Category Archives: Faith Formation

Meet the Elect – Our 2025 O.C.I.A. Class

Each weekend during Lent, we have featured members of our parish Elect in the bulletin so that parishioners may have the chance to learn each of their faith journeys, and welcome them to the Church. For those who have not been able to yet learn about our 2025 Elect, here we have compiled the thoughts of 13 of them ahead of their initiation.

Our parish is blessed to have 20 people seeking Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil: Laura Allison, Emma Ballinger, Wesley Bright, Emma Delmore, Diana Famintsyna, Brendan Ferguson, Lynn Gaskins, Lauren Giordano, Zachary Harper, Masumi Ishimine, Rylie Moore, Alyssa Muratte, Heather Noll, Marisol Ruiz, Mona Salman, Daniel Scott, Tyler Siegel, Carmen Vaillancourt, Elizabeth Valentine, Rory Vaughn. Please continue to keep the Elect in your prayers as they continue their final preparations toward the Easter Sacraments at the Vigil.

Brendan Ferguson, 27

Profession: Actuary

Favorite Pastimes: Used to play hockey, but now loves paddle-boarding, fishing, & hanging at the beach.

Seeking a way to strengthen his relationship with God, Brendan found his way to Sacred Heart and the O.C.I.A. program. “The community is [here] so welcoming. Everything about the program…has been amazing. My fiancé is my sponsor and we enjoy coming every Sunday and are fulfilled by the message every week.” Brendan says he’s committed to Sacred Heart long term and wants to volunteer with O.C.I.A. in the future.


Alyssa Muratte, 30

Profession: Sales

Favorite Pastimes: Enjoys the beach, traveling, time w/ friends & family, & diving into a good movie.

Alyssa says her sister went through the O.C.I.A. process several years ago, and through attending Masses alongside her, she began to “fall in love” with the community here at Sacred Heart. “Sacred Heart is special to me because of the community that God has gathered here. So many good, kind people.”

Alyssa says she hopes her relationship with God and Jesus Christ “grows deeper” following her initiation at the Easter Vigil. “…as that love for God grows deeper I hope to be able to inspire someone to start their journey of faith.


Heather Noll, 28

Profession: Lab Technician

Favorite Pastimes: Hanging out with my favorite people, reading, or writing.”

Heather credits her boyfriend for introducing her to the faith. “My boyfriend is Catholic and when looking for a new church, we found Sacred Heart and it felt right.” Heather’s call to conversion started after experiencing her first Mass at Sacred Heart nearly three years ago. “I felt completely at home, and have been a part of the parish ever since.”

Heather hopes her initiation allows her to grow further in faith, and in her relationship with God and the Church.


Tyler Siegal, 32

Profession: Bicycle Mechanic

Favorite Pastimes: Watching baseball, playing ping-pong, & spending time with friends and family.

Tyler was initially attracted to attending Mass at Sacred Heart through the example set by the Franciscans in the way they follow Christ, and believes our parish promotes a positive, optimistic outlook on the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the Lord. Tyler hopes his initiation into the Church will help him live out the example of the Son, the will of the Father, and the faith of the Holy Spirit in thought, word and deed.


Wesley Bright, 24

Profession: Owner of both a local arcade, and pet waste removal service.

Favorite Pastimes: “My favorite hobby as of right now is playing pickleball.”

Wesley says he was originally drawn to Sacred Heart by the beauty of the church, and its parishioners, but “the opportunity to one day be baptized and take Holy Communion” is what kept him coming back. ”And now, here I am today, about to make that dream a reality.” Our parish is special to Wesley because it has helped him become more like Christ and pour His love into everyone he meets. Wesley hopes that through his initiation into the Catholic Church, he can deepen his relationship with God and continue to grow in spiritual wisdom. “After the Easter Vigil, I see myself and my lovely girlfriend, Elizabeth, getting married in the Church and helping others who are struggling in their faith.”


Lynn Gaskins, 75

Profession: Internal Medicine Physician

Favorite Pastimes: Spending time with her pets, gardening, reading, attending plays & musicals, traveling and spending time with friends and family

Lynn credits her connection to Sacred Heart from feeling “an inexplicable draw that made it feel as if I had found a home,” while attending a baptism. “I felt a special connection the moment I stepped inside Sacred Heart, and to the people of the parish. It is such a kind and welcoming, non-judgmental group,” Lynn states. “The kindness extended to me by all has touched me deeply. Some things in life have no explanation but exist just as they are. Who am I to question that?”


Rylie Moore, 24

Profession: Commercial Real Estate

Favorite Pastimes: Exercising and watching the sunset.

After hearing about the O.C.I.A. program, and how great the process was after meeting with our Director of Faith Formation Barbara Ferreris, Rylie says she felt called to join. “Sacred Heart is such a welcoming, supportive, and welcoming community,” Rylie continued. She says she hopes to empower others as she continues her faith journey following the Vigil, reminding others that “it is never too late” to find your place in the Church.


Laura Allison, 37

Profession: Wellness & Beauty

Favorite Pastimes: Traveling, caring for my Doodles – Walter & Henry, volunteering, aviation, wellness, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Laura says she was originally drawn to Sacred Heart by the beauty of the church, in addition to the proximity to her home. She then noticed a “community that embraces people from all walks of life.” Laura also sites the “incredible timing” of joining the parish. “When I reached out to Barbara, the very next day happened to be the first day of [O.C.I.A.] Inquiry, which felt like a sign I was right where I was meant to be.”

Our parish is special to Laura because of the safety she has felt while learning the about the faith. “The entire leadership team has been so kind and supportive, making the process feel smooth and uplifting. [The friars] each bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and insight—and of course, Barbara has been such a warm and guiding presence throughout this journey.” Laura hopes that after her initiation she will be able to “share the joy” she has found on this journey. “My hope is to have a place where I truly belong—where I can continue growing in my relationship with God, deepen my understanding of the Catholic faith, become more involved in the parish and community, and help others experience the same sense of peace, purpose, and connection.”


Emma Delmore, 19

Profession: Currently studying Communications and Speech at the Univ. of Tampa

Favorite Pastimes: Working out, reading at the beach, exploring Tampa, and attending Bible study w/ friends.

Emma felt called to the Church, and credits prayer and reflection with for ending up at Sacred Heart. “Finding Sacred Heart was truly a blessing, as it provided me with a strong foundation for my faith journey while navigating the challenges of college.”

When asked why Emma feels Sacred Heart is special, she credits the parish as being an “incredibly welcoming and supportive community” that has helped her grow in her faith. “Since becoming a part of this parish, I have experienced immense personal and spiritual growth. Having a church so close to my university has been a source of comfort, especially during difficult times. The ability to walk here and feel at home in God’s presence has been an incredible gift.”

Emma hopes that she will be able to share her testimony and inspire others following her initiation at the Easter Vigil. “Before finding my way to Sacred Heart, I often felt lost, but now I no longer feel that way. I am so grateful to continue my faith journey here, to keep God at the center of my relationships, and to live and love as Jesus did.


Elizabeth Valentine, 41

Profession: Healthcare Account Executive

Favorite Pastimes: Running, travelling, and playing with her four rescue dogs.

Elizabeth says that our parish history originally drew her in to Sacred Heart, though the positive and welcoming energy felt from her first time attending Mass is what really made her feel at home. “This parish so welcoming and makes you feel like you’re part of their family. Barbara’s warmth and kindness during our first meeting left a lasting impression when I decided to join the O.C.I.A. program.”

When asked about her faith journey following the Easter Vigil, Elizabeth says she sees herself “deepening [her] connection with God and growing in [her] faith.”


Lauren Giordano, 35

Profession: Author, Illustrator, Educator

Favorite Pastimes: Reading, Gardening, and Hiking

Lauren came to Sacred Heart searching for a deep connection to the Church, its history, and a fullness of the Faith. Since beginning this faith journey within our parish, Lauren says she finds “the overwhelming presence of peace and holiness in the liturgy, as well as the warm and welcoming staff and clergy” as the reasons for why our community is special to her. As for her life after initiation at the Easter Vigil, Lauren hopes to “live a Christlike life, walking with the Church to improve the lives of others, and seeing God’s will” done through her.


Mona Salman, 35

Profession: Medical Coder

Favorite Pastimes: Working out, being in nature, and shopping

Mona says she was introduced to our parish via her sponsor, David, and feels that “the hard work and dedication [of the staff, clergy] to bring and guide everyone back to God is beautiful, as beautiful as the church itself.” Mona is determined to fully comprehend what the Lord is calling her to, and move towards it as her faith journey continues following initiation at the Easter Vigil. “I hope I see every sign I ask for. And I hope I’ll be fully armed in spirit to fight every spiritual battle that might come along and never forget to just keep my eyes on Jesus no matter how high the waves can get. Amen!


Diana Famintsyna, 31

Profession: Owner & Operator of Nutritional Supplement Store

Favorite Pastimes: Time with family, exercising, traveling, and watching documentaries.

Diana says she spent most of her life as an agnostic, always feeling something was missing. “When I began reading the Gospels, I finally found what I had been searching for. The deeper I dove… the more it made sense to me…” Diana says she “could no longer deny who God was.”

“He revealed Himself to me in many ways, and I felt His undeniable presence in my life. In that realization, I also came to see that He had been with me all along, even when I didn’t recognize Him.” This led Diana to begin the O.C.I.A. process. Her choice to do so at Sacred Heart comes from “the warmth…of the parishioners and staff,” who “love others as God loves us–with open hearts and unwavering compassion.” Diana hopes her initiation will deepen her relationship with God, through continued learning, growth, and service to others “whom may still be blind, guiding them just as I was.”


Facing Their Calling | Friar Reflections | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Good Friends,

St. Francis of Assisi, when he first encountered his call, did not feel worthy of the task. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, living in luxury, yet God called him to a radical life of Gospel poverty and service. When Francis rebuilt the church of San Damiano, he thought his mission was simply to restore a physical structure—but God was calling him to rebuild the Church spiritually. His journey, like Peter’s in today’s Gospel, was one of being overwhelmed by God’s presence and yet still being sent forth in mission.

All three figures in today’s readings—Isaiah, Paul, and Peter—share one thing in common: they feel unworthy of their calling. Isaiah encounters the majesty of God and cries, “Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips!” Paul confesses that he is the least of the apostles, unworthy because he persecuted the Church. Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Peter and his companions had worked all night and caught nothing. Their strength had failed them. But when they obeyed Jesus’ command, their nets overflowed. The lesson here is simple: when we rely on our own strength, we may struggle and find little success, but when we surrender to Christ’s will, He provides in abundance.

St. Francis also had to learn this lesson too. At first, he tried to follow God in ways that made sense to him, but his true breakthrough came when he surrendered everything, even his own plans, to God’s providence. He embraced poverty not as a burden but as a radical trust in God’s abundance.

Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This transformation—from fearful fisherman to courageous apostle —did not happen overnight. Peter had to go through failures, betrayals, and doubts. Yet, Jesus still chose him, worked through him, and sent him forth.

Francis, too, started with fear. He was mocked, rejected by his own family, and even doubted his mission at times. But like Peter, he trusted, followed, and was transformed into a fisher of souls.

God does not call us because we are perfect. He calls us because He sees in us what we cannot yet see in ourselves. When we feel weak, He is our strength. When we feel unworthy, He makes us worthy. When we feel afraid, He says, “Do not be afraid.”

Like Isaiah, may we say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Like Paul, may we proclaim, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” Like Peter, may we drop our nets, follow Christ, and trust in His abundance. And like Francis, may we embrace the Gospel with joy, simplicity, and love.

May the Lord give you His peace!

-Fr. Zack

Registration for Faith Formation Now Open (2024-25)

Family Faith Formation: Sacred Heart offers a non-traditional approach to assist parents in forming the faith of their children. Family Faith Formation is exactly what it says – families sharing and growing in faith. Registration for Family Faith Formation is now available. Registration is open to all families who have children ages four (4) through high school.  Sessions are held twice monthly, September through May, on Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings, at the North Campus. Registration forms and additional information are available here. For additional information including key dates and the family handbook, click here. Update (9/10/24) | Spaces remain for Wednesday sessions for the 2024/25 Catechetical Year. Sunday sessions are fully registered and unavailable.

Sacrament RegistrationIf your child will be preparing to receive Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation this coming year and you were enrolled in Family Faith Formation this past year, families should expect to receive a mailing with registration forms and schedules in the coming days.

If you are new to the parish and have not attended Family Faith Formation at Sacred Heart -OR- your child attends a Catholic School, please contact Maria Giral at 813-229-1595 ext. 214 or Barbara Ferreris 813-229-1595 ext. 204 for registration information and materials. Sacramental preparation takes place in the parish, and is not handled through the Catholic school your child may attend. For more information, click here.

CLOW: Children’s Liturgy of the Word will resume on Sunday, September 8, at the 9 a.m. Mass. Immediately prior to the Liturgy of the Word, children and catechists are dismissed from the church to the St. Clare Room to celebrate a Liturgy of the Word geared towards children. They then rejoin the Mass and their families during the Preparation of the Gifts for the remainder of the liturgy. Registration forms and additional information are available here.

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults from other faith traditions are received into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA is a journey of faith that not-yet baptized adults, as well as baptized adults, complete with the help of a sponsor, the catechists, the discernment team, and above all, on the strength of their own conviction and desire to grow in their faith.

Are you or someone you know interested in the Catholic faith? RCIA sessions will resume in September. Please visit the “Adult Faith Formation” page or call Barbara Ferreris in the parish office at 813-229-1595 ext. 204 for more.

Volunteer In Faith Formation: Our parishioners have faithfully answered their Baptismal call and have responded to our needs for volunteers in our faith formation programs. But, there is still room for a few more! If you are prayerfully considering sharing your time and talent in this ministry, we have many ways you can help.

  • Sunday morning Family Faith facilitators
  • Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Sunday 9 a.m. Mass)
  • Wednesday evening Family Faith facilitators
  • Sacrament Preparation Catechists

We invite you to become a part of our amazing team — serving God and our Sacred Heart community! To learn how you can help, please contact our Faith Formation department via email or at 813-229-1595, Ext. 204 or 214.

Registration for 2022/23 Faith Formation Now Open

Faith Formation at Sacred Heart : Registration for the 2022-2023 Catechetical Year

Family Faith Formation: Sacred Heart offers a non-traditional approach to assist parents in forming the faith of their children. “Family Faith Formation” is exactly what it says – families sharing and growing in faith. Registration for Family Faith Formation begins Friday, July 1. Registration is open to all families who have children ages four (4) through high school.  Sessions are slated to begin on both Sunday, Sept. 11 and  Wednesday, Sept. 14. Registration forms and additional information are available here.

Sacrament Registration: If your child will be preparing to receive Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation this coming year and you were enrolled in Family Faith Formation this past year, families should expect to receive a mailing with registration forms and schedules early next week.

If you are new to the parish and have not attended Family Faith Formation at Sacred Heart -OR- your child attends a Catholic School, please contact Maria Giral at 813-229-1595 ext. 214 or Barbara Ferreris 813-229-1595 ext. 204 for registration information and materials. Sacramental preparation takes place in the parish, and is not handled through the Catholic school your child may attend. For more information, click here.

CLOW: Children’s Liturgy of the Word will resume on Sunday, August 21 at the 9 a.m. Mass. Immediately prior to the Liturgy of the Word, children and catechists are dismissed from the church to the St. Clare Room to celebrate a Liturgy of the Word geared towards children. They then rejoin the Mass and their families during the Preparation of the Gifts for the remainder of the liturgy. Registration forms and additional information are available here.

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults from other faith traditions are received into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA is a journey of faith that not-yet baptized adults, as well as baptized adults, complete with the help of a sponsor, the catechists, the discernment team, and above all, on the strength of their own conviction and desire to grow in their faith.

Are you or someone you know interested in the Catholic faith? RCIA sessions will resume in early September. Please visit the “Adult Faith Formation” page or call Barbara Ferreris in the parish office at 813-229-1595 ext. 204 for more.

Volunteer In Faith Formation: Our parishioners have faithfully answered their Baptismal call and have responded to our needs for volunteers in our faith formation programs. But, there is still room for a few more! If you are prayerfully considering sharing your time and talent in this ministry, we have many ways you can help.

  • Sunday morning Family Faith facilitators
  • Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Sunday 9 a.m. Mass)
  • Wednesday evening Family Faith facilitators
  • Sacrament Preparation Catechists
  • Sunday morning office and administrative assistance

We invite you to become a part of our amazing team — serving God and our Sacred Heart community! To learn how you can help, please contact our Faith Formation department via email or at 813-229-1595, Ext. 204 or 214.

 

 

36 Receive First Communion During The Third Sunday of Easter

We rejoice and celebrate with our parish children and youth as they received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time last weekend. These families have participated in workshops, retreats, a church tour, and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in January. It was truly an amazing weekend full of God’s love, joy, and abundant blessings for our parish. We welcome them to the Table of the Lord!

To inquire about sacraments for your children and youth, contact Maria Giral at 813-229-1595, Ext. 214, or mgiral@sacredheartfla.org.

 

Family Resources for the Summer of 2022

 

Catholic Digest   Includes the Daily Mass Readings, Saint of the Day, and family activities

My Catholic Kids      Online Mass and the parts of Mass on video

The Saints and Heroes Collection  Heroes of the Faith. The Stories of real-life Saints & Christian Heroes all come to life in  an animated film series. Featuring authentic role models today’s child can truly believe in.

Formed: Kids Animated Series  Videos: Brother Francis Series, Animated Bible Stories and much more

Books for Kids  A variety of inspiring books for kids and teens  

 Loyola Press Resources  Family, faith and fun- Holidays and special occasions, Praying as a family