#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving centered on the power of radical generosity and how it can transform communities around the world. Celebrated on Nov. 30, 2021, and created in 2012, #GivingTuesday is a simple idea that encourages people to do good amid the holiday shopping frenzy that follows Thanksgiving. It has turned into a movement that has seen hundreds of millions donate financially or with their time and talents over the last nine years.

Sacred Heart has a number of ministries that already benefit from the time, talent, and generosity of its parishioners. From our Giving from the Heart donation drives to our Hands of Hope meal service, both are shining examples of your generosity in action. This #GivingTuesday, we encourage those who are able to consider giving toward the parish’s current 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal shortfall or to participate in our upcoming Giving from the Heart December Donation Drive.

How to give toward Sacred Heart’s 2021 APA Assessment:
– APA Envelopes: You can pick one up in the back of the church and drop into the collection basket at Mass.
– Online Giving: Simply select the option of “Ongoing Diocesan Support (APA)” and enter your contribution amount.
– PayPal: Click on or scan this QR code with your device.

Thank you to our faithful parishioners who have already participated in the Annual Pastoral Appeal this year. As of Nov. 19, 175 of our nearly 1500 registered families have been able to pledge or donate toward the campaign meant to help thousands in need across our diocese. Your gift is an enormous help to our parish in strengthening our own ministries, allowing us to be advocates for those who have no voice and servants of hope for those in need physically and spiritually.

In our continued effort to meet the growing needs of the Tampa/Hillsborough County community, Sacred Heart is holding its latest Giving from the Heart drive-through donation drop-off on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the North Campus from 10 a.m.-noon. The December event is a collaborative effort of three ministries who have identified three beneficiaries with specific needs ahead of the Christmas season.

• Sacred Heart’s Young Professionals will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society and their efforts to prepare Christmas meals.

• Sacred Heart’s Council of Catholic Women will be collecting clothing and women’s products to benefit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

• Sacred Heart’s Open Doors Ministry will be collecting toys and gifts for teens and tweens to benefit Foster Angels of Hillsborough County and their mission to help foster children enjoy the Christmas season.

For a full list of the items requested by each ministry, or to learn how you can volunteer, click here.

As always, we are astonished by and grateful for the generosity of our parishioners and their willingness to step up for their parish community and beyond.

In our continued effort to meet the growing needs of the Tampa/Hillsborough County community, Sacred Heart is holding its latest Giving from the Heart drive-through donation drop-off on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the North Campus (3515 N Florida Ave.) from 10 a.m.-noon. The December event is a collaborative effort of three ministries who have identified three beneficiaries with specific needs ahead of the Christmas season.

• Sacred Heart’s Young Professionals will be collecting non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society and their efforts to prepare Christmas meals.
  • Items needed include:
    • Cereal
    • Canned Meat or Fish
    • Dry Pasta, Rice, Macaroni
    • Canned or Boxed Dinners
    • Canned Vegetables

• Sacred Heart’s Council of Catholic Women will be collecting clothing and women’s products to benefit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay:
  • Items needed include:
    • Tee shirts (Sizes: S, M; all colors)
    • Sports Bras (All colors)
    • Leggings (All sizes; black)
    • Blankets (Throws or lap)
    • Reusable totes/grocery bags
    • All NEW clothing items are welcome

• Sacred Heart’s Open Doors Ministry will be collecting toys and gifts for teens and tweens to benefit Foster Angels of Hillsborough County and their mission to help foster children enjoy the Christmas season.
  • Items needed include:
    • Gift Cards to Department/Game/Electronics Stores
    • Makeup Kits
    • Men’s Grooming Kits
    • Board Games
    • Cell Phone Accessories

If you have questions about the upcoming “Giving from the Heart” initiative, or would like to volunteer, please contact:

• Open Doors
• SH Young Professionals
• SH Council of Catholic Women

We thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support of our neighbors.

The Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council & Community Leaders, with assistance from the city of Tampa’s Archives and Records Division, is set to unveil and dedicate a new historical marker honoring John and Ellen Jackson on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at 10 a.m.

The Jacksons have strong ties to Sacred Heart and the cultivation of the Catholic faith here in Tampa. From lobbying the Diocese of Savannah to first send a priest to minister our area in 1847, to the dedication of our St. Patrick window in our church, the plaque will reference the significant contributions made by the family at the beginning of our parish in the mid-1800s.

The John and Ellen Jackson: Tampa Pioneers marker will be placed at the corner of North Franklin and East Zack Streets, and sponsored by their 99-year-old great-granddaughter, Lula Joughin Dovi. The dedication ceremony will be open to the public and include remarks from Fr. Stephen and our docents.

A reception featuring light refreshments will be held in St. Francis Hall following the conclusion of the dedication.