Category Archives: Parish News

Meet the Elect | Our 2026 O.C.I.A. Class

Faith Formation, Parish News

Each weekend during Lent, we will feature 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. Learn about our 2026 Elect, here we have compiled their thoughts ahead of their initiation.

Our parish is blessed to have 26 people seeking Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil: Brittany Bailey, Owen Brown, Brianna Burke, Jeffrey Cui, MacKenzie Fawthrop, Erin Garcia, Audrey Giordano, River Giordano, Joseph Hallinan, Daniel Hancock, Jessica Hernandez, Myai Hoang, Amber Jacobsen, Rory Lee, Will McLoughlin, Annie Morlang, Cameron Nicoletta, Peyton Pirozzi, Karina Poulos, Tracy Roberts, Jacqueline Sheppard, Jocelyn Sheppard, Stephanie Smith, Katie Watterson, Catherine Woody, and Mariya Yaroshenko. Please continue to keep the Elect in your prayers as they continue their final preparations toward the Easter Sacraments at the Vigil.

Catherine Woody, 20

Profession: Student

Favorite Pastimes: Playing any sport, preferably outside

Catherine says she “stumbled upon” Sacred Heart, with the beauty of our church and the warmth of the community here able to draw her in. Her faith journey, she says, is focused on finding peace and a baseline for her life. “I hope to relieve anxiety through this process and learn to surrender.”

Brianna Burke, 35

Profession: Control for Asphalt

Favorite Pastimes: Crafting gifts & gaming with my 17 y.o. son

Brianna has shared her faith journey with Chaz, her partner, who was recently confirmed with the baptized group within our parish’s O.C.I.A. earlier this year. She finds Sacred Heart to be an “incredible community,” and that the love she has felt from the parish since arriving has been “unbelievable,” crediting the friars for offering “such valuable” information to the Elect. When asked what her hope for her initiation into the Catholic Church will be like, Brianna stated, “My hope is to become closer to the Church in as many ways as possible. I would like to use my faith to help benefit those around us in any way possible. I also plan on becoming a sponsor for the next O.C.I.A. class!”

Myai Hoang, 27

Profession: Public Health

Favorite Pastimes: Paddleboarding, being outdoors, and reading

“After a life-changing spiritual experience, I felt called to the Catholic Church, and through many beautiful signs, I was led to Sacred Heart,” Hoang stated when asked what brought her to our parish. “The Franciscan values beautifully reflect Christ’s teachings, especially in their commitment to serving those who are most underserved. The priests and parish community live out their faith in ways that genuinely draw people closer to God, and the beauty of the church’s architecture is a nice added bonus!”

Myai hopes to “remain steadfast” in her faith following the Easter Vigil, living each day “more fully as a Christian.”

Jeffrey Cui, 23

Profession: USF Medical Student

Favorite Pastimes: Hiking & running

Moving to the Tampa Bay area two years ago, Jeffrey found Sacred Heart after beginning to attend Masses while in college. He says the architecture is one of the many things that make this parish special. When asked where he sees his faith journey taking him following the Easter Vigil, Cui stated, “I hope to continue to grow in my relationship with God and the church community. I look forward to receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I hope to start volunteering as a TGH Eucharistic Minister after my baptism. In the future, I hope to raise a loving Catholic family and pass on the faith.”

Anni Morlang, 23

Profession: Legal Assistant

Favorite Pastimes: Figure skating

Anni’s path to Sacred Heart started as she “wanted to learn more about the faith and how to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.” “I want to do more good with the life I’ve been given,” she continued. Our parish is special to her because of “the community aspect and how dedicated everyone is. Coming to Mass and seeing how devoted and accepting everyone is,” sets our parish apart in her eyes. Like many, she sees her initiation into the Church as a means “to overcome my anxiety to better fulfill my purpose on this earth.“

Katie Watterson, 46

Profession: Nurse Anesthetist

Favorite Pastimes: Watching my 13 y.o. daughter figure skate

“I have always been curious about Catholicism, the Catholic friends I have have high moral values and I have felt a growing desire to be a part of the Sacred Heart community. It just feels right,” Katie stated when asked about what brought her to Sacred Heart. Katie, who provides anesthesia to veterans having surgery or medical procedures, says she feels “connected, comforted, and supported” by our parish.

“The beauty of the church and the singing gives me chills every time I am at mass. I find that every liturgy I have heard since attending Sacred Heart has been applicable to my everyday life in the most positive way.” She hopes to continue improving her faith in God, humanity, and herself following her initiation.

Daniel Hancock, 30

Profession: Aircraft Mechanic, Air Force (Active Duty)

Favorite Pastimes: Reading, playing games, and flying

When asked what brought him to our parish, Daniel attributes the Franciscan charism, especially for the poor, as a strong reason for coming to Sacred Heart. “It spoke to my heart in a powerful way…plus the habit is cool.” The Air Force mechanic hopes to “continue growing as a faithful servant of Christ by deepening my relationship with Jesus through prayer and service,” following his initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Erin Garcia, 43

Profession: Probate Paralegal

Favorite Pastimes: Reading, cooking, & watching basketball

“I work in downtown and I visited with a friend for the daily 12:10 p.m. Mass. It was so calming in the middle of the work day that I just kept coming with her and sometimes by myself. Later on, I met with Barbara Ferreris, and decided to start my O.C.I.A. journey. The friars at the parish are so kind and have such great insight in their homilies.”

Erin sees her faith journey following the Easter Vigil as an opportunity for continual learning, building a strong connection with God, and our parish.

Joe Hallinan, 38

Profession: Software Engineer

Favorite Pastimes: Golfing, Lightning games, & watching my Buckeyes…O-H!

“I was drawn to Sacred Heart while exploring the Catholic faith, not just because of its beauty, but because of the welcoming community I have found here. From my very first visits to O.C.I.A. meetings at the North Campus, I knew this was where I wanted to continue my journey.

“I was nervous at first about becoming Catholic and participating in Mass, but the people here have made the process of joining the Church so welcoming.

“I hope my initiation will deepen my already growing relationship with God and help me live my faith more fully. After the Easter Vigil, I look forward to continuing to learn from the community, getting more involved with parish life, and finding new ways to serve Christ in my daily life.”

Stephanie Smith, 29

Profession: Merchant Mariner

Favorite Pastimes: Community events, volunteering, & reading/audiobooks

Stephanie says God ultimately led her not just to the Church, but to Sacred Heart specifically. “I couldn’t escape the heaviness of our world…the chaos, the deep divisions, the presence of evil pressing in from every side. Amid it all, I kept searching for something solid and authentic, something enduring that had truly stood the test of time. My search led me to Sacred Heart. I came seeking a place that has remained standing for hundreds of years. The enduring walls may have first caught my eye, but what has kept me here is God Himself.”

“You can step in any church and feel welcomed, but here I have felt supported. The people of Sacred Heart church foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The friars, staff and volunteers have all guided us to grow in faith together, support one another in times of need, and live out the values of compassion, service, and love.”

Brittany Bailey, 37

Profession: Full-time Student & Mother

Favorite Pastimes: Full-time Student & Mother

When she moved into downtown, Brittany was originally “worried and skeptical about attending a new church.”

That skepticism faded quickly during her first Mass here. “I have never felt so welcomed anywhere as I have at Sacred Heart. Prior to joining O.C.I.A. at this parish, I attended Mass with my (at the time) six-month-old daughter to test the waters. It was an extremely rainy day and was standing room only in the back. An usher immediately found us a place to sit and I was welcomed by the people I sat near. The next week, I attended with my entire family, and we happened to sit near some amazing people who didn’t mind the distractions of small children during Mass. Now, we sit in the same area every week, and my three-year-old has a church friend to sit near and share toys and Cheerios with.”

Brittany hopes to continue her faith journey following initiation by paying forward the hospitality she has found at our parish. “I thank God every day that I am able to be involved with O.C.I.A. here … I would have missed out on such an amazing witness of community, commitment, and dedication if I were elsewhere. I am deeply indebted to my fellow Elect as well and the team here at Sacred Heart for being such an integral part of my spiritual growth. As a result, I would love to be a part of O.C.I.A. in the future, in whatever capacity I can”

Tracy Roberts, 49

Profession: Data & Contract Manager w/ a Non-profit

Favorite Pastimes: Puzzles, reading, crocheting

“I came to Sacred Heart because I was looking for a spiritual home that would inspire my faith and help me grow closer to God. While the church itself is beautiful, the people of the parish make it even more so through their faith and welcoming spirit.

“Following the Easter Vigil, I pray that my faith journey will bring me to a deeper understanding of God, a greater sense of fellowship and community within the Church, and help me become a light that guides my husband and children toward the beauty of faith.”

Peyton Pirozzi, 27

Profession: Real Estate

Favorite Pastimes: Traveling and exploring new places/restaurants with my husband

Peyton said she was introduced to our parish 2021 by her husband, Chase. “My husband and I got married at Sacred Heart. It will always hold a special place in my heart. This parish helped further strengthen my relationship with God and open my heart to a new way of life.

“I hope to continue to strengthen and grow my relationship with God by attending Mass each week and finding new ways to serve and support my community.”

Cameron Nicoletta, 27

Profession: Executive Protection

Favorite Pastimes: Training at the gym

“My fiancé, Lexi, invited me to join her at Mass early in our relationship. My interest in this parish began with an appreciation for its stunning architecture and the beauty of its stained-glass windows and long-standing traditions. As I continued attending Mass, however, it became much more than just a beautiful church. I began seeing familiar faces, people I knew from work and friends that I went to school with. I also had the opportunity to meet the Friars and members of the parish staff. Through those experiences, I found a genuine sense of community that made me feel welcomed and connected. That sense of belonging is ultimately what led me to join O.C.I.A. and continue growing in my faith.

“My hope is that I will continue to grow in my faith and strengthen my relationship with Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. I hope to use scripture and the teachings of Christ’s life on Earth to become the best son, brother, husband and father that I can be, as well as a light for people in need of prayer and ministry. Sacred Heart will always hold a special place in my heart, especially because my fiancé and I will be getting married here this December!”

Will McLoughlin, 26

Profession: Real Estate Development & Construction P.M.

Favorite Pastimes: Hiking & camping

“From the moment I entered this church, I knew I was home,” Will says. Will credits his fiancé, someone he says is strong in her faith, with bringing him to our parish. “I am lucky to be marrying someone very close to her faith, who helped to heal the misconceptions I had about organized religion and showed me the light of the Catholic Church. That was reaffirmed the first time I stepped into Sacred Heart…the love and the selflessness of every member of this church is truly special, and I feel so lucky to now be a part of it.”

Owen Brown, 21

Profession: Firefighter

Favorite Pastimes: Deep Sea Fishing

Crediting his girlfriend, whose parents were married at Sacred Heart, for bringing him to our church, Owen finds the diversity of our parishioners and visitors as something special, “Being in downtown, this parish has the opportunity to house people of all different backgrounds to create a beautiful community where all can worship,” Brown stated.

He hopes to grow in both faith, and in his relationship with God following his initiation into the Catholic Church. “Being able to participate in the Sacraments going forward will undoubtedly bolster my faith and help me fulfill the life God has in store for me.”

MacKenzie Fawthrop, 24

Profession: Paralegal, prepping for law school

Favorite Pastimes: Beach time, cooking, time w/family

“The first time I stepped foot into Sacred Heart, I was amazed by how beautiful the church is. Everyone was so kind and welcoming—it immediately felt like the right place for me,” MacKenzie replied, when asked what brought her to Sacred Heart. She says that each time she attends Mass, she feels connected to this community.

When asked about where she hopes her faith journey takes her following the Easter Vigil, she said, “My hope is that my passion for Catholicism continues to grow and that I am able to pass it down to my future family.”

Audrey Giordano, 12

Favorite Pastimes: “Crocheting, playing with my dog Luna, baking cookies, hanging out with family”

What brought you to Sacred Heart? “The first time I stepped into a church was the Christmas Mass at Sacred Heart. I immediately fell in love with the beauty of the church. As it was my first time in a church, I was very surprised that it was so stunning.”

What is special about this parish to you? ”The people I have met. It really feels like a family.”

Where do you see your faith journey taking you following the Easter Vigil? “Growing closer to Jesus.”

River Giordano, 14

Favorite Pastimes: “Astronomy, going to Mass with family and friends, taking care of my fish tank”

What brought you to Sacred Heart? “The first time I went to Mass was on Christmas Eve of 2024. I almost immediately fell in love with the church. We started going to Mass every Sunday after, and the change felt AMAZING. I was very eager to get Baptized and receive Holy Communion.”

What is special about this parish to you? ”Sacred Heart is very welcoming, humble, and very loving. I feel the presence of Jesus every time enter this parish.”

Where do you see your faith journey taking you following the Easter Vigil? “Wherever God leads me! In the short term, I do want to become an altar server, and maybe one day discern becoming a priest. I hope to live a life of prayer and service to the poor and grow closer to my patron Saint Pope John Paul II.”

If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, contact our Director of Faith Formation, Barbara Ferreris via email at bferreris@sacredheartfla.org or click here to learn more.

2026 Easter ScheduleThe Holy TriduumPope Leo’s 2026 Lenten MessageFaith Formation Info

Take a Look Around | Friar Reflections | Fourth Sunday of Lent

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…

…the Lord be with you!

As far as I’m concerned, one of the great blessings of being in the liturgical year ‘A’, which uses the Gospel according to Matthew, is that the entire Church gets to hear the Gospel accounts from John in the third, fourth and fifth weeks of Lent. Most often, these passages (also known as the Scrutiny readings) are used only at the Masses attended by those preparing for Baptism. Last week, we heard the account of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42), while this week, we have the healing of the man born blind (John 9:1-41), and next week, the resuscitation of Lazarus from the dead (John 11: 1-45). Walking with those in the O.C.I.A., I believe that each of these readings ask us to reflect on our past (the Third Sunday of Lent), and our ultimate future (the Fifth Sunday of Lent). Today, the Church invites us to reflect on our lives in the present.

The Gospels record Jesus giving sight to the blind numerous times, and today’s reading is no different. However, I think the first reading from the First Book of Samuel (16:1, 6,7, 10-13) gives us an insight as to how we are to receive this particular healing. “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” Furthermore, in the ending of today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the man whose sight He restored, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” And the man answered, “Who is he sir, that I may believe in him.” And Jesus responded, “You have seen Him, and the one speaking with you is He.”

For those preparing for Baptism, and for all of us already baptized, the Church is inviting us to look at the world today, and at ourselves right now, through the eyes of God. We are called not only to name and number our sins, but also to name and at least be aware of the many times we cooperate with the Holy Spirit living within and among us as we care for our families, friends, the poor and vulnerable as we strive for the common good. For I believe we do more good during the course of the day than we sin (as you can see when it comes to theology, I am an optimist!).

As we continue to pray for those preparing for Baptism, let us join with them to scrutinize our daily lives. Let us begin to see through God’s lens and see Christ standing before us. Let us see Christ looking back at us when we are facing a mirror.

– Fr. Steve

A Saint for Our Time | From the Desk of the Pastor | March 2026

From the Desk of the Pastor, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

In 2026, the global Church enters a profound moment of thanksgiving as we commemorate the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. This Jubilee Year invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the Gospel joy that shaped Francis’ life and continues to inspire believers around the world.

For us at Sacred Heart, this milestone resonates within our very walls. Our long tradition of compassion, hospitality, and service in the heart of downtown Tampa is a living reflection of the Franciscan spirit.

A Saint for Our Time | St. Francis embraced the Gospel with a simplicity and courage that transformed not only his own heart, but the Church itself. His love for the poor, his reverence for creation, and his unwavering trust in God’s providence remain a powerful witness for our own time. In an age marked by division and distraction, Francis reminds us that holiness begins with small acts of love, humility, and peace.

Throughout this Year of Grace, the Church encourages the faithful to enter more deeply into the Franciscan spirit through prayer, service, and renewed attention to those on the margins. It is a time to “begin again,” as Francis so often urged, allowing God to rekindle in us a desire for compassion, reconciliation, and joyful discipleship.

As we join the universal Church in celebrating this milestone, may the example of St. Francis inspire us to walk more closely with Christ, to care tenderly for one another, and to become instruments of peace in our families, our parish, and our world.

Living the Values in Downtown Tampa | The heartbeat of the 2026 Jubilee at Sacred Heart is found in the four pillars of Franciscan life that have long defined the parish’s identity:

  • Joyful Diversity: Celebrating the unique beauty of every person who walks through the heavy oak doors.
  • Inclusive Welcome: Extending kindness not just to regular attendees, but to the “hidden” neighbors living on the margins of the city.
  • Compassionate Service: Moving beyond words to take direct action in serving the hungry and marginalized.
  • Persistent Faith: Recognizing that the work of the Gospel is never finished, and that the parish must constantly evolve to meet the needs of a changing Tampa.

A Partnership in Faith: The Franciscan Center | This Jubilee is not a journey we take alone. Sacred Heart is proud to deepen our collaboration with the Franciscan Center to help the faithful enter more deeply into this spirituality.

Throughout the year, the parish will actively promote and support the Center’s various Franciscan programs. From retreats to workshops, these offerings will provide vital opportunities to study the life of the Saint, engage in contemplative prayer, and connect with the broader Franciscan community in Tampa.

A Season of Celebration | The Jubilee year will reach its liturgical peak in October. While the Pope leads global celebrations in Assisi—including a historic public veneration of the Saint’s remains—Sacred Heart will host its own local liturgies.

Highlights include the Transitus service, a moving commemoration of the Saint’s final moments and his embrace of “Sister Death,” as well as the traditional Blessing of the Animals.

The Jubilee Schedule

  • Thursday, October 1: Blessing of the Animals | Time TBD at The Franciscan Center (3010 N Perry Avenue)
  • Friday, October 2: Transitus Service | 6:30 p.m. in the church
  • Saturday, October 3: Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of St. Francis | 5:30 p.m. in the church
  • Sunday, October 4: Solemnity Masses | Across our standard Sunday Mass schedule in the church
  • Thursday, December 10: Blessing of the Christmas Crèche | Time TBD. at The Franciscan Center (3010 N Perry Avenue)

Join the Journey | As we navigate this Year of Grace, the invitation remains open to all. We invite you to look at the world through the eyes of St. Francis, to find the Risen Christ in the poor, and to build bridges where the world raises boundaries.

We invite all parishioners to follow the example of St. Francis by becoming instruments of peace through our outreach ministries, including Bikes from the Heart, Giving from the Heart, Hands of Hope, Loving Hearts, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Additionally, the parish is exploring new ways to visualize this spirit, including a film screening of the life of St. Francis and a proposed outdoor mural on the Parish Center facing Twiggs Street—a permanent artistic reminder of our patron’s enduring legacy.

This year, let us walk more closely with Christ, care tenderly for one another, and truly begin again.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer For The Special Year Of St. Francis:

Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord.

You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.

In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.

Amen.

Keeping the Commandments is Hard | Friar Reflections | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…

…the Lord be with you!

My first reaction to today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:17-37) was this is really long, and who in the name of all that is holy can keep all these commandments! The first reading (Sirach 15:15-20) however gives me hope “If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live.” To be honest, sometimes I choose not to keep the commandments. However, there are times when I want to keep the commandments, but don’t. So, I guess I’m going to trust in God, at all times.

And maybe that is the point. No one can keep all the commandments all of the time. The Good News is that Jesus did not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them! Jesus’ life of obedience saves my life when I am disobedient. I must trust HIM, and perhaps I can live His commandment to simply “Love God, and love my neighbor as I love Myself.” Love fulfills the law! (Since yesterday was Valentine’s Day, what a great Valentine’s gift if even a day late!)

Perhaps this is the whole point of these readings a few days before we start the season of Lent. Lent might be a time for us to fast from the idea that we can be perfect. Lent might be a time for us to feast on the truth that we are loved by God even when we fail. Lent might be a time to pay God’s love for us forward by showing our love for our neighbor through Fasting, Praying for others, particularly the poor, rather than ourselves. Lent might be a time to Donate a bit more to charity or the offertory collection here at the parish. Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving are wonderful ways to open ourselves to receive more of the love of God that God desires to give us.

Today’s Psalm Response is “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.” Perhaps the readings are trying to remind us that the Law of the Lord is Christ; the Word, the Law made flesh. As we prepare for Lent, let’s not be overwhelmed with all that we are supposed to do, and let’s not be discouraged when we fail at what we desire to do. This Lent, let’s put our trust in God, in Christ, for God promises that we too shall live.

– Fr. Steve

Salt & Light | Friar Reflections | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Dear Friends,

Father Steve often says the Rite of Baptism can also be referred to as the Rite of Naming, meaning that this is where the name that our parents have chosen for us is publicly proclaimed within the walls of the chuch where we are about to be baptized. We are not a nameless person just going through a ritual, but rather publicly named child of God and claimed by Christ as a true member of his Church. This is only the beginning of our existence within the Church and the threshold of our journey of faith.

In our Gospel today, Jesus takes that all a bit farther. Jesus does not give us advice in today’s Gospel. He gives us an identity. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Before we do anything, before we accomplish or stumble, Jesus names who we are because of Him.

Salt and light are not self-originating. Salt only works when it is ground down and given away. One of the many uses of salt is for it to be used as a seasoning, enhancing the flavor of what has been set before us. Light is never its own source—it burns because something else is consumed. Both are costly. Both lose themselves to give life.

This is deeply Eucharistic, and profoundly Franciscan.

St. Francis understood that Christ is the true Salt and the true Light. As salt seasons food by disappearing into it, so our Christian life is meant to be hidden in Christ, not displayed alongside Him. When the Gospel loses its savor, it is not because the world is tasteless—it is because we, as disciples, have lived up to life he has placed before us. the cross that makes salt salty.

Jesus warns us plainly: “If salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?”

In times past, salt that lost its potency was thrown onto roads to be trampled underfoot. In theological terms, this is the danger of a faith that keeps its name but loses its substance—Christianity without conversion, light without heat, devotion without obedience. Francis feared this more than poverty or persecution. He warned the brothers that nothing dulls the soul faster than comfort without repentance.

Then Jesus turns to light: “A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.”

This is not a call to perform holiness, but a reminder that true holiness is a light that shines within us all. Light reveals what is real. It exposes and heals at the same time, light does not exist for itself. Notice where Jesus places the lamp—not in the hand of the disciple, but on the lampstand of the world. The Church does not exist for its own illumination. It exists so the world may see clearly enough to find God.

And the final line anchors everything theologically: “That they may see your good deeds and give glory to your heavenly Father.”

Our good works are not moral achievements; they are sacramental signs. They point beyond themselves. If people stop at us, the light has failed. If they arrive at the Father, the light has done its work.

Francis lived this by radical humility. He called himself a “lesser brother” not as poetry, but as theology. He knew that only what is small enough can be transparent enough to let divine light pass through without distortion.

To be salt and light, then, is not to be louder or brighter. It is to be cruciform—ground down, given away, set aflame by charity. The needs lives so conformed to Christ that God becomes credible again.

So our Gospel asks us this question today: Have I trample the salt or savored the salt of my gift faith? Have I let the light of Christ within me dim or have I allowed to shine brightly? Has my life made Christ more visible to anyone? If the answer is even quietly “yes,” then the salt still has its taste, and the light has not been hidden, and that is grace enough for today. Our parents name us, but Jesus claims us.

Peace and All Good,
– Fr. Zack

Aiding Frontline Ministries | Our Next Giving from the Heart Drive

Parish News

Our efforts to meet the needs of the Tampa/Hillsborough County community continue on Saturday, February 14 at the North Campus with our next Giving from the Heart drive-through donation event. Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be gathered from 9 to 11 a.m. to receive items assisting SVdP 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!

With our next drive, the emphasis is on stocking the shelves for a pair of partnered frontline ministries addressing the needs of the financially unstable, hungry, and unhoused of our community ahead during what has been an unseasonably cold winter.

Catholic Charities and the City of Tampa opened Tampa Hope in December of 2021 along E. 3rd Avenue. in east Ybor. Today, the homeless shelter has a capacity of 235 beds: 125 tents and 99 cottages. In partnership with Catholic Charities, Tampa Hope is now nationally recognized. The site not only offers a place to live, but also Case Management, Financial Literacy Classes, AA Meetings, Bible Study, a USF Mobile Bus and Catholic Charities Mental Health Counseling.

Click to View the Tampa Hope Needs List:
  • Men’s and women’s underwear
  • Blankets, sheets and towels
  • Shower shoes/flip flops
  • Men’s and women’s shoes
  • Laundry detergent
  • Four-person tents
  • Non-perishable snacks and foods
  • Toilet paper
  • Deodorant
  • Bars of soap
  • Brooms/dust pans
  • Women’s hair products
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Cooling towels
  • Rechargeable or solar fans

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry provides emergency groceries to those in need from nine locations across Hillsborough County, as well as two thrift stores, which provide low cost clothing and supplies.

Click to View the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Needs List
  • Peanut butter
  • Crackers, cookies
  • Cereal or Oatmeal (individual or boxed)
  • Dried pasta, or boxed pasta dinners
  • Pasta sauce
  • Rice or boxed rice dinners
  • Dried or canned beans
  • Tuna, or other canned proteins
  • Canned soups, stews, pastas, or other canned meals
  • Non-perishable, single-serving snack or food items of any kind
  • Juice boxes, shelf-stable milk boxes

Additional information and needs list updates will be available on this page as they are received. As always, the church appreciates your attentiveness and generosity for these drives.

Blessed Are the Bike Mechanics!

Parish News

…for they will take your old bike, and make it new again, both in function and in purpose!

As Bikes from the Heart approaches its third anniversary as a ministry of our parish in 2026, you can no longer consider this outreach as fledgling. They are flying. Gone are the days at the North Campus Convent when founders Tim Eves and Tom Henry would toil away on just a bike or two at a time. Support from parishioners and an active volunteer network of more than 25 quickly amassed, so it’s honestly hard to say there ever were times when it was only just a bike or two. To date, the ministry states they have refurbished over 2,500 bikes, including more than 1.100 in 2025 alone.

For those who may not know, BFTH collects used bikes, refurbishes them to working order, and distributes them to the transportation disadvantaged across our area, which can be anyone from the unhoused and homeless, to those who cannot drive and need a connection to work or local services, and even students who need a reliable way to get to school. The ministry retrofitted the first floor of the convent on the property formerly known as Sacred Heart Academy into a full scale bike shop, with storage for donated bikes, multiple repair stations, and rooms for parts and completed rebuilds.

“Community makes everything possible,” said Eves, when thinking back to what the ministry was able to achieve over the last year. That statement is indicative of both the collaborative nature of their ministry,which relies on volunteers, as well as partnerships with public agencies for disused and forgotten bikes, and and local businesses for necessary parts, and also the way in which it was conceived. Both Eves and Henry collaborated to create the ministry through the knowledge they gained from volunteering with other outreach ministries. For Tim, an avid cyclist, he cites his time volunteering with the bike ministry at nearby Hyde Park United Methodist as part of the inspiration. For Tom, he has worked with several ministries catering to those in need, especially Tampa Hope. Pair those two experiences, and…BOOM…you’ve got Bikes from the Heart!

“When Tom and I had the idea to start Bikes from the Heart, we were both freshly retired and looking for something to do,” Tim stated. “We started this thinking we were just going to repair a few bikes a month and give them away. But our ministry has grown way beyond our expectations – we are blessed with active volunteers. I have come to realize that we are not just fixing bikes – but that every aspect of what we do is a ministry.” Both Eves and Henry often refer to the bike ministry as “one knot in a very large net,” referring to their mission as being a small aspect of the larger network of ministries, both internal and external to our parish, that help address the potential gaps in the lives of the poor or homeless. The ministry, though, has taken on life of its own, opening pathways for donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and recipients alike.

Volunteers regularly welcome in those who have recently received a bike from the ministry to come and volunteer in the shop, if nothing more than to learn how to properly maintain their new ride. More often than not, the recipients wish to pay forward the kindness afforded to them by helping with builds for future giveaways. In 2025, BFTH developed a program to welcome local businesses as volunteers at the shop, with several notable organizations, from the parish’s next door neighbors at Le Méridien, to members of the Tampa Bay Rays front office and facilities staffs, for team-building events or to fulfill employee volunteering requirements. To keep things simple, they have those groups work on stripping bikes not suitable for repair for their functioning parts.

That is not to say you are limited to that experience as a volunteer. Volunteers are always happy to teach anyone who wishes to get their hands greasy every aspect of maintenance and repair, and no prior experience is necessary to participate. The ministry is currently developing a program alongside several local bike shops to instruct volunteer technicians enough that they might be able to seek employment at one of the partnering shops once fully trained.

Volunteers don’t limit their work to the convent-turned-bike shop, either. Each Sunday, a crew gathers at the Portico to distribute bikes to those who have applied in recent weeks, and to assist with repairs for anyone who needs some help. During Advent and Christmas, the ministry supported On-Bikes’ annual Santa’s Workshop event, sending 19 volunteers to help build bikes given away as presents to children. They even were able to deliver some of their own stock, 51 in total, to three different charity initiatives in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties providing children gifts for the holidays.

At each Mass this weekend (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 25, 2026), you will hear from Tim and Tom directly about the impact this ministry has had as a “knot in the net, and how important support from parishioners and visitors alike has been to their success. Below is a summary of their 2025 successes:

  • Annual Christmas Sale resulted in 30 bikes sold, raising funds for future builds
  • Gave away 51 children’s bikes at Christmas to the following:
    • Hillsborough County Commissioner Myers’ Annual Event – 24 bikes
    • Movement of God Church – Pinellas Park – 12 bikes
    • It’s Better to Give than Receive charity – 15 bikes
  • More than 500 bikes donated through partnership with The Portico on Sunday mornings during available repair hours
  • Purchased new signage for the Bikes from the Heart trailer

To learn how you can support Bikes from the Heart, please visit shfla.org/bikes. If you wish to make a financial contribution to the ministry, you can place a check in the weekly offertory made out to “Sacred Heart Catholic Church” with “Bikes from the Heart” on the memo line, or drop it off in person at the bike shop, and maybe stick around for a tour!

If you are clearing bikes from your garage, consider donating them to BFTH. They can be dropped off at the shop during their operational hours of Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bikes from the Heart obviously appreciates the power of prayer, and are always seeking additional prayers for their ministry and volunteers, and asks you to keep them in your prayers throughout the coming year.

The Right Relationship | Friar Reflections | The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (2026)

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God…

…the Lord be with you!

Today begins the week of prayer for Christian Unity. In the opening prayer for today’s Mass we prayed, “…hear the pleading of your people and bestow peace in our times.” Given the division going on is our world, our country, and our church, I can’t think of any more urgent prayer: “Peace in our times.” But what would this peace look like.

First, peace is NOT defined as the absence of war or conflict. Peace (in the Biblical sense) is that we live in RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God, one another, creation, and ourselves. It seems to me that this notion of right relationship is the reason why the Church has selected the Gospel according to John’s account of the Baptism of Jesus only one week after we celebrated the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord.

Baptism is a defining event in most, if not all Christian denominations. If a person seeks full communion with the Catholic Church, we more often than not do not rebaptize as long as the baptism was done with water and the words “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit” were said. But what exactly does Baptism do, and why did Jesus need to be baptized if He was/is sinless?

I like to say that Jesus entered the waters of the Jordan river clean and symbolically took upon Himself the sins of humanity. His was not a baptism of repentance (since He had no sin to repent of) but rather was a Baptism of solidarity with sinners which all of us are. We are baptized into Christ’s baptism of solidarity, and at the same time cleansed of original sin. As we say in the Creed, “…one baptism for the forgiveness of SINS.” Sin divides us; the grace of Christ heals and unites us.

All of us need the healing, forgiving grace of Christ. And with that healing and forgiving comes the mandate to live as a healed forgiven person in the world. Our primary identity is Christ…not following any particular political leader or party; not defining ourselves through the lens of gender or sexual identity. As St. Augustine wrote, “Rejoice O Christian, for by your baptism YOU are more than a Christian, YOU are CHRIST Himself.”

This week let’s look on all the people we encounter as other Christ’s. If we begin to look at one another differently then maybe we will begin to treat each other differently. This week, when we plead for the unity of all who call themselves Christian, let’s ACT like Christ Himself.

– Fr. Steve

The Clearest Moment | Friar Reflections | The Baptism of the Lord

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, and it’s worth starting with the obvious question people have been asking for centuries: Why does Jesus get baptized at all?

John’s baptism was about repentance. It was for people who needed to turn their lives around. So why does the sinless Son of God step into that same muddy Jordan River? And the answer is simple—but not shallow. Jesus doesn’t enter the water because He needs to be cleansed. He enters the water because we do. This moment is not about Jesus changing. It’s about the water changing.

By stepping into the Jordan, Christ sanctifies the waters of the world. From that point on, water is no longer just water. It becomes a place of encounter—where heaven touches earth, where God chooses to act.

And notice what happens. The heavens open. The Spirit descends. The Father speaks.

This is one of the clearest moments in the Gospels where the Trinity reveals itself—not in theory, not in a creed, but in an event. God shows us who He is by what He does. And what does the Father say? “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Not after Jesus has performed a miracle. Not after He’s preached a sermon. Not after the Cross. Before all of it.

Which tells us something important: Jesus is loved not for what He does, but for who He is.

And here’s where this feast turns toward us. Because in our baptism, something very similar happens—whether we remember it or not. The heavens are opened. The Spirit is given. And the Father claims us. You may not have heard a voice from the clouds. Most of us were infants, after all. But the Church dares to say that the same truth spoken over Jesus is spoken over you: You are my beloved child. I delight in you. Not because you’ve earned it. Not because you’ve gotten everything right. But because you belong to Christ.

The Baptism of the Lord marks the end of Christmas, but it also marks the beginning of mission. Jesus comes up out of the water and immediately moves toward the desert, toward ministry, toward the world as it actually is.

Which reminds us: baptism is not a private comfort—it’s a public calling. We are baptized not just from something—sin, death—but for something: to live as sons and daughters who know they are loved and therefore are free to love in return.

So today, as Christmas fades and ordinary time begins, the Church quietly asks us one question: Do you remember who you are? Not your job. Not your failures. Not your worries. But this: You are baptized. You are claimed. You are beloved. And that is where the Christian life always begins.

Peace and All Good,
– Fr. Zack

The Spirit of Assisi | From the Desk of the Pastor | January 2026

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

Dear Parishioners,

I would like to share with you a reflection someone has sent me on the World Day of Peace.

Established by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the World Day of Peace is celebrated annually on January 1st, coinciding with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It was inspired by the encyclicals Pacem in Terris (John XXIII) and Populorum Progressio (Paul VI), the first observance was held on January 1, 1968.

Each year, the Pope publishes a formal message addressed not just to Catholics, but to “all men of good will” and heads of state. This message serves as a magisterial declaration on social doctrine, covering issues like human rights, economic justice, and international diplomacy.

The theme for the 59th World Day of Peace (January 1, 2026) is “Peace Be With You All: Towards an ‘Unarmed and Disarming’ Peace.” It emphasizes that peace should not be rooted in fear or weapons (“unarmed”) and must have the power to open hearts and resolve conflict (“disarming”).

The “Spirit of Assisi” is a landmark concept in Catholic interreligious dialogue, born from the World Day of Prayer for Peace held on October 27, 1986. Initiated by Pope John Paul II, it brought together 160 religious leaders—including Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and traditional African religions—to the birthplace of St. Francis to pray for peace during the Cold War.

The original 1986 gathering was a bold response to the Cold War’s height. For the first time in history, the Catholic Church did not invite other faiths to convert or debate, but to stand side-by-side.

John Paul II was careful with his language to avoid the charge of “syncretism”—the blurring of distinct religious identities into a vague, single faith. He famously stated that they had not come to “pray together,” but to “be together to pray.” Each tradition was given its own space to offer prayers according to its own rites, after which they walked in silence together toward the Basilica of St. Francis.

While the event was hosted by the Vatican, its success depended on how non-Christian traditions viewed the invitation. For many, it was a move from being “objects of mission” to “partners in peace.”

For the Muslim delegations, the Spirit of Assisi resonated with the Quranic injunction that God created different nations and tribes “that you may know one another” (49:13). Many Muslim leaders viewed the event through the historical lens of St. Francis’s 1219

meeting with Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil during the Crusades—a rare moment of medieval respect. Islamic representatives saw the gathering as a platform to declare that “genuine religious belief is a source of harmony” and that the use of religion for violence is a “terrible abuse.”

The Spirit of Assisi is built on several core convictions articulated by successive Popes:

  • Universal Brotherhood: The belief that all humans share a common origin and destiny, making peace a universal duty.
  • The Power of Prayer: A conviction that peace is not merely the result of political negotiations but a gift from God that must be sought through humble prayer.
  • The Rejection of Violence: A solemn declaration that “whoever uses religion to foment violence contradicts religion’s deepest and truest inspiration.”
  • Identity and Alterity: Encouraging believers to be “pilgrims” who are firm in their own faith while remaining open to the “other” as a brother or sister.

Assisi is often called a “Prophecy of Peace.” In an era where religion is frequently weaponized to fuel conflict, the Spirit of Assisi offers an alternative narrative. It posits that the more deeply one enters into their own faith, the more they find a common human longing for the Transcendent and for the peace that “surpasses all understanding.”

Today, the “Spirit of Assisi” has evolved from a single historical event into a practical framework for addressing modern global crises. In our current context of deep political polarization and digital echo chambers, it offers several vital lessons for the 21st century:

  • A Counter-Narrative to the “Clash of Civilizations”: In a world where religion is often blamed for conflict, the Spirit of Assisi provides a “prophecy of peace.” It demonstrates that religious identity can be a bridge rather than a barrier, offering a direct rebuttal to the idea that different cultures are destined for inevitable conflict.
  • The “Theology of the Neighbor”: It shifts the focus from abstract theological debate (which often divides) to shared ethical action (which unites). Today, this means interfaith cooperation on global issues like climate change, migration, and poverty. It suggests that “saving our common home” is a spiritual duty shared by all traditions.
  • Human Fraternity over Uniformity: It teaches us how to coexist without erasing our differences. By emphasizing the “gift of peace,” it encourages a “culture of encounter” where we don’t just tolerate the “other” but recognize their inherent dignity. This is particularly relevant in multicultural societies struggling with social cohesion.
  • The Role of Silence and Prayer in Diplomacy: In an era of “loud” social media and aggressive rhetoric, Assisi’s emphasis on silence, pilgrimage, and prayer reminds us that peace requires internal work. It suggests that political solutions are more sustainable when backed by a shared moral and spiritual commitment.

In short, for us today, the Spirit of Assisi means active, collaborative hope. It is the belief that when people of faith (and no faith) stand together, they become a more powerful force for good than any political or military power.

The Spirit of Assisi remains a “prophetic gesture.” It suggests that in a fragmented world, the path to peace requires not just treaties, but a spiritual “workshop” where leaders of different faiths can offer a counter-narrative to violence through silence, pilgrimage, and mutual respect.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike