Category Archives: Parish News

Doing His Works Throughout | From the Desk of the Pastor | July, 2025

From the Desk of the Pastor, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

As I mentioned in my letter to you all last month, I am using this space over the coming months to highlight some of our parish ministries and the incredible work that they do week in and week out. Last month, we spotlighted our parish Gift Store, and this month I would like to focus on our St Vincent de Paul Society. You see them twice a month after the Masses with their collection baskets by the church doors, but there is so much more to this ministry you may not see.

Ralph Stoddard, president of the Sacred Heart Conference of the Society gives us a sample here of how the ministry works:

“A family of four; mom, dad, a six-year-old and six-month-old had moved to Tampa last year to follow a very good job, but the company closed, and the father was out of work for three months during which time they not only got behind in rent, but had to go to court and were ordered out. The deputy that came to evict them told them kindly but firmly that they had to be out in five days or she would be back with a crew to move their belongings to the street. They were lucky to find another place, and he had found work and had some money, but even that with whatever they could borrow was not enough to pay the first and last month’s rent and security deposit.

“They were close, but still short, and out of time. They had called every social services agency they could think of, but couldn’t even get an appointment in time. A friend told them a Catholic church downtown might be able to help so they said a little prayer and called our help line. “Three days later, our Vincentian team met with the family and then made arrangements directly with the landlord. As we are not a service agency but a ministry we talked and prayed with the family and they were grateful , which was rewarding for us and as Dad was a thoughtful man, made me promise that I would thank the people who gave the money, the parishioners of Sacred Heart and so on that family’s behalf, I say THANK YOU!

Stoddard, right, alongside his fellow Vincentians at our most recent Giving from the Heart drive.

“Locally we are known as the Sacred Heart Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Our conference is the Florida West Coast’s second oldest, founded on April 22, 1932. We are just a small part of the international St. Vincent de Paul Society which was founded in Paris in 1833, one of the oldest and best known of all the Catholic Charities. Formally, we are a state registered non- profit corporation and registered with the IRS so contributions are tax deductible.

“Our vision is simply what you’d read from Matthew’s 25th chapter: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me… | Matthew 25:35-36

We consider our mission to be a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

What Vincentian Volunteers Do:
  • Confidentially answer calls for help, by phone and through home visits, to discern legitimate, qualified requests
  • Document accountability when one-time financial assistance with basic necessities is provided
  • Provide referrals to government and private support services
  • Listen to and comfort the needy through prayer and encouragement

“The sum total of our tangible corporate assets are a handful of brochures, four collection baskets and a small bank account to deposit donations and pay for clients’ needs. From that modest system, you, the parishioners of Sacred Heart, were able to pay over $63,000 across 2024, helping 132 families, including 176 children and 325 individuals, stay sheltered and keep the utilities on. We have only a few hundred dollars in administrative expenses annually, mostly dues. The sum total of our most valuable assets are our 22 volunteers and of course, you, Father Steve’s beloved ‘Saints of God.’

“If you are interested in helping or just learning more, just dial the help line, (813)-229-1595, ext. 302), follow the prompts, give us your name and number and just say “call me, I’d like to learn more” or “I’d like to help,” and someone will call you back. Thank you, and God bless you all.”

Quotes from SVdP volunteers:

“As members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we’re blessed with the opportunity to walk alongside our neighbors in need, offering compassion, dignity, and respect—no matter their background or beliefs. Through simple, person-to-person outreach, we do our best to bring hope, share God’s love, and live out the heart of our Catholic faith.” | Gaile & Noel Rametta

“Volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul provides the unique privilege of helping our needy neighbors in a direct and meaningful way. It is a blessing to be associated with a group of parishioners who want to make a difference in the lives of others.” | Susan Coppin

Miranda, right, spent the majority of his career as an engineer and project manager before a vocational switch to teaching these last 12 years.
Changing of the Guard:

This past week, we formally welcomed Tony Miranda to our parish staff as the new Business Operations Manager. Tony has been a parishioner of Sacred Heart since 2018, and is actively involved in several ministries, including Hands of Hope, our Knights of Columbus Council #12110, our Parish Outreach Committee and Advisory Board, and as an usher.

Tony was our parish’s 2023 recipient of the St. Jude Medal, given each year in the Diocese of St. Petersburg as a way to recognize those persons showing distinguished and outstanding service to their parish. Tony is replacing Larry Cabrera, who will be retiring at the end of this month. Larry started working here at Sacred Heart more than 37 years ago, in January, 1988, while being a parishioner for more than 53 years. The friars and staff are currently organizing ways that parishioners can thank Larry for his service to the parish. We will announce those details very soon.

Tony is coming onboard prepared. He has already been part of the conversation about the North Campus renovations, and has been added to our Maintenance and Finance committees. He will be working hand-in-hand with Larry for the next month.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Sacred Heart Hosts “Acts of Mercy” Event Crafting Cards for Local Veterans

Parish News

“Christ has no body on earth but ours, no hands, but ours, no feet, but ours…
Ours are the feet with which He goes about doing good. Ours are the hands with which He blesses His people.”
– St. Teresa of Avila

The experience of mercy, whether we are the ones giving it or the ones receiving it, leads to joy. This is because mercy opens our hearts to the hope of new life. As scripture reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Therefore, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we ask God not only for hope for ourselves, but also for the grace to become instruments of His hope for others.

As part of our diocesan celebration of the Jubilee Year, through both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, parishioners across the Diocese of St. Petersburg will make God’s mercy manifest in our communities. We will be signs of hope for our brothers and sisters who experience hardships. The works of mercy are tangible and measurable; no act is too large or too small, especially when done with great love. Empowered by the message of the Gospel, we invite our parishioners to take part in the diocesan challenge of completing 1,000,000 works of mercy.

Our Messages of Mercy Event | Families of all ages are invited to take part in a special event creating cards of kindness and compassion! As part of our parish’s commitment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” we excited to make messages of mercy for military service members and veterans to honor those among us for Independence Day.

You’re invited to help us craft these Messages of Mercy on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to Noon in the North Campus Auditorium. All are encouraged to bring along additional craft items like paper, glue or glue-sticks, stickers, glitter, or markers. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. All are welcome! RSVP by clicking the button below.

Signups for the event have concluded

Anyone can participate—as individuals, families, ministries, or teams. The Diocese of St. Petersburg want to highlight all the good works you are already doing by bringing a focus to it and invite others to join in spreading hope! Parishioners can log their acts at dosp.org/jubilee2025/mercychallenge. In the coming weeks and months, our parish will also highlight your efforts in future bulletins.

B-Roll from Event for Media and Partner Use – Click Here
Photos from the Event:

The Best Thing We Can Know | Friar Reflections | Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…the Lord be with you!

There is so much we will never know about God in God’s very Self. But there are some things we can know. To me, the most important fact we can know about God is that God is a Relationship of Love. Some great early theologians once said that if God were one “person”, God could love only Himself; God could be self-centered; if God were two “persons” God’ love could be exclusive. But the fact that revelation says that God is One God in Three Persons, means that God in God’s very being is open to love the other. God desires to love even that which is not divine, hence creation; and God loves creation so much that God, through the Son becomes part of creation in the person of Jesus of Nazareth and continues to be in creation through the Holy Spirit given to us Gift. Hence, the best thing we can know about God is that GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:7).

This is all very “heady” stuff. In today’s Gospel (John 16:12-15) Jesus says that the Holy Spirit “the Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth.” But the question becomes what is the truth that the Holy Spirit will guide us to? I think the answer to that is found in the second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (5:1-5). “The love of God has been poured into our heart through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Since GOD IS LOVE, the love of God is in fact GOD’S VERY SELF. It doesn’t get more optimistic than this.

The effect of this love changes us. We become “children of God” (1 John 3:1). St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading that “we have peace with God.” The challenge is to live in peace with one another. Paul continues, “we boast of our afflictions knowing that afflictions produce endurance, endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint.” Again, there is a challenge in this since we are called to help those who are undergoing affliction since Jesus helped those in His own time who were afflicted. And the good news dear Saints of God in Sacred Heart Parish is that you accept the challenge. Hands of Hope, Giving from the Heart, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Bikes from the Heart, the Liturgical ministries, the Women’s and Men’s Prayer Groups, our catechists and O.C.I.A. team, and so many others are a way of living our Trinitarian life in the world. I’ve often say is that being Catholic means that we are not called simply to worship the Holy Trinity, but become involved in and live the life of the Holy Trinity in the world today.

So on this most Holy of Solemnities, BE a witness in word and action to the Love of our God who is a Trinity of Love.

– Fr. Steve

Do I Still Burn? | Friar Reflections | Solemnity of Pentecost

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

Today, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost — often called the birthday of the Church. But make no mistake: this isn’t just a celebration of the past. It’s a reminder that the Holy Spirit is alive and moving today — in our parish community, in our homes, in our hearts.

There’s a story of a young man who grew up in church but never really believed. He went to Mass because his parents made him, and as soon as he turned 18, he stopped going. Years later, after a series of disappointments, he wandered into a church on Pentecost Sunday — out of guilt more than faith.

He sat in the back, arms crossed, heart closed. During the homily, the priest said something simple: “You don’t have to be perfect for God to fill you. You just have to be open.”

Those words pierced him. Something shifted — not dramatically, not like tongues of fire — but like a quiet wind brushing through his soul. He couldn’t explain it, but he cried that day for the first time in years. And that moment became the beginning of his return to faith. Sometimes the Holy Spirit doesn’t shout. He whispers. But when He does, lives change

That upper room moment wasn’t quiet or comfortable. It was wind and fire, languages and boldness. The Spirit didn’t come gently — the Spirit came to shake the world awake. And suddenly, a group of ordinary, hesitant disciples became courageous messengers with hearts ablaze.

Reflecting on Pentecost, we ask ourselves: Do I still burn like that? Or have I grown comfortable in my faith, content with routine but lacking that wild, Spirit-fueled passion? Pentecost is not just a one-time event — it’s an invitation to daily surrender. To open the doors we’ve locked. To let the Spirit rush in and disrupt the ordinary. It’s about more than speaking in tongues; it’s about living with the power of faith, love, and boldness in a world that desperately needs light.

The disciples were gathered in fear, hiding behind closed doors. Jesus had ascended. The world outside was hostile. They didn’t know what was next. We all have had moments like that — unsure, anxious, waiting for a sign from God. And then it happened. “Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind… and there appeared to them tongues as of fire… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” A rushing wind. Fire from heaven. Languages no one had studied. Power they didn’t know they had. This was no gentle breeze. The Holy Spirit came to disrupt, to transform, to empower. And that same Spirit is still blowing today. The Holy Spirit isn’t always a comforting presence — It is also a force that pushes us out of our comfort zones, out of fear, out of spiritual laziness — and into the mission of love, truth, and bold witness. The early disciples didn’t stay in the upper room. Once the Spirit came, they moved outward — to preach, to serve, to suffer, and to love. Pentecost launched a movement that changed the world.

And that’s the challenge that remains with us today. Will we stay locked in our upper rooms of routine and fear? Or will we open our hearts to the Spirit and be set on fire? The key is to always to be open and aware of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must stay open. The Holy Spirit can’t fill a heart that’s closed. We must be willing to be surprised, challenged, even uncomfortable. That’s how transformation begins.

Amen.

Peace and all good,
Fr. Zack

More Than A Store | From the Desk of the Pastor | June 2025

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

Dear Parishioners,

We recently held our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Columbia Centennial Museum, where we were able to provide an afternoon out and a nice meal to the over 130 volunteers from the various ministries of the parish who were able to attend. Over the summer months, I will bring a few of these ministries into a greater focus through my monthly column, highlighting first our parish Gift Store. It is well more than just a place where we sell Catholic-themed gifts, art, or books. It is a gathering place where parishioners and visitors alike may stop by to browse, and end up sticking around for conversation and fellowship. Many times, these interactions are the first direct connection a visitor or new parishioner has with the parish.

Gail Lewis, the manager of the Gift Store describes the ministry: “Fr. Andrew Reitz, OFM, and I opened the store in 2009. I was employed with Ann Taylor stores for 17 years when, in 2008, many positions were eliminated as well as mine due to the global financial crisis. Fr. Andrew knew my history in retail, including my graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, which is only four blocks from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Small world.

The gift shop has grown in many wonderful ways over these past 16 years. Our merchandise offerings have expanded to not only include medals, holy cards, and rosaries, but icons and statues from Italy, and fair trade items from Kenya, Bethlehem, India, and Thailand.

We also pride ourselves in carrying items made in the U.S.A by women-owned businesses. Michal Golan, NYC, makes beautiful jewelry with semi-precious stones. Deborah from MG Rosary in Texas makes rosary bracelets that are a top seller. We have coffee from Catholic Coffee in North Carolina, Nelson Fine Arts from Steubenville provides us with cards, ornaments, and icons. McVan has been a main stay with sterling medals and crucifixes made here in the States as well. We have so much more but come in and see for yourself.

The Gift Shop isn’t only about providing items for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. We are the face of Sacred Heart Church. We have customers who have never been in a Catholic church or gift store and are looking for something peaceful or comforting as a gift, or for themselves. We help people who are looking for the church office and stumble upon us. We are able to give them direction based on their needs. We have people from churches all over the diocese come to us for their Sacramental gifts. We hope to offer a warm and welcoming environment to all. Come visit soon.”

Here are a few words from the many wonderful volunteers that help make Sacred Heart Gift Shop successful.

“I love volunteering for the Gift Shop! Not only do we offer beautiful religious items, we also provide a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to parishioners and visitors from around the world.” | Esther Holder

“Volunteering at the Gift Store serves as a welcoming space for newcomers and visitors. By assisting them, I feel I help create a positive atmosphere that reflects the values of Sacred Heart Church.” | JoJo Duncan

“The Gift Shop is a lovely little shop that brings Christians together who are looking for the perfect gift, or something for their home. I love the staff and the people I meet there.” | Aprile Black

“I love volunteering at the Gift Shop because I truly enjoy the fellowship and the sweetest parishioners at Sacred Heart. Each time I volunteer I either learn something new or I meet someone new and it’s such a blessing. Also, Gail hand picks some of the most beautiful items for retail at the gift shop.” | Nia Adams

“I volunteer at the Sacred Heart Gift Shop because it is such a joyful and uplifting place. I enjoy helping someone find that special item – whether it speaks to their own faith or makes the perfect gift for someone they care about.” | Catherine Sanders

Gail Lewis (center) joined by her volunteers in 2019.

“There are many folks who stop in from all over the country, even further…all unique and happy folks!! The shoppers are all willing to communicate and share a bit of their own story, most saying it is almost impossible to find a shop such as ‘our shop!’…So True!” | Arlene Cardinal

“I enjoy being in the Gift Shop because of the beautiful things and also the beautiful atmosphere that is created by everybody that works there. Your leadership and eye for beauty has created a wonderful atmosphere to be in whenever I’m in the Gift Shop. It’s a place that I know I can always find something beautiful as a gift and also feel beautiful when I’m there and when I leave, thank you always for that feeling.” | Deb Shannon

“I love the Gift Shop because I love giving back” | Debi Egan

If you would like to find out more information on how you could volunteer at the Gift Store, you can e-mail Gail or better yet stop, in the store and have a chat!

Our many ministries are able to thrive and continue because of all of our dedicated volunteers.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Why do we celebrate the Ascension on a Sunday?

Parish News

On June 1, 2025, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. In the days following His resurrection until the Ascension, Jesus appeared to His apostles in several different ways to affirm for them that He had been raised from the dead and truly lives. They were filled with the theological virtue of faith, indicating that with God all things are possible. Soon He would leave them again, this time to sit at His Father’s Right Hand.

Did you know? |  We see His Ascension depicted in the triptych of windows along the south side of the church, adjacent to the choir area, with His disciples losing sight of Him among the clouds as He was lifted. These windows were donated to the parish in 1904 by the Knights of Columbus and dedicated “to the greater honor and glory of God.”

I always thought it was “Ascension Thursday.” What Changed? | The Solemnity of the Ascension is a Holy Day of Obligation, occurring on the Thursday that coincides with the 40-day mark following Easter, and is celebrated as such in many regions of the country, while other regions transfer the celebration to the following Sunday. Transferring the Ascension to Sunday is actually not that new, and part of a larger trend to transfer holy days of obligation and other solemnities to the following Sunday. Doing so allows greater exposure and more solemn celebration of the holy day among the faithful.

For the Ascension in the United States, this trend started on the West Coast in the late 1990s, and eventually spread. Other parts of the world have also transferred this solemnity to Sunday including Australia, Canada, and some countries in Europe. With the approval of the Holy See, the episcopal conference (the body of bishops in a country) can transfer solemnities and change some of the holy days of obligation (Canon 1246). In the U.S., each ecclesiastical province, or the metropolitan archdiocese and its suffragan dioceses, was permitted to decide whether to transfer the Ascension or not. (Portions of this article are attributed to the Paul Christopher Lim’s “From the Back of the Church”)

June Drive to Serve as Summer Restock for Homeless Ministries

Parish News

The Sacred Heart is the actual heart of Christ and indicates His love for humanity. We can exemplify that love within our community alongside the upcoming Feast of the Sacred Heart by taking part in our next Giving from the Heart drive-through donation drive, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Campus. Volunteers from our parish’s Bikes from the Heart ministry and St. Vincent de Paul conference will be on hand to greet donors as they drop off needed supplies for our beneficiaries which include both St. Vincent de Paul and the Tampa Hope homeless shelter.

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!

Tampa Hope houses nearly 200 of our local homeless in semi-permanent shelters while providing food, clothing, education, employment assistance, substance abuse and mental health counseling, and case management services in an effort to help clients reestablish permanent housing. The shelter has opened dozens of their new “Hope Cottages” in the last year, with these climate-controlled micro-homes offering clients privacy and security as they continue on their recovery paths. TGH has also recently opened a virtual healthcare center on the campus, allowing clients remote access to nurses and physicians who can assess medical needs. Sacred Heart is a founding partner of Tampa Hope, which is located in east Ybor.

Following Christ’s call to serve the poor, the suffering, and the deprived, St. Vincent de Paul works to ease an individual or family’s initial emergency, then shepherd them into programs that can bring lasting change. Many will know Sacred Heart’s group of SVdP volunteers as one of the 13 conferences for the non-profit within Hillsborough County. Recently, the group has been assisting with outreach to the homeless from their Hillsborough Food Pantry and Thrift store. This drive will benefit that outreach.

Items of greatest need include:  bed sheets or blankets (twin) men’s & women’s underwear (new, all sizes) | men’s & women’s socks (new, all sizes) | bath & hand towels | laundry bags | men’s & women’s shoes (new or gently used) | deodorant | single-use paper products (plates, napkins, towels) | single-use silverware cleaning products | travel-size toiletries | bug-spray | sunscreen new or gently used clothing, including men’s & women’s jeans, belts, & ball caps | non-perishable or single-serving food items including dry cereal, tuna, peanut butter, crackers, soup, protein bars & drinks, snacks, bottled water, & juice boxes | women’s sanitary items, including pads, incontinence briefs, & wipes | backpacks

As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

As I Have Loved | Friar Reflections | Fifth Sunday of Easter

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…the Lord be with you!

What you don’t hear explained about the Gospel reading (John 13:31-33a; 34-35) is that it is a continuation and explanation of the pericope of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. In other words, the washing of the feet begins the glory of Jesus’ death on the cross and His rising from the dead to a new life. This glorious love is not of Jesus alone but is grounded in the glorious love of the Father and the Holy Spirit. The “new commandment: love one another, as I have loved you…” is our invitation from Jesus to participate in the Divine and glorious love of the Trinity. As Christians, we are called not just to worship the Blessed Trinity but are invited to participate in the very life of the Trinity.

How optimistic is that!

The question becomes what does it mean to participate in the life of our Trinitarian God? I think a way to do that is to reflect on the temptations of Jesus in the desert immediately after His baptism.

Since we are in the year of Luke let’s use his schema. The first temptation is for Jesus to use his power to satisfy his physical hunger ( remember he has not eaten for forty days). Instead, he quotes from the Book of Deuteronomy, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone.”

The second temptation is to worship the devil and thus be given all earthly authority and splendor. Again, Jesus refuses and again quoting Deuteronomy says, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.”

The third temptation is to throw Himself down from the heights of the Temple and thus use this spectacle to prove his divinity. Again, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy and says, “ It is said: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

It seems to me that our worship of Jesus since He is both God and man, must include imitating him in some way, Jesus lived out his baptism of solidarity by standing up for and helping the poor and hungry, reaching out to the politically marginalized, and being with those whom religion didn’t want. Looking at our world today, not much has changed and how much does our world need people to live out their own baptismal promises.

This week let’s imitate Jesus who washed the feed of his disciples, by loving one another, particularly the poor, the politically powerless, and those whom religion doesn’t seem to want. In other words, let us truly and actively LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS JESUS LOVES US.

– Fr. Steve

The Church Seeks A Shepherd | Friar Reflections | Fourth Sunday of Easter

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

As you read this reflection, the Church may have already elected the successor of Pope Francis. In the event there is no new Bishop of Rome at this point in time, I offer my humble thoughts…

As the Catholic Church elects a new pope, this moment coincides with Good Shepherd Sunday, offering an opportunity to reflect on the qualities desired in a spiritual leader. Good Shepherd Sunday, observed on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, emphasizes Jesus as the shepherd who knows, guides, and lays down his life for his sheep. This image serves as a model for the papacy, highlighting the need for a pope who embodies Christ’s pastoral care, humility, and dedication to the flock.

The conclave, which began on May 7, brings together cardinals under the age of 80 in a process steeped in prayer and tradition. Guided by the apostolic constitution, the election requires a two-thirds majority and all voting is conducted in the Sistine Chapel, emphasizing the spiritual gravity of choosing the next Vicar of Christ.

In light of Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church seeks a pope we pray who will listen attentively to the voice of Christ and the needs of the faithful, lead with compassion, mirroring Jesus’ care for each individual, and serve selflessly, prioritizing the well-being of the global Church over personal interests.

The Church contemplates Christ as the true and eternal Shepherd, the one who knows His sheep, speaks to them, and lays down His life for them. In this image, we are reminded of what it means to lead—not with power, but with sacrificial love, humility, and deep care for the flock.

When the Church is called to elect a new pope, it is not merely choosing a global figurehead or administrator—it is discerning a shepherd in the image of Christ. The Holy Father is not just a leader of a billion Catholics; he is a shepherd entrusted with the care of souls. Like Christ, he must listen to the voice of the Father, know the needs of the flock, and guide them with courage and compassion.

A Shepherd Who Listens – Just as Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice,” so too must the pope be someone who first hears the voice of the Good Shepherd. He must be a man of prayer and discernment, rooted in Christ, listening not only to the Spirit but also to the joys and wounds of the Church.

A Shepherd Who Knows His Flock – Jesus knows His sheep personally. The new pope must be someone with pastoral sensitivity—able to walk with the poor, the suffering, the disillusioned, and the hopeful. He must know the real lives of the people of God, not from afar, but through humble and sincere connection.

A Shepherd Who Lays Down His Life – Leadership in the Church is always marked by the cross. The role of pope is not a privilege but a burden borne in love. Like Jesus, the Holy Father must be ready to suffer for the truth, to protect the vulnerable, and to stand firm in faith—even when it is costly.

The process of electing a new pope is not merely political or organizational—it is spiritual. We believe the Holy Spirit is at work, guiding the Church to choose not just a skilled leader, but a true shepherd in the likeness of Christ.

As we reflect on Good Shepherd Sunday, we are reminded to pray fervently for all our Church leaders, especially when the Chair of Peter is empty or newly filled. We pray that the one chosen may be faithful in doctrine, courageous in mission, tender in mercy, and rooted in Christ the Good Shepherd.

Ultimately, we want a pope who loves the Lord, regardless of how many times Jesus may ask, along with the courage in being attentive to feeding the lambs, tending the sheep, and feeding the sheep. May our new pope, like Christ, be a shepherd who knows, feeds, and loves his flock with unwavering fidelity.

Peace and all good,
Fr. Zack

Habemus Papam | Welcome Pope Leo XIV

Parish News

“God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward.”

These were a few of the first words we heard from our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, during his initial address moments after he was elected pontiff in the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2025. The Friars of Sacred Heart, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province of Franciscan Friars, and Diocese of Saint Petersburg join the global community in celebrating a new pope.

Robert Francis, Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes the second successive pontiff from the Americas, and the first from the United States, while also being a dual citizen of Peru. An Augustinian who has spent major portions of his life on mission in the South American country, Leo XIV spoke to a continuation of synodality throughout the Church, and to recurring themes of peacemaking and bridgebuilding.

“To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering,” Pope Leo XIV stated, just before leading the thousands in attendance at St. Peter’s Square in prayer.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, who celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at the chapel on the campus of St. Petersburg Catholic High School that afternoon, said “May God bless our new Holy Father. I pray that his ministry will unite the human family in pursuit of peace and the common good of people of every race, religion, and language.” | More from the Diocese of St. Petersburg

“With thanks to God, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe extend our sincere congratulations and warmest best wishes to our new Pope Leo XIV,” said Br. Lawrence J. Hayes, OFM, Provincial Minister. “May God bless you and your pastoral leadership of the Church in the years ahead so that the Church may be conformed more and more to mind and heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of all. Ad multos annos!”

In his reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Fr. Zack Elliott, OFM, said “As the Catholic Church elects a new pope, this moment coincides with Good Shepherd Sunday, offering an opportunity to reflect on the qualities desired in a spiritual leader. Good Shepherd Sunday, observed on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, emphasizes Jesus as the shepherd who knows, guides, and lays down his life for his sheep. This image serves as a model for the papacy, highlighting the need for a pope who embodies Christ’s pastoral care, humility, and dedication to the flock.”

Fr. Steve Kluge, OFM, expressed his surprise and optimism when interviewed the day following Leo XIV’s election by local NBC affiliate WFLA News Channel 8. “Shocked,” he exclaimed when asked about the announcement by reporter Beth Rousseau. “I never thought I would see an American pope, because I was always told, by people that are much smarter than I, we would never have one because America is a rich country and a superpower.” Fr. Steve went on to explain that the new pope’s choice in name, since corroborated by the pontiff himself, is a clear indicator for where he feels Pope Leo XIV is being called to minister most, citing Pope Leo XIII’s famous encyclical, Rerum Novarum, written to outline Catholic Social Teaching’s defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.
 

The Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate will be held on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. EST) in St. Peter’s Square, with the stream on EWTN being broadcast on YouTube. Bishop Gregory Parkes invites all to offer their prayers of gratitude for our new Holy Father during a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV, also to be held this Sunday, May 18, at 11:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude (5815 5th Avenue N, St. Petersburg). Catholics can receive an indulgence for making a pilgrimage to the Cathedral during the Jubilee Year of Hope.