other.”

I think we can all find some agreement with that sentiment being valid today. We are bombarded with 24-hour news cycles and social media ad nauseum, and as such there is still a deafening silence all around us as we observe the world through constant sound bites and distortion. Everyone wants our attention to improve their own algorithms in order to validate themselves or what they have to say, and perpetrate more unsolicited ads, because more “hits” usually just means more money from advertisers. We may see each other in passing, but do we really communicate? SO MUCH NOISE!

Well, all I can say is, “thank God for the Prophet Elijah!” The first book of Kings relates the story of Elijah’s finding God in the “sounds of silence.” The Prophet Elijah discovered that God wasn’t to be found in the turbulence and destruction of strong winds, crushing rocks, earthquakes, or fire. God was found in a tiny whispering sound. The paradox of a sound in silence alludes to the transcendent, even the inexplicable presence and activity of God. It seems that Elijah’s God is not one of power and might, but one of a quiet and awesome presence. Once Elijah realizes God’s presence, like Moses before him, he covers his face.

Just being in silence is a discipline. It doesn’t come easy. While sitting in silence, our minds are constantly engaged with our many thoughts which we cannot simply turn off. They constantly distract us. Our challenge is, like Elijah, to not allow the distractions of our thoughts or surroundings to take away from our focus in searching for God. Elijah was focused on identifying the presence of God. God is always and everywhere present to us.

In our Gospel this weekend, we hear about a commotion on the sea where Jesus’ disciples are in a boat being tossed about, afraid for their lives. Peter, who was commanded by Jesus to come towards him walking on the water, quickly begins to sink after only a few steps. Peter lost his focus. He allowed the elements and sounds around him to distract his coming to Jesus, much like the distractions of social media can distract us as Catholics if we allow them to. Jesus saves Peter and calms the sea, in turn saving not only the boat carrying his disciples, but every other boat on the sea that night.

Our challenge and our prayer is to focus on the presence of God and our relationships with one another. For all of the good that social media and instant information may bring to us, there is also a liability in allowing it to consume us. Listen intently to the sound of silence in your own lives, and like Elijah, you, too, will hear the whisper and feel the presence of God and find the ability to love one another.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Zack

Online Mass | Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Music and Readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time | August 13, 2023:

Opening Song: O God Our Help in Ages Past G 755

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Psalms 85: “Show us, O LORD, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.”

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: We Walk By Faith G 740

Eucharistic Acclamations: Land of Rest G 411
Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)
Communion Song: Be Not Afraid G 754, Don’t Be Afraid G 792
Dismissal Chant: All Will Be Well G 763

Reaching Out | From the Desk of the Pastor | August 2023

Dear Parishioners,

As you might have noticed from my absence at Mass, I was on vacation for a few weeks to close out the month of July. My brother and his partner arranged last minute plans for us to embark on a cruise of several European countries, as part of a celebration. In May 2022, my brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Over the past year he has had surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy. In June, all his test came back negative for the cancer. To celebrate this wonderful news, he decided for us go on a trip. The location wasn’t important. It was being with my brother.

Now back at the parish, I am excited for the busy month ahead of us. The friars will provide an official blessing of our new Bikes from the Heart ministry at the North Campus later this month. This ministry provides repaired and restored bikes for the homeless and transportation challenged within our community. It may seem a small thing, but these bikes are an opportunity which can help change their lives, giving them easier access to additional assistance and work. If you have an old bike or even parts of a bike that you no longer have use for I encourage you to get a hold of our ministry leaders with Bikes from the Heart. You can learn more here.

Members of the Bike ministry will also be on hand at our next Giving from the Heart, on Saturday, August 12, collecting specifically for our neighbors at Tampa Hope, in addition to the needs lists you’ll find here in the bulletin. This next Giving from the Heart drive also supports the teachers and students of our neighboring parish school at St. Peter Claver. As you may be reading this on the weekend of August 5-6, we are in the final days of our tax-free week here in Florida. If you are able to assist, be it that you are already shopping for supplies for your own children, or are simply looking for a more economical way to donate at this next drive, please consider grabbing an item or two from their needs lists when out shopping this weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the North Campus next Saturday.

At 6 p.m. on August 24, we invite all ministries and their representatives, as well as any interested parishioners to a parish-wide ministry outreach meeting. This meeting is a time for our ministries to gather together and looks at ways we can collaborate to fulfill our collective community outreach goals. This meeting will also feature an opportunity for our ministries and parishioners to view new parish mission, vision, statements, as created by our Parish Advisory Board. These statements come after careful consideration of the recent parish survey, and serve as a new guidance for our parish following the many changes brought in recent years. Members from the PAB will present these to the ministries. It is my hope that each ministry will take these statements on board, and work to see how their groups can individually and collectively embody them.

Largely, the August ministry meeting will be a discussion led by our Parish Outreach Committee. This committee is the conduit from which all parish ministries’ outreach goes through. This structure was created to ensure we are not duplicating efforts or constantly asking for support.  We understand our parishioners deep desire to live the Gospel through action, donations, and outreach, but I wish to ensure you do not feel burnout from any simultaneous asks. The Outreach Committee will also cover the ministry event approval process. Ideas for potential upcoming parish-wide outreach events include Soxtober (collection of socks throughout October for the benefit of our local homeless), the Advent Giving Tree (or an alternative toy drive), the Reverse Advent Calendar food drive, and the Lenten 40 Cans/40 Days food drive. In order for these drives to remain successful, we need the help of all ministries acting together. These drives may be a large undertaking for an individual ministry, but collectively, several ministries coming together can make these easier to accomplish. We will also have additional opportunities to address different needs through Giving from the Heart, which continues on the second Saturday of every other month.

If you are not part of a ministry, but would like to be a more active participant in our parish’s outreach events, please reach out to the Outreach Committee. My mother always said, “many hands make light work.” With your help, I know that we can do so much more.

Parish Advisory Board: Larry Bevis, Cindy Burnett, Sarah Daniels, Fr. Zack Elliott, OFM, Sam Ferlita, Fr. Mike Jones, OFM, Dr. Stephen Krist, Helen Lukavec, Lynda Marsh, Tony Miranda, Laura Prather (Chair), and Felix Vega. Meets quarterly.

Parish Outreach Committee: Larry Bevis (Chair), Rob Boelke, Cindy Burnette, Suzanne Collins, Susan Coppin, Hank Cramer, Sarah Daniels, Angela Erb, Fr. Zack Elliott, OFM, Mike Fabianski, Tom Henry, Fr. Mike Jones, OFM, Dr. Stephen Krist, Shannon Leigh, Jennifer McElroy, Robb Mercado, Tony Miranda, Don Murray, Patty Oliver, Fran Provenzano, Jim Rossman, and Olga Siegenthaler. Meets monthly.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike