All posts by Rob Boelke

Online Mass | The Nativity of the Lord (2024)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Nativity of the Lord | December 24 & 25, 2024:

Opening Song: O Come, All Ye Faithful (ver. 1, 3, & 4) G 472

Glory to God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Psalm 96 (Christmas Psalm {Farrell}):  Today, today a savior has been born, a savior has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord, Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord.

(Text: Psalm 96:1–2, 2–3, 11–12. Refrain text © 1993, Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP. All rights reserved. Verses text © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved. Used with permission of A.P. Watt, Ltd. Music © 1993, Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP. All rights reserved.)

Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia

Preparation of the Gifts: Hark the Herald Angels Sing G 475 -OR- Gaudete G 493 at 11 p.m. Night Mass only.

Eucharistic Acclamations: Mass of Creation (Haugen) G 419-421

Lamb of God: Mass of Creation (Haugen)

Communion Song(s): O Little Town of Bethlehem G 482 & Silent Night G 476

Dismissal: Joy to the World (ver. 1, & 4) G 471

Online Mass | Fourth Sunday of Advent (2024)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024

Opening Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel G-444

Psalm 80: Bring us back, O God; Let your face shine forth, and we shall be saved.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Advent Gospel Acclamation (Wright)

Preparation of the Gifts: O Come, Divine Messiah G-448

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missa Emmanuel G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Communion Song: My Soul in Stillness Waits G-454

Dismissal: Soon and Very Soon G-941

Rejoice! | Friar Reflections | The Third Sunday of Advent

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Amid the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the great Solemnity of Christmas, this weekend the Church asks us to pause and reflect on all we already have to rejoice about.

In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah, (3:14-18a) we are called to “shout for joy, sing joyfully, be glad and exult!” Why did the ancient Israelites have cause to rejoice? Because “The Lord removed judgement against them, and the Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty Savior!” Little did they understand that the Lord in their midst will one day become one of them and that the Lord Himself will “rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in His love; He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.”

We, who have faith, know that “the Lord is near” as St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians (4:4-7). Our response to the Lord’s nearness is to be kind to all that we meet. (And if there is one thing the world and the church need now more than ever it is kindness.) It is that simple; the Lord is Kindness and Mercy, and we are made in His image and likeness. When we are kind and merciful, then we are truly living as human beings.

Why then does it seem that being kind and merciful is so difficult? Perhaps the answer can be found in today’s Gospel according to Luke (3:10-18). John the Baptist, when questioned who he is, and why he is doing what he is doing, responds in all humility that he is not who people suppose he is. He is not the Christ, the Messiah. He says, “One mightier than I is coming; I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” It seems to me that being kind and merciful requires a degree of humility. John knows who he is and is not tempted to be anything but who he is, and to do what God is calling him to do.

On this Gaudete Sunday, let us rejoice that we are who we are. That weak, finite people who are prone to sin, have been called by God, just as we are to grow more and more into His likeness. Let us rejoice that God, rejoices in us.

– Fr. Steve

Online Mass | Third Sunday of Advent (2024)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2024

Opening Song: On Jordan’s Bank G-451

Canticle of Isaiah: Shout aloud and sing praise, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Advent Gospel Acclamation (Wright)

Preparation of the Gifts: People Look East G-447

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missa Emmanuel G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Communion Song: Turn My Heart, O God G-721

Dismissal: Soon and Very Soon G-941

Preparing the Way | Friar Reflections | The Second Sunday of Advent

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Dear Friends,

The 2nd Sunday of Advent in Year C offers a reflection on the theme of preparation and repentance as we await the coming of the Lord. The readings for this Sunday emphasize the call to prepare the way for Christ, both externally and within our hearts.

1st Reading (Baruch 5:1-9): Baruch speaks of God bringing joy and restoration to His people. The imagery of God leveling the ground so His people may walk safely home is a powerful message of hope. It assures us that God is actively working to bring us closer to Him, removing barriers and leading us toward His kingdom.

2nd Reading (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11): Paul encourages the Philippians, reminding them that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” This reading highlights the faithfulness of God and the importance of growing in love, knowledge, and discernment. It calls us to live lives that are pure and blameless, ready for the day of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3:1-6): The Gospel introduces John the Baptist, who calls people to “prepare the way of the Lord” by repentance. His message echoes the prophecy of Isaiah: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” This imagery reflects the transformative work of God’s grace in our lives, removing obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him and making a straight path for His coming.

John’s proclamation is a reminder that Advent is a time not only of waiting but also of active preparation. It invites us to reflect on areas in our lives where we need spiritual renewal and to embrace God’s mercy.

And so let us reflect: Advent is not just a season of waiting but also one of hope-filled action. This Sunday challenges us to examine our lives:

  • What valleys need to be filled? Are there areas of emptiness, loneliness, of despair in our lives where we need to invite God’s healing presence?
  • What mountains need to be made low? Are there obstacles such as pride, anger, or selfishness that prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and sharing it with others?
  • How are we preparing our hearts for Christ? Through repentance, prayer, and acts of love, we can respond to John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for the Lord.

This week, we actively seek to align our lives with God’s will, allowing His grace to transform us as we journey closer to Christmas. May our preparation not only ready us for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also deepen our anticipation of His second coming.

– Fr. Zack

Online Mass | Second Sunday of Advent (2024)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2024

Opening Song: On Jordan’s Bank G-451

Psalm 126: What great deeds the Lord worked for us! Indeed, we were glad.

(Text: Abbey Psalms & Canticles © 2010, 2018 USCCB; Music: © 2024, Philip Jakob)

Gospel Acclamation: Advent Gospel Acclamation (Wright)

Preparation of the Gifts: People Look East G-447

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missa Emmanuel G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Communion Song: Christ Be Our Light G-652

Dismissal: Soon and Very Soon G-941

Our Christmas Poinsettias

Parish News

A long-standing Sacred Heart tradition, parishioners and visitors alike donate the poinsettias that you see adorning our altar in honor of loved ones they wish to remember during the Christmas season.

2024 Digital Memorial Book

We would like to thank all who donated in memory of their loved ones, as those donations help create the beautiful atmosphere within our church during the 2024 Christmas season.

As part of that tradition, we memorialize their loved ones in a digital book, found here.

2024 Order Information

Remember a loved one during the Christmas season with a poinsettia used to decorate our sanctuary. A long-standing Sacred Heart tradition, each plant that you see has been given in remembrance or honor of loved ones whose names will be memorialized online.

Request forms can be found on the table near the church entrance, or at the link below. All forms, along with the suggested donation of $15 per plant, must be received by Thursday, December 19.

Click here to download your 2024 Poinsettia order form

Our Christmas Mass Schedule

Uncategorized

Christmas Season 2024/25 Masses and Programs:

— Christmas Eve —
Tuesday, December 24
4 p.m. | Children’s Christmas Program at 3:30 p.m.
6 p.m. | 8 p.m.
Mass During the Night | 11 p.m. | Carols and Prayers at 10:30 p.m.

— Christmas Day —
Wednesday, December 25 | 7:30 a.m. | 9 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | Noon

— Historical Society Christmas Tour —
Thursday, December 26 | 1 p.m. | In the church
No Mass or Confessions on 12/26

— Daily Mass & Confessions | December 27, 30, & 31 —
12:10 p.m. Mass Only | 11:30 a.m. Confessions

 — The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God —
Vigil Mass | Tuesday, December 31 | 5:30 p.m.
New Year’s Day | Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Holy Day of Obligation

— The Epiphany of The Lord — 
Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. | 9 a.m. |10:30 a.m. | Noon | 5:30 pm
Sing Out Epiphany | Special Carol Event | 3 p.m.

*Parishioners and visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of any event or Mass on Christmas Eve | There will be no 12:10 p.m. Mass on 12/23.

Parish Office and Daily Mass Schedule During the Christmas Season

Closures | Please note that our parish office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24.  Confession will not be held, and the regular 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Masses will not be celebrated.

– The office  will also be closed on Thursday, December 26. No Masses will be celebrated, and confessions will not be held, with only the Historical Society Christmas tour taking place at 1 p.m.

– On the weekdays between Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, December 27, 30, and 31, Masses will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. only, with Confessions available at 11:30 a.m. There will be no 7 a.m. Mass on these dates.

– The office will be closed Wednesday, January 1, with the celebration of the 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Confessions will not be held.

– The standard daily Mass and confession schedule will resume on Thursday, January 2.

Christmas Eve and Day Parking Update

Madison Building Garage: Parking in the adjacent Madison Building Garage will be free during all Mass times on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Parishioners and visitors are asked to NOT take a parking ticket when entering the garage, contrary to our normal procedures for weekend Masses.

To ensure your free parking, you are asked to present a bulletin to the attendant on exit. Failure to do so will result in a charge.  In the event that the church runs out of bulletins, the ushers will be supplied with slips for you to present the attendant.

We would like to thank our friends and the attendants at the Madison Building for their gift of convenience and accessibility for our parishioners and visitors this Christmas. *Be advised that attendants will charge any vehicle remaining in the garage after 1:45 p.m. on Christmas Day.

On Street Parking (Christmas Day Only): During Mass times on Sunday, parishioners are invited to park in The City of Tampa’s Church Zone free of charge. The City recently made an adjustment to the hours of operation for on-street parking throughout downtown. Spaces are now enforced from the hours of 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday-Saturday, and Sunday’s from 2 p.m.-midnight. These spaces are enforced on nights, weekends, and holidays.

For general parking information, click here.

Live Streaming

Whether you are unable to be with us in person, or you don’t want to miss our Christmas pageant and night-time musical offerings, two Masses will be streamed live this Christmas.

Click Here for the 2024 Christmas Live Stream Page

Both the 4 p.m. Family – and – 11 p.m. Night Mass will be streamed on Christmas Eve. These broadcasts will begin early to include festive offerings from our children, musicians, and choirs. Mass will not be livestreamed on Christmas Day.

If you can’t join at these specific times, the livestream videos will be available to view 15-30 minutes following the conclusion of each Mass.

Christmas Poinsettias | Online Memorial

Remember a loved one during the Christmas season with a poinsettia used to decorate our sanctuary. A long-standing Sacred Heart tradition, each plant that you see has been given in remembrance or honor of loved ones whose names will be memorialized online.

Request forms are available now, both in the back of the church, or by clicking here. All forms, along with the suggested donation of $15 per plant, must be received by Thursday, December 19.

2024 Advent & Christmas Events

Blessing of the Crèche | Friday, December 6 | 5:30 p.m.

Join the Friars of Sacred Heart at The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave. Tampa, 33603) on Friday, December 1, from 6-7 p.m. for a very special tradition, the annual Blessing of The Crèche

This blessing is a yearly tradition at the Franciscan Center, and holds deep roots within the Franciscan order. Guests are invited to bring a figurine from their own Nativity scenes to be blessed. Christmas caroling, baked goods, and refreshments will be provided by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

Baby and early childcare donations benefitting Mary’s Shower, who provide baby showers for local families in need, will be collected prior to the blessing. For more information, contact Lily Houghson via email or 813-229-2695.

Cookies with St. Nicholas | Sunday, December 8 | 11 a.m.

Sacred Heart is hosting its annual Cookies with St. Nicholas event on Sunday, December 3, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the North Campus Auditorium.

Children can decorate cookies, play games, make crafts, and take pictures with jolly old St. Nicholas himself. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

If you’re interested in volunteering, baking cookies or helping in general, contact us via email.

A Day of Christmas Shopping | Friday, December 13 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Join us for our annual day of Christmas shopping at the Sacred Heart Gift & Book Store on Friday, December 13, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

In addition to having deals on amazing gifts for the Christmas season, our team at the gift store will serve spirits and snacks, and give away door prizes throughout the day.

What a great time to get your Christmas shopping done, pick up a little something for yourself, and enjoy Christmas cheer with fellow parishioners and the gift store team.

Historic Christmas Tour of Sacred Heart Church | Thursday, December 26 | 1 p.m.

Join the Docents of Sacred Heart on Thursday, December 26 at 1 p.m. for an historic Christmas tour of our Church. Decorated splendidly for the Christmas season, including the historic “creche”, the tour of the church will include multiple stations featuring our docents, in period dress, and special guests explaining extraordinary features of the church including:

— the motivation behind the significant donation of the altar and altar rail
— unique architecture and design elements
— original relics that were obtained for the dedication of the church in 1905
— memorial stained glass windows
— renovations to improve and sustain our church

Learn about these and so many more interesting aspects of this ecclesiastical jewel of downtown Tampa. As always, docent-led lecture and tours are free, and open to the public.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the tour in St. Francis Hall.

Donations are gratefully accepted and used to continue the renovation and restoration of the church.

Sing Out Epiphany | Sunday, January 5 | 3 p.m.

On Sunday, January 5 at 3 p.m., you’re invited to gather in the church for a festival of carols to celebrate the close of the Christmas season. We all love to sing Christmas carols, but it may be that your particular favorites will not find a place in the liturgies of the Christmas season. Alongside a few of those liturgical standards, we will sing seasonal favorites that may have been missed. Our director of music, Philip Jakob, may also introduce some carols with amusing alternative lyrics! Festive costumes and attire are encouraged! All are welcome!

Watch Livestream MassParkingReadings & HymnsOnline GivingWeekly Bulletin

Take Time this Advent | From the Desk of the Pastor | December, 2024

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

Dear Parishioners,

As you may be seeing, work on the church’s façade is progressing. We anticipate the scaffold coming down along the front of the church soon, and with that, we will redirect our attention to the doors and entryways that remain to be restored. Our concerns with the tile near the altar rail are being addressed as well, with repairs being planned for multiple locations around the church. At the North Campus, our Maintenance Committee and staff have been meeting with the architect and others over the kitchen in the auditorium. This too is progressing, and will speed up once the final plans are finished. I thank the Maintenance Committee members for all they have contributed to the parish with these many intricate and varied projects. We are currently looking to expand our committee and are in need of parishioners with expertise in engineering, project management, building, construction, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, etc. The committee meets formally between six and eight times a year. If you are interested in assisting the parish in this way, send me an email.

At Mass this weekend we begin the season of Advent with the Blessing of the Wreath. I know many of you have your own Advent wreaths at home, and so I wish to share with you this weekend’s blessing for you to us with your own wreaths at home.

Blessing of Wreath and Lighting of First Candle:

Leader: May the sprinkling of this water remind all of us gathered here of our first sharing in the grace of baptism.

During this time of Advent may we prepare for the Lord’s coming with open hearts and minds.

May this wreath be a symbol to us of this time of prayerful watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord, and a symbol of faith in the power of the Holy Spirit as we anticipate the fruits of this Advent Season.

Have each family member bless the wreath.

Leader: Lord Jesus, your coming was proclaimed by the prophets of old. The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed that all nations shall come to climb the mountain of the Lord. Instruct us that we may walk in the light of the world.

Family: Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus

Leader: Lord Jesus, St Paul urges us that all those who believe in Christ may grow in love of God and neighbor.

Family: Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus

Family lights the first candle.

Leader: Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Please take the time to celebrate the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas.

Peace and All Good,

– Fr. Mike

Online Mass | First Sunday of Advent (2024)

Online Mass Readings & Music

Music and Readings for the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024

Opening Song: Advent Litany of the Word (Farrell)

Psalm 25: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. (x3)

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

Gospel Acclamation: Advent Gospel Acclamation (Wright)

Preparation of the Gifts: Creator of the Stars of Night G-458

Eucharistic Acclamations: Missa Emmanuel G-419, 420, 421

Lamb of God: Mass of New Wine (Jakob)

Communion Song: There is a Longing (Quigley) G-720

Dismissal: Wait for the Lord (Taize) G-456