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.

Each year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg honors organizations and individuals with their annual Angel Award. This award is presented to those who show an extraordinary commitment to the Gospel Mandate of helping those in need. On Saturday, Nov. 6, during the Ministries of Mercy Celebration of Life at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Church was recognized as the 2021 Angel Award recipient, in acknowledgement of its generous support of Catholic Charities through the contributions of its religious and parishioners in time, talent, and treasure. Accepting the award for the parish were Fr. Zack and volunteer Tom Henry.

From a letter announcing the award, sent by DOSP Catholic Charities Executive Director Maggie Rogers:

“In grateful recognition of Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s generous support of Catholic Charities through the generous support of its religious and parishioners in time, talent, and treasure, we would like to honor Sacred Heart with the Catholic Charities Angel Award. Sacred Heart was one of the first groups to adopt the temporary homeless shelter we created in response to the COVID pandemic, through providing weekly meals, volunteer drivers and donating tens of thousands of dollars of clothing and household items. This stewardship continued as your [Outreach Ministries] led a Christmas Decoration of our Mercy House location. Then, your parishioners donated requested items for the children of low-income farm workers living at Catholic Charities San Jose Mission in Dover. Finally, Sacred Heart has been a great partner in the early effort to fundraise for the permanent Tampa homeless shelter.”

We extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our parish community for their dedication, kindness, and generosity. This award is a reflection of your efforts in spreading the Word.

To view a gallery from the event | 2021 Ministries of Mercy Celebration of Life

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will be taking orders after each Mass for their annual outdoor Nativity silhouette fundraiser. Made of all-weather, fade-resistant, white PVC, you can proclaim “The Good News” (Mark 16:15) with these bright showpieces of the Holy Family throughout the Christmas season.

Silhouettes feature the saying “Tis the Reason for the Season” along the base, with Spanish translation available upon request. Silhouettes are available in two sizes, 4’x4’ for yards ($132), or 2’x2’ for exterior surfaces ($88).

Already have the Nativity? Additional pieces are available for purchase this year to add to your current set! Combinations include a shepherd/sheep set and a camel/donkey set (4’x4’ set for $88; 2’x2’ set for $44).

All items will be delivered by Dec. 1. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the charitable activities of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 12110.

To order, click here | 2021 Sacred Heart KofC Nativity Sale

For more information contact Michael Cabrera at 813-389-6145 or via email.