All posts by Rob Boelke

Longtime Parishioner, Docent to Receive 2025 DOSP St. Jude Medal

Parish News

Commissioned by Bishop Emeritus Robert Lynch in 1999, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is given each year by the Diocese of St. Petersburg as a way to recognize parishioners who show outstanding service to their respective parishes. At a 3 p.m. ceremony on Sunday, October 26, held at the Cathedral of St. Jude in St. Petersburg, long-time parishioner and Historical Society docent Pat Alchediak will receive this year’s distinction from Bishop Gregory Parkes, alongside pastor Fr. Mike Jones, OFM.

For more than 60 years, Pat Alchediak has had a strong connection to our parish, and has served in liturgical and social ministries for nearly 40 years. “It was Fr. (Michael) Kennelly who approached me in the eighties asking me to become a Eucharistic Minister, and that’s where I started to get more involved,” said Alchediak, who expressed surprise about receiving the letter from the bishop about the award. “I’ve been a docent with the church since 1995, so it would be hard to guess just how many tours I’ve assisted or led since then.” The Historical Society averages 10 to 12 public tours each year, but with this Jubilee Year of Hope, and the designation of Sacred Heart as a pilgrimage site for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, groups from neighboring churches and dioceses have requested private tours regularly, which has increased our docent’s workload, including Pat’s. “I love being able to share with our parishioners and visitors the history and context to why we are the way we are here at Sacred Heart.”

A docent for the parish since 1995, Alchediak is seen here during our annual Christmas tour, when each docent dons period clothing indicative of the turn-of-the-century era when the church was built (1898-1905).

Pat grew up as both a parishioner and a student at Sacred Heart Academy, graduating from the all-girls high school as a member of the class of 1959. An alumnus of the University of Tampa, Alchediak taught history for several years before life took her away from the Tampa area for the better part of a decade. She returned to Tampa in 1975, and found her way back to Sacred Heart. “When I came back, I regularly attended Mass at Sacred Heart again, along with my parents.”

Over the last several years, Pat has also assisted the parish through the Historical Society as an archivist, working with her fellow docents and even external partners, like the University of South Florida, on collating and digitizing all sorts of historical records, photos, newspaper articles, and memorabilia from the last 120 years since the church opened and beyond. “I get really excited by this stuff, finding out new details, and being able to share them with others,” Alchediak stated. She says if anyone else may be interested helping preserve and share the history of the parish, help is always welcome.

The parish would like to thank Pat for her continued efforts, and congratulate her on receiving this year’s award. Click here to see the list of each recipient from across the diocese.

Want to know more about our Historical Society? Click here.

Prayer and Community | Friar Reflections | 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…

…the Lord be with you!

In today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus (17: 8-13), Moses is praying for the defeat of the Amalek who was waging war against Israel. As long as Moses was able to keep his hands raised, the Israelites would be winning the battle. When Moses, growing tired would lower his hands, Amalek would win. So, Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands “one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset.” I don’t imagine that will holding up the hands of Moses, Aaron and Hur were silent. I imagine them praying and singing to God and offering Moses words of encouragement and hope. With that, Joshua won the battle for the Israelites. This strange yet beautiful story reveals the need all of us have for some kind of community of faith.

In today’s Gospel according to Luke (18: 1-8) we have the parable of the widow and the reluctant judge. Widows, indeed, all women at that time were seen as property, having no legal rights. Yet because of her persistence, the judge eventually yielded to her demand for justice. This woman had no community to support her, no one to help her hold up her hands as she battled an unjust society.

I think both readings highlight a common need for prayer and action as we live in an often-unjust society. I think both readings highlight the very human (and religious) need for community.

In the homily at his inaugural mass back in May, Pope Leo XIV said, “I would like our first great desire to be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes the leaven for a reconciled world. In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds cause by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest…Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles.”

You may say, “But Fr. Steve, we sang in the responsorial psalm ‘Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’” Of course, but most often that help flows through the actions of God’s people; men, women, and children of Good Will. As Pope Leo continued, he said, “We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity that does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.”

Saints of God, let us each in our own way continue to support each other. Let us continue to be people of justice, and compassion to those who are marginalized. Let us continue to offer God’s love to everyone!

– Fr. Steve

Online Mass | 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 19, 2025:

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

Psalm 121: Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Lord of All Hopefulness G 714

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238 (Holy – We Proclaim – Amen)

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation G 240

Communion Song: Give Me Jesus G 647; Lead Us to Your Light G 653

Dismissal: The Peace of the Earth G 736

Online Mass | 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 12, 2025:

Opening Song: Praise to the Lord the Almighty G-664

Psalm 98: The LORD has shown his salvation to the nations

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Now Thank We All Our God G 690

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238 (Holy – We Proclaim – Amen)

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation G 240

Communion Song: Unless a Grain of Wheat G 868

Dismissal: Let All Things Now Living G 692

Francis’ Depth of Care | From the Desk of the Pastor | October 2025

Friar Reflections, From the Desk of the Pastor, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we are celebrating the Solemnity of St Francis of Assisi. It is a solemnity for the Franciscans because St. Francis was the founder of the Franciscan Order.

One on the many stories of St. Francis that I always enjoy reflecting on is about how he would often fast many times throughout the year. Many of the other friars would try and follow his example and too often fast. One time, there was a young friar who was trying to follow Francis and his fasting. He had the best of intentions and would be fasting and praying, but at some point, he became ill because his body wasn’t use to the severe fasting that Francis himself would do. During the night, Francis saw how this was affecting the young friar and how he was getting sick. Francis then woke up all the friars and told them to gather all the food they had and to prepare a meal for everyone. Even Francis ate that night. He did this because he didn’t want to embarrass the young friar.

For me this shows how Francis cared for other people. He would put their needs ahead of his own. The person was more important than the ritual act of fasting. He showed this not just with his own brothers but with everyone he met, whether they were lepers, homeless, widowed, or even a robber. Francis truly embraced the great commandment to love our neighbors as our self. Francis didn’t put himself first, rather he thought out ways that he could serve his brothers and sisters.

This notion of Francis is very counter cultural, not just to our country, but for the world. There are many who always put themselves first and are only concerned about what benefits them. Some are entitled and feel they deserve more than everyone else. To embrace the Franciscan Charism is to embrace the Gospel message. The message is constantly repeated that we are called to love one another, we are called not to be served but to serve, and we have Jesus’s example of how he cared for all people.

I think the best way to truly celebrate St. Francis is by imitating his example of taking care of the poor. For the month of October (Socktober) we will be collection new socks that will be given to the homeless. There will be a box in the church to drop them off as well as a box in the Gift Store. We will also host our next Giving from the Heart donation drive on Saturday, October 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Campus. The St. Vincent de Paul Society will also be collecting at the Masses on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. These funds help them to support people who are in need in our community. Also, every Saturday, our Hands of Hope ministry gather to feed the homeless at the North Campus. They are the beneficiary of this month’s Giving from the Heart drive. Our Bikes from the Heart ministry continues to help the poor with transportation. These are just some examples of how parishioners are responding to the needs of others.

November, with the feast of All Souls Day, is a time we remember all of our loved ones. This year for All Souls Day, Sunday, November 2, we will remember our loved ones in the following ways:

  • Request a Memorial for All Souls Day
    • All names will be remembered at each weekend Mass
    • $10 Donation
    • Visit shfla.org/intentions to arrange your memorial
    • This is available beginning in October
  • Parishioners may go online (shfla.org/prayerwall) to the Prayer Wall and list the deceased under the “All Souls Day Remembrance.”
    • This is available now.
  • Parishioners and visitors may write the name of the deceased in our Book of Intentions in the back of the church.
    • This is available now.

We Remember Them:

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.

At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.

At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart, We remember them. When we have joys we yearn to share, We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make, We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs, We remember them.

From the Gates of Repentance: New Union Prayer Book for the Days of Awe (Author Unknown)

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Online Mass | Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 5, 2025: Observing the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi at all Masses

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

Psalm 16: Preserve Me God

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

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love G 904

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238 (Holy – We Proclaim – Amen)

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation G 240

Communion Song: Make Me A Channel of Your Peace G 893

Dismissal: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636 (Lyrics only, Melody not in hymnal)

Aiding Our Local Homeless w/ Next Parish-wide Drive

Parish News

Parish-wide efforts to meet the needs of the Tampa/Hillsborough County community continue on Saturday, October 11, at the North Campus with our next Giving from the Heart drive-through donation event. Volunteers from our Open Doors ministry will be gathered from 9 to 11 a.m. to receive items assisting Hands of Hope, our parish’s homeless outreach.

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!

The emphasis our October drive is to restock the stores for Hands of Hope, which operates each and every Saturday to provide more than 100 unhoused clients on average with a hot meal and supplies, such as toiletries or clothing. 

Hands of Hope is an outreach ministry of Sacred Heart that has been serving the poor and homeless of our community for more than a decade. Each weekend, a meal is prepared and then served to our neighbors in need at the North Campus. Throughout the day, volunteers share fellowship and resources of hope and healing for the physical, mental, and personal needs of their guests. Their mission in this meal service is to provide hope,
resources, and fellowship along the way.

Items of greatest need include: Bath Soap | Toothbrushes | Toothpaste | Floss | Travel Size Hand Sanitizer | Deodorant (Men’s and Women’s) | Travel Size Shampoo | Boost Nutritional Drinks | Bug Spray or Mosquito Repellent Bracelets | Granola / Snack Bars | Bottled Water | Snack Sizes of Chips/Crackers/Cookies | Paper Products (towels, plates, bowls) | Canned Fruit | Compostable Food Containers | Reusable or plastic grocery bags | Ziploc Bags | Gatorade or Similar Rehydrating Drinks | Grocery Gift Cards to Purchase Weekly Perishable Items | Disposable Cutlery

Additionally, Hands of Hope is seeking assistance in procuring items for the North Campus of funding that would allow their ministry to continue to operate and grow. These items include:

  • One (1) Used, Operational Refrigerator
    • Two of the four refrigerators located in the North Campus Kitchen no longer work.
    • A used refrigerator would be seen as a bridge until the kitchen renovations are completed.
  • Three (3) portable picnic tables
  • Three (3) canopy tents for shade
  • Monthly financial commitment for the rental of a portable restroom

If you are interested in assisting the parish and ministry with any of these specific items, please click here to contact business operations manager Tony Miranda via email.

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.

Online Mass | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 28, 2025

Opening Song: Here I Am, Lord G 844

CLOW (9 a.m.): Seek Ye First G 715

Psalm 146: My Soul Give Praise to the Lord

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

Gospel Acclamation: Greenbelt Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: The Church of Christ in Every Age G 1046
Preparation of the Gifts (10:30 a.m.):  Blessed Are You Poor

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation G 231, 234, 238 (Holy – We Proclaim – Amen)

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation G 240

Communion Song: Come to the Water G 640

Dismissal: Touch the Earth Lightly G 636

  • Readings for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 28, 2025
  • Lyrics and Mass Order for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 28, 2025
  • Contemporary Music (5:30 p.m. Sunday) for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 28, 2025

How Do We Think About Greatness? | Friar Reflections | Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…

…the Lord be with you!

How do we think about greatness? Is it the size of our bank accounts or our homes? Is it how fit we are or how well we are dressed? Or how much weight we can press during a gym workout? (Every time I go to the gym (yes, I do work out only to look like this) I’m tempted to increase the weight on the machine after I’m done using it. But I don’t since I know that I won’t be fooling anyone.) But as Christians, we need to ask ourselves how does Christ view greatness? An answer to that question is how we show our love for God by caring for our neighbor, particularly those who are poor and in need.

In today’s first reading from the Prophet Amos (8:4-7) echoes themes from all the prophets who preceded him, and all those who will follow him: God will remember how we as individuals and as a nation treat the poor! The Responsorial Psalm (113) reminds us that “The Lord lifts up the poor” but through us and our charity. As saint Theresa of Avila puts it “Christ has no body on earth but (ours), No hands, no feet on earth but (ours)…(Ours) are the hands with which He blesses all the world.”

The Gospel today (Luke 16: 1-13) is the parable of the dishonest steward. His employer fires him for cheating, and he in return acts prudently by reducing his commission hoping that this will redound to him later since he is “not strong enough to dig and ashamed to beg.” In the end, Jesus warns his followers to be just as prudent and creative in doing good since we will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. No law should limit us in the good we must do, and all generosity will never get anyone in trouble. But I am preaching to the choir Saints of God in Sacred Heart Parish. Let us continue to do the good! As someone once said, “Let us teach people to fish!” To which I add, “And let us feed them while they are being taught.”

– Fr. Steve

Socktober Returns to Sacred Heart

Parish News

On the heels of a successful 2024 campaign, Sacred Heart, alongside the Knights of Columbus Council #12110, is excited to announce the return of the popular “Socktober” sock drive, benefitting the many of the homeless initiatives with which our parish is associated.

Each night in Hillsborough County, a now estimated 1,796 homeless, with more than 1000 unsheltered who are forced to live on the streets. Many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. They walk often and don’t always have laundry facilities at close reach. Clean socks are a reliably top-requested item at homeless shelters.

Located in both the Sacred Heart Gift Store as well as the church, will be a pair of donation bins to address this critical need. Socktober donations may be made at all weekend Masses, or at the Gift and Book Store during weekday store hours throughout the month of October. Packages of new socks in adult sizes will be accepted. Our goal is to reach 2000 pairs, with the socks being distributed to the Tampa Hope homeless shelter, our Hands of Hope ministry, and Catholic Charities, among others.

Event this small act of love, donating a pair of socks, can make a big difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors. The Knights and friars thank you for your participation!

*This page will be updated with status updates from our drive as the month progresses. Thank you for your generosity in donating, and Happy Socktober!

Socktober is an international campaign that was started in 2011 when creator Brad Montague realized there was a large homeless population in his hometown, and he wanted to do something about it. While researching the needs of the homeless community, he learned that socks are the items least donated to homeless shelters. Since then, Socktober has exploded! Kids and adults around the world have started their own sock drives to benefit their local homeless shelters.