As you may be seeing, work on the church’s façade is progressing. We anticipate the scaffold coming down along the front of the church soon, and with that, we will redirect our attention to the doors and entryways that remain to be restored. Our concerns with the tile near the altar rail are being addressed as well, with repairs being planned for multiple locations around the church. At the North Campus, our Maintenance Committee and staff have been meeting with the architect and others over the kitchen in the auditorium. This too is progressing, and will speed up once the final plans are finished. I thank the Maintenance Committee members for all they have contributed to the parish with these many intricate and varied projects. We are currently looking to expand our committee and are in need of parishioners with expertise in engineering, project management, building, construction, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, etc. The committee meets formally between six and eight times a year. If you are interested in assisting the parish in this way, send me an email.
At Mass this weekend we begin the season of Advent with the Blessing of the Wreath. I know many of you have your own Advent wreaths at home, and so I wish to share with you this weekend’s blessing for you to us with your own wreaths at home.
Blessing of Wreath and Lighting of First Candle:
Leader: May the sprinkling of this water remind all of us gathered here of our first sharing in the grace of baptism.
During this time of Advent may we prepare for the Lord’s coming with open hearts and minds.
May this wreath be a symbol to us of this time of prayerful watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord, and a symbol of faith in the power of the Holy Spirit as we anticipate the fruits of this Advent Season.
Have each family member bless the wreath.
Leader: Lord Jesus, your coming was proclaimed by the prophets of old. The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed that all nations shall come to climb the mountain of the Lord. Instruct us that we may walk in the light of the world.
Family: Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus
Leader: Lord Jesus, St Paul urges us that all those who believe in Christ may grow in love of God and neighbor.
Family: Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus
Family lights the first candle.
Leader: Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please take the time to celebrate the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas.
With elections over, and the end of the liturgical year to be celebrated next weekend with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the readings this week seem to me to be quite apropos.
In the Gospel according to Mark (13:24-32), Jesus reminds His disciples of the truth that this world will be, and often is, filled with tribulation and change whether wanted or unwanted. But Jesus doesn’t leave them, nor us, without hope. “…they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” I think that the great power and glory that Jesus will come with is forgiveness and love. For those who imitate Christ in their lives, this offers great hope and comfort. And we, Christ’s Elect, will be gathered “from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”
The question then arises: what grounds our hope? Where can we find security when everything around us is in flux? Is hope merely wishful thinking? Again, the answer to these questions is found in the Gospel. The first piece of advice is to pay attention to what is happening in our lives and in our world. Instead of seeing just the awful or distressing, look for signs of Jesus’ already and always present, in our lives, our church, and our world. I’m fond of saying you find what you look for. I truly believe there is more grace than sin. But grace is often more subtle, and quiet. And if you can’t find any grace, be the grace you wish you could find.
Learn from the Eucharist. Though the bread is broken, it is in reality the Body and Blood of the Risen Christ. The Eucharist is our identity in this world, and our destiny. The destiny, not just of us but the cosmos “I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away…” (Rev. 21:1)
Our hope is grounded in the truth that Jesus said to His disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Christ, the Word of God made flesh, spoke the words of eternal life, and He and they are everlasting. Christ is the Truth, the Way, and the Life, given to us. And we who believe this, are called to become tender and bear fruit.
As the liturgical year comes to an end, let us reflect on our spiritual growth this past year. Has our faith given birth to the fruit of charity? If so how, and if not, why not?
This Sunday, our readings present us with profound lessons on true generosity and faith. At the heart of Mark’s Gospel, we encounter the story of the poor widow who gave two small coins as her offering at the temple. Jesus observes her act and points out to His disciples that she, in her poverty, has given more than all the others who contributed from their surplus wealth. This moment provides a powerful lesson: true generosity is measured not by the size of the gift, but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.
In our first reading from 1 Kings, we find a similar act of sacrificial giving. The prophet Elijah encounters a widow in Zarephath who, despite being on the brink of starvation with her son, offers him the last of her food. Her faith and willingness to give, even when she had so little, leads to God’s miraculous provision. This story echoes the Gospel’s theme: God values the selflessness and trust of those who give from their very need.
What then are the lessons we can take from these readings?
Generosity is an Act of Trust: Both widows in the readings give everything they have. Their acts are not just about charity; they are acts of profound trust in God. The widow in the Gospel might have worried about how she would survive after giving away her last coins, but she trusted that God would provide. This invites us to reflect: do we trust God enough to give not only from our abundance but even when it requires sacrifice?
Quality over Quantity: Society often measures the worth of a gift by its size or monetary value, but Jesus challenges this view. The wealthy donors in the Gospel gave large sums, but Jesus singled out the widow as her gift was all she had. God sees beyond appearances and values the love, faith, and sacrifice that accompany our offerings.
A Call to Examine Our Priorities: The Gospel begins with a warning against the scribes who seek honor and recognition while neglecting true compassion and service. This is a reminder for us to examine our motives. Are we seeking acknowledgment for our acts of kindness, or are we giving out of genuine love for God and neighbor? True discipleship calls us to humility and self-giving without seeking praise.
How do we apply these lessons in our lives? We are called to live out the Gospel by embracing a spirit of generosity and trust. This does not only mean financial giving; it means giving our time, energy, love, and service to others, especially those in need. True generosity may be as simple as offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or being present for someone who feels alone. It is in these acts, given from the heart, that we embody Christ’s teachings.
We can draw inspiration from these two widows who, in their poverty, showed extraordinary faith and love. We too, strive to give from the depths of our hearts, trusting that God sees and cherishes every act of selfless love. As we approach the altar, ask for grace to be generous —giving not only when it’s easy, but especially when it requires faith. Giving is not just about what you could spare—it’s more about what you were willing to share, no matter the cost.
This Saturday, November 2, we celebrate the Solemnity of All the Faithful Departed, more commonly known as All Souls’ Day. This month is often seen as a time to remember all of our loved ones. I’d like to remind you that this year, Remembrance Cards will be available to you, where you can write down the names of your departed loved ones and we will remember each of them at every Ordinary Time Mass throughout November. Many have already filled out the cards, causing us to run out last weekend. You can be sure that we will keep a supply in reserve as the month continues. Cards can be found near our Book of Intentions in the back of the church. Simply place the completed cards in the adjacent basket, and the friars will collect them.
A poem that I often read during near All Souls’ Day is called We Remember Them; a litany by Rabbis Sylvan Kamens and Jack Riemer. This poem reminds us of how the memories of our loved ones who have died, even if significant time has passed since their death, will be seen in smallest or most repetitive aspects of our own lives. The first time I heard this poem was at a remembrance celebration in 1999 at a local Hospice facility in Maryland. In the time since, I have revisited this litanty countless time for All Souls’ celebrations.
At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them. At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them. At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them. As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, We remember them. When we have joys we yearn to share, We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make, We remember them When we have achievements that are based on theirs, We remember them.
Some of you know that I am a bit of a baker. At that that Hospice remembrance service, one of the volunteers made these graham cracker dessert for those in attendance to share. They were absolutely delicious, and stick out in my mind whenever I think to that poem and service. It took me a while but I tracked down the woman who made them and she gave me the recipe, which I will share with you.
Graham Cracker Treats
Ingredients: 1 cup – Butter ½ cup – Sugar 1 cup – Chopped Pecans 12 large Graham Crackers
Directions: • Put graham crackers on a foiled cookie tray and sprinkle with pecans. • In a saucepan, melt sugar and butter over medium heat and let boil for 2 minutes. When finished, pour over crackers and pecans. • Bake in oven at 350*F for 10 minutes.
One of the best ways we remember loved ones is when we share what they had given us in life. Ahead of the holidays, let us share their stories and the gifts they have given us with others. As they have lived in us, may they now also live in others. For example, my great, great aunt Sarah died when I was a toddler. She was about 107. I don’t remember her, but I am connected to her through the warm stories my dad and grandmother would tell about her.
Take the time in November to pray for all those who have gone before us, as we remember them.
The passing of both Hurricane Helene and Milton through our region has seen thousands of our neighbors experience the hardship of damage to homes and vehicles, and the loss of personal property. With Sacred Heart and its ancillary facilities making it through each storm relatively unscathed, the focus of both the friars and parish committees has quickly turned to ways in which the parish can assist those recovering from myriads of issues these two storms have caused. As many local charities and government agencies have been expertly addressing immediate needs, such as food, water, and temporary lodging, our parish and ecumenical partners at Love INC of Metro Tampa are focused on providing relief to those who still face the uphill battle of recovery and replacement of necessary home goods and supplies.
A special Giving from the Heart drive-thru donation event has been scheduled for Saturday, November 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. to address the medium and long-term needs of families continuing their recovery processes. Members from Sacred Heart’s Knights of Columbus Council #12110 will be on hand at the North Campus (formerly Sacred Heart Academy; 3515 N Florida Avenue) to collect and collate all donated items, with volunteers from Love INC of Metro Tampa, who will assist in the distribution of the items to families across their network of local partner churches.
“Our goal is to provide much-needed relief to those impacted by the storms, helping families recover and rebuild,” says Chalette Davis, executive director of Love INC of Metro Tampa. “We are focused on meeting the practical needs for individuals and families affected by the hurricanes.”
Requested items will cover four categories from which kits or “love bundles” will be made to deliver to families in need:
Cleaning Kits
Personal Hygiene Kits (Self Care Love Bundle)
Infant/Toddler (Baby Love Bundles)
Household Necessity Kits (Welcome Home Love Bundles)
“Our prayers are obviously with our parishioners and neighbors,” says Fr. Mike Jones, OFM, pastor of Sacred Heart. “We know this is a difficult time for so many, especially on an emotional and spiritual level, and will be for quite a while. We are still receiving sporadic reports regarding damages to our parishioners’ and neighbors’ homes, so we want to make sure that if we can alleviate any burden during the recovery process, we work toward doing so.”
Sacred Heart has hosted its Giving from the Heart drives for nearly four years. Born out of an outpouring of love from parishioners during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the drives have become a staple of the downtown church’s community outreach efforts, with donation events being held every other month in support of new and diverse beneficiaries each time.
The friars of Sacred Heart are keeping all neighbors, both within their parish community and across the region, in their prayers as the process of recovery and healing continues.
Scripture scholars use the criterion of embarrassment as one of their tools to help them uncover the historicity of a particular scripture passage. Many scripture scholars also advocate that the Gospel according to Mark is the earliest gospel text written. In today’s Gospel (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus, for the third time, has told the disciples that He is soon to be handed over, mocked, scourged, and condemned to death. Rather than offer Him support, the brothers James and John basically ignore all that Jesus has just said, and, to put it bluntly, ask, “What does that have to do with us? Give us what we want.” Talk about throwing a bad light on the disciples! But don’t worry, Matthew (20:20-28) cleans this up and has their mother do the demanding. Jesus asks them, “Can you drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized.” To which they respond (probably without any reflection), “We can!”
Whenever we go to communion, we should remember that our reception of the Body and Blood of Christ (even if it is only the Eucharistic Bread) is a “re-dipping” into the waters of baptism. The baptism of Jesus of Nazareth was no washing away of sin, since Jesus was and is sinless. Rather, Christ’s baptism was a baptism of solidarity with sinners: the poor and hungry, the religiously disposed, and the politically powerless. This is the cup that Jesus asks James and John if they can drink from. And this is a question we must ask ourselves as we enter the communion line: Am I willing to live my baptism of solidarity with those who are different from me? Baptism is communion…and communion is a living out of our baptism.
Of course we all want to know, “what’s in it for me?’ I suppose the answer is, in the end, eternal life. But there’s more…to paraphrase Psalm 29:13, “we shall see the Lord in the land of the living.”
Our heaven will begin for us now, in this life, on this earth. Christ as Servant becomes for us the Way, the Truth, and the Life of us who have faith. Heaven is the result of how we live our life of faith, and it begins now…or it doesn’t begin at all.
Our readings this weekend challenge us to reflect on what we truly value in life. The Gospel from Mark presents the familiar story of the rich young man who seeks eternal life but struggles when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The man’s sadness at the thought of giving up his wealth speaks to a deeper spiritual truth: it’s not just about material possessions, but about what holds our heart.
In the first reading from Wisdom (7:7-11), we hear Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. He values wisdom above all earthly goods—gold, silver, health, or beauty. He teaches us that the greatest treasure we can seek is not material wealth, but God’s wisdom. This wisdom leads us to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life and what brings lasting fulfillment.
In the second reading, Hebrews 4:12-13, we are reminded that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates our hearts and exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s Word challenges us to see where our priorities lie and helps us discern what is keeping us from fully following Christ.
When Jesus tells the rich young man to sell his possessions, He is not condemning wealth itself, but rather pointing out that it can become an obstacle to following God wholeheartedly. It is a reminder that whatever we are most attached to—whether it’s wealth, status, or comfort—can become a stumbling block in our relationship with God. Jesus invites us to let go of anything that prevents us from living fully for Him.
As we reflect on today’s readings, we are challenged to ask ourselves: What is holding me back from following Christ more closely? What do I treasure more than my relationship with God? Jesus’ words remind us that only when we are willing to surrender our attachments and trust in God’s wisdom will we find the true riches of eternal life.
May we pray for the grace to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God, and to seek His wisdom as our greatest treasure. Let us trust that by following Jesus, even through sacrifice, we will inherit the eternal life He promises.
During the middle of the Civil War, in 1862, one of the Northern leaders asked president Abraham Lincoln for prayer that God would be on their side. Lincoln responded, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.” How often do we try to make God be on our side, with our own agendas and desires? Instead, our efforts should be in service of trying to be on God’s side, following the Gospel in our own lives.
We’ve all heard and likely used the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” WWJD ask us to apply Jesus’s teaching to our everyday life. When faced with difficult situation how do we respond? Do we respond with our own agenda or do we try to respond to the way God is calling us to? How would Jesus respond to the homeless, the immigrant or other people who may be different because of their faith, race, sexual orientation, or gender? Jesus’ response would be one of compassion and healing. As we get closer to the election I would like to repeat a quote that echoes this sentiment of thinking:
“On these often complex matters, it is the laity’s responsibility to form their consciences and grow in the virtue of prudence to approach the many and varied issues of the day with the mind of Christ. Conscience is “a judgment of reason” by which one determines whether an action is right or wrong (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1778). It does not allow us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere “feeling.” Conscience—properly formed according to God’s revelation and the teaching of the Church—is a means by which one listens to God and discerns how to act in accordance with the truth. The truth is something we receive, not something we make. We can only judge using the conscience we have, but our judgments do not make things true.“
St Francis of Assisi would pray “Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of myheart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, insight and wisdom, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command.”
November, with the feast of All Souls, is a time to remember all of our loved ones. This year, remembrance cards will be available for parishioners, where you may write down the names of your loved ones and we will remember all of the people during the ordinary time Masses throughout the month. Once filled, we simply ask that you place the card in the basket in the back of the church. At weekend Masses, we will bring the basket of cards up with the collection. During the week, we will have the cards on the altar at each Mass. We will also have cards available at the Gift Store. There is no need to e-mail or call the parish office to add your names. We ask that you do it when you come to Mass. We will have the Remembrance Cards available the last week of October. This new, month-long remembrance will take the place of this year’s Candle Lighting Service.
*This page will be updated as additional information is received.
Thursday, October 17 Update | Following the passing of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Friars and staff made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Fall Festival, out of respect for the time and availability of our volunteers and donors. We appreciate your understanding.
A special fall-themed Coffee & Donuts session will take its place, available in St. Francis Hall after all morning Masses on Sunday, October 27. Details can be viewed here.
Friday, October 11 Update | A reminder that all ministry activities are currently paused until power is restored to the North Campus. Our standard Mass and Reconciliation schedule has resumed following the passing of the storm, including all weekend Masses for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our OneBlood Big Red Bus visit on Sunday, October 13, will also move forward as planned.
Please click here to view a video update from Fr. Mike Jones, OFM.
Thursday, October 10 Update | Following a cursory inspection by our pastor, Fr. Mike Jones, OFM, of the church, friary, parish office, and neighboring gift store, Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s downtown campus is safe following the passing of Hurricane Milton. Minor leaks were observed within the church and parish office, but no structural damage is visible at this time, and power remains available. The scaffold in place along the front façade of the church for ongoing preservation projects remains intact.
The church will remain closed to the public today, Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The daily Mass and confession schedule will resume on Friday, October 11, 2024. Masses will be celebrated at 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Reconciliation will be held at 11:30 a.m.
Weekend Masses will begin with the 5:30 p.m. Vigil on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Reconciliation will be held from 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday evening.
Sunday Masses for October 13, 2024, will be celebrated along the standard schedule, at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon, and 5:30 p.m.
Caretakers for Sacred Heart’s North Campus (formerly Sacred Heart Academy, 3515 N. Florida Avenue), observed windowpanes broken or missing along the northern and eastern walls of the kitchen and auditorium, as well as the second story of the former convent. It is also assumed the auditorium, kitchen, and library air conditioning units have sustained minor damage.
The campus is currently without power, and unable to host ministry activities.
The North Campus kitchen is home to Sacred Heart’s Hands of Hope homeless outreach, which provides weekly meals and supply kits to the unhoused in Downtown Tampa. The former convent is home to Bikes from the Heart, our parish ministry dedicated to refurbishing used and broken bicycles to donate to those with transportation needs.
Additional updates will be posted as they become available.
The friars of Sacred Heart are keeping all neighbors, both within their parish community and across the region, in their prayers as the process of recovery and healing begins.
Tuesday, October 8 Update |Following the 7 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, October 8, our church, North Campus, parish office, and the S.H. Gift & Book Store WILL BE CLOSED due to weather impacts related to Hurricane Milton. All parish activities, including daily Mass, confessions, and parish group meetings have been cancelled or adjustedthrough theevening of Thursday, October 10.
The following parish activities have been adjusted or cancelled due to potential impacts from Hurricane Milton. This includes:
Daily Mass | Tuesday at 12:10 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday at 7 a.m., 12:10 p.m. | Cancelled
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Pastoral Center will be closed until it can be deemed safe to reopen. The building sustained damage as high winds caused windows to shatter. There is also no power and no utilities. The area surrounding the offices also suffered damage such as home and business flooding, trees down, and property damage.
All DOSP Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers will be closed on through at least Friday, October 11.
Prayer against Storms | from the Pieta Prayer Book Make the sign of the cross when you see the (+) symbol.
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. + God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. + Christ was born of a virgin. + Christ suffered. + Christ was crucified. + Christ died. + Christ rose from the dead. + Christ ascended into Heaven. + Christ conquers. + Christ reigns. + Christ orders. + May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh. + Christ is with us with Mary. + Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root of David, was won. + Holy God! + Holy Powerful God ! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us.
Amen!
Friday, September 27 Update (Helene | The church and North Campus sustained no visible damage during Hurricane Helene. The church, parish office, and the S.H. Gift & Book Store are open. Masses for this weekend (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time) will move forward as scheduled.
On the heels of an incredible inaugural campaign in 2023, Sacred Heart, alongside the Knights of Columbus Council #12110, is excited to announce the return of the popular “Socktober” sock drive, benefitting the many of the homeless initiatives with which our parish is associated.
Each night in Hillsborough County, a now estimated 1,893 unsheltered homeless are forced to live on the streets. Many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. They walk often and don’t always have laundry facilities at close reach. Clean socks are a reliably top-requested item at homeless shelters.
Located in both the Sacred Heart Gift and Book Store as well as the church, will be a pair of donation bins to address this critical need. Socktober donations may be made at all weekend Masses, or at the Gift and Book Store during weekday store hours throughout the month of October. Packages of new socks in adult sizes will be accepted. Our goal is to reach 2000 pairs, with the socks being distributed to the Tampa Hope homeless shelter, our Hands of Hope ministry, and Catholic Charities, among others.
Event this small act of love, donating a pair of socks, can make a big difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors. The Knights and friars thank you for your participation!
*This page will be updated with status updates from our drive as the month progresses. Thank you for your generosity in donating, and Happy Socktober!
Socktober is an international campaign that was started in 2011 when creator Brad Montague realized there was a large homeless population in his hometown, and he wanted to do something about it. While researching the needs of the homeless community, he learned that socks are the items least donated to homeless shelters. Since then, Socktober has exploded! Kids and adults around the world have started their own sock drives to benefit their local homeless shelters.
