Category Archives: Parish News

Turning the Tables | From the Desk of the Pastor | April 2025

From the Desk of the Pastor, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the fifth Sunday of Lent. In today’s Gospel of John, we hear about the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and the Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus as a way of testing Him. They then asked Him “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” (John 8:4-5) If He said “no,” then they would have charged Him for not following the law of Moses. If He said yes, then they would have said He doesn’t believe in God’s mercy.

Jesus realizes that the scribes and the Pharisees don’t care about this woman. They are using her for their own purpose. Was the woman not also used in this adultery? Many have asked, “where was the man?” Adultery takes two people, yet the man is not brought before the people and charged. Jesus breaks this cycle by asking “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Like so many other times when Jesus is challenged, He turns the table around and puts the onus on them.

Jesus then shows us God’s mercy when He asks “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”(John 8:10-11)

Jesus is showing us how to be forgiving and merciful and not be judgmental of others. In all of the times we hear Jesus forgiving people He never gives a penance. He gives them hope that they can start anew through God’s love.

Pope Francis in similar words states: “Sin is not a stain that I must wash out. What I need to do is ask forgiveness and reconcile myself, not go to the drycleaners. I have to go encounter Jesus who gave his life for me.” In the end the woman caught in adultery encountered Jesus. That encounter enabled her to go off and to sin no more.

At this Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. Mass, we are celebrating the Third Scrutiny for the twenty Elect who will be coming into the church at the Easter Vigil. At this Mass, we hear the readings from Year A. We have another story from John’s Gospel, the story of Lazarus. Fr. Steve has given the Elect some reflection questions in their Catechumenate sessions that I feel all of us could benefit from in our own reflection over this final week before Holy Week:

  • Why is it important to read that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus”?
  • How does Martha respond to Jesus question, “I am the resurrection and the life…do you believe this?”
  • Why is it important that Jesus gives the community two commands, “take away the stone” and “untie him?”
  • Do you believe that Jesus loves You? Why or why not?
  • Who is Jesus for you?
  • Lazarus is resuscitated, not resurrected. What is the difference?
  • What stone stands in the way of your relationship with Christ, yourself, and others?
  • What do you need to be untied from or let loose of?
  • What would you like your new life in Christ to look like?

I have reflected year after year on one aspect of this Gospel passage, “And Jesus wept” (John 11:35). It’s just a three word exclamation of what was occurring, but this sentence is so full of meaning. What part of John’s telling of The Raising of Lazarus resonates with you?

I hope that over the next few weeks you will continue to pray for all those who will be entering the Church at this year’s Easter Vigil. We are so blessed to have all them become a part of our faith community.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Former Parishioner’s Art Inspired By Christ’s Passion

Parish News

As we draw closer to Good Friday in this holy season of Lent, we are called to contemplate and meditate on our repentance and imitation of Christ as well as the suffering Jesus endured for our salvation. To that end, local artist Eric Santos is creating sculptural works to help facilitate that spiritual devotion. The weapons of Christ, or Arma Christi, are a collection of symbols and items associated with the crucifixion. The first two pieces in this installation Eric has created are interpretations based on history and theology of the Crown of Thorns and the scourges used during our Lord’s Passion. These implements used to harm Christ were simultaneously used by God to conquer sin and death.

“My goal is to help myself and others to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the death and resurrection of Jesus,” Santos stated when visiting Sacred Heart earlier this month. Eric is currently finishing his BFA in Studio Art at the University of South Florida, and is set to complete a Master’s in Sacred Art soon after. Santos went through O.C.I.A. here at Sacred Heart and attended Mass here for several years.  “I have a deep love and appreciation for [Sacred Heart]”, Santos continued. Following his coursework, Eric says his goal is to “spend my life in the service of Christ through my artwork and to use my artwork to inspire myself and others to grow in their faith.”

View a gallery of Eric Santos’ Arma Christi below.

Moments of Clarity | Friar Reflections | Second Sunday of Lent (2025)

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Have you ever have an “Aha!” moment? I did, and because I am a not too-smart Franciscan, I have them often. The most life changing “Aha!” moment happened when I was discerning my vocation. Should I continue my plan of returning to teaching as a Franciscan Brother or was God calling me to ordination? It happened that a woman approached me while I was a student friar and tearfully asked if I would hear her confession. The cause of her tears was that she was denied absolution because she didn’t know the Act of Contrition…in Latin! I told her I wasn’t a priest, but Father Andrew would make everything okay. He did, and I never saw her again.

On the ride back to the friary, I expressed my indignation at that priest, and, trying to calm me down, Fr. Andrew suggested that I go to the beach and reflect on the incident. I did, and after about twenty minutes I realized I had been asking the wrong question concerning my vocation. The question was not “should I get ordained” but rather, “how can I best serve.” And the rest you know.

It seems to me that all three readings today are about “Aha!” moments. In Genesis (15:5-12,17-18), Abram experiences the Lord God, and because of his obedience the LORD made a covenant with him and his descendants. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians (3:17-4:1), he writes that God “will change our lowly body to conform with His (Christ’s) glorified body.” The result (the “Aha!”) of standing firm (in faith) in the Lord.

With the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28b-36) of Jesus, the apostles Peter, John, and James, having become overwhelmed by sleep became “fully awake” and “saw (Christ’s) glory and the two men (Moses and Elijah) standing with Him.” An “Aha!” moment to say the least, but one which they didn’t fully understand until the Resurrection/Pentecost.

If Catholicism is anything, it is a religion of “aha moments”…Baptism changes us into Christ…bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ….we celebrate our forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

My prayer for all of us this Lent is that our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving may open us to a greater awareness of the “aha moments” that enfold us.

– Fr. Steve

Upcoming Drive Benefits Local Pregnancy Centers

Parish News

Don’t miss this opportunity to put your faith into action within our community! Our next Giving from the Heart drive-through donation drive is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Campus.

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!

Volunteers from both our Women’s and Men’s Prayer Groups will be on hand to greet donors as they drop off needed supplies for our beneficiary, the Foundations of Life Pregnancy Centers of Catholic Charities. Foundations of Life is a special service offered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, where its centers provide support to women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Each center offers free, confidential, and nonjudgmental assistance to women of all ages, stressing to their clients that they don’t have to face their unplanned pregnancy alone. The centers also assist with the essentials needed for early childcare through toddler ages.

Items of greatest need include: diapers (sizes 4-6 preferred), formula, wipes, baby lotion, baby wash & shampoo, diaper rash creams, sprays, or ointments, baby blankets, bottles, pacifiers, clothes (onesies or sizes 9M-18M, up to 2T), baby caps & booties, used strollers, carriers, & car seats, baby & 2nd stage foods

Can’t make it to the drive, but still wish to help out? The Amazon Wishlist for April’s Giving from the Heart is live, with items available to be delivered to the church directly!

Resisting Temptation | Friar Reflections | First Sunday of Lent

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

Peace and all good to you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! As we have now begun our Season of Lent, with our First Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us into the desert with Jesus. We witness His confrontation with the devil and His unwavering trust in the Father. This passage from the Gospel of Luke (4:1-13) invites us, especially as followers of Franciscan spirituality, to reflect on the themes of poverty, humility, and trust in divine providence.

St. Francis, in his deep love for the poor and crucified Christ, saw the temptations of Jesus as a call to embrace a life of dependence on God. We now continue our journey together through this Lenten Season striving to live the Gospel with the eyes and hearts of St. Francis.

“One does not live on bread alone” | Embracing Poverty & Simplicity | The first temptation Jesus faces is hunger. After fasting for forty days, He is invited by the devil to turn stones into bread. But Jesus responds, “One does not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4).

St. Francis lived this truth profoundly. He abandoned wealth and privilege to embrace holy poverty, recognizing that our deepest hunger is for God, not material security. Lent calls us to let go of excessive attachments and trust in God’s providence. It is a time too fast, not just from food, but from all that distracts us from relying on the Lord. So, we ask ourselves… Do we place our trust in material comforts, or do we seek to be nourished by the Word of God?

“You shall worship the Lord your God and Him alone shall you serve” | The Call to Humility | The second temptation is about power. The devil offers Jesus’ authority over all kingdoms, saying that it will be His if He worships Satan. Jesus refuses, declaring that God alone is worthy of worship.

Francis of Assisi, though once ambitious and eager for worldly success, learned that true greatness comes from humility and service. He chose to live among the poor, not seeking power or recognition, but only the love of God. Lent is a time for us to resist the temptations of pride, ego, and the desire for control, instead choosing the humble way of Christ. Once again, we ask…Are we tempted by power, status, or the need for recognition? How can we embrace humility in our daily lives?

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” | Surrendering to God’s Will | In the final temptation, the devil challenges Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple, testing God’s protection. Jesus refuses, showing complete trust in the Father’s plan.

St. Francis also learned to trust God completely, even in suffering and uncertainty. Whether begging for food, preaching with no guarantee of success, or bearing the wounds of Christ in his own body, Francis never doubted that God was with him. Lent calls us to let go of our fears and surrender fully to God’s will. And finally, we ask ourselves… Do we trust God in times of difficulty, or do we try to control everything? Are we willing to surrender to God’s plan?

Lent is a time of renewal, a call to follow Christ more closely in poverty, humility, and trust. Like Jesus in the desert and Francis in his radical discipleship, we are invited to fast from attachments that keep us from God. Pray with simplicity and sincerity, deepening our relationship with Christ. Give generously, sharing with those in need, as Francis did.

We ask our Lord to transform our hearts this Lent, so that we may walk more faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus and St. Francis.

May our Lenten journey lead us to the joy of Easter, where we will rise with Christ in newness of life. Amen.

– Fr. Zack

How Much of Ourselves | From the Desk of the Pastor | March 2025

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

Dear Parishioners,

This week we begin the season of Lent. Pope Francis once stated, “Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.”

This quote challenges us to reflect on how much of ourselves are we willing to give to God and to one another. Pope Francis went on to state, “As long as there is a brother or sister to whom we close our hearts, we will still be far from being disciples as Jesus asks us.” This Lent, as we journey to Easter, let us truly be disciples who truly love God and one another.

We are almost finished with the first phase of the preservation work on the church. This phase includes all of the work that we have finished on the front façade, including the repointing of the marble, repositioning of the cross, repairs to the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the filling the fractures on the rose window. It also includes the restoration exterior doors of the church. Our contractor, All Trades Historical Restoration, is almost done with the ADA doors at the Twiggs Street entrance. They will move on to the northern set of front doors next. To date, this work has cost the parish just north of $486,000.

Additional preservation phases are planned, but are yet to be funded. They include the following projects:

  • Dome restoration on northwest corner
    • Rinse and sand deteriorated panels
    • Sand and paint panels
    • Repair brickwork
  • Repair leaks on the exterior of the southeast portion of the apse
  • SW Vertical Wall Restoration
    • Investigate leak
    • Remove deteriorated mortar
    • Repoint joints as necessary

These future phases are estimated to cost the parish $182,000. One area of repair not listed is the tile adjacent to the sanctuary. You might have noticed that some of the tile has come loose near the choir area. We are currently looking for similar tile and as well as the utilization of the existing loose tile. This is being researched further, and will be addressed in the coming months.

We have been moving forward steadily with the planned renovations to the kitchen at the North Campus. Much of the preliminary work is done. As I have mentioned before, this project will include the installation of all new plumbing for both the kitchen and for the adjacent bathrooms. Many of the pipes are brittle or broken, and have not been retrofitted since their initial installation during the original construction. Recently, while the architect and engineers were looking at this building, it was determined that a new roof is needed for this building, which houses the cafeteria, auditorium, and Alumni Hall. The estimated cost for the new roof is in the $200,000 range.

This important work cannot be researched and accomplished without the dedicated volunteers on our Parish Maintenance Committee. With the amount of projects currently underway or in the planning stages, additional hands are needed. If you or someone you know has who has experience in construction, contracting, planning, engineering, or anything within the field of building maintenance, and wish to help the parish, please let me know. I will happily invite you to join our committee.

Lastly, I wish to let you know about a recent change to our Parish Advisory Board. Our chair, Laura Prather, has stepped down, with current board member Lynda Marsh taking on the role as the new chair. We will use this transition as a way to reorganize and to strengthen the Parish Advisory Board, and its connection with our parishioners. The board serves a vital role in helping serve our parish, and I thank Laura for all of her efforts in steering the board over these last few years.

Peace and all good,
Fr. Mike

Bike Ministry Donates 1500th Restoration to Tampa Hope Resident

Parish News

Bikes from the Heart, Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s outreach devoted to refurbishing and redistributing bicycles to those in need across Tampa Bay has reached yet another milestone, with the ministry set to donate their 1500th bicycle this Friday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. on the front steps of the church.

Receiving this special bicycle is Danielle Ritchie, an unhoused member of our community and current client of the Tampa Hope Homeless Shelter, a partnership initiative between the City of Tampa and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Catholic Charities located in east Ybor. Ritchie has been a resident at Tampa Hope since early December 2024 and is poised to use the donated bike to continue her search for work, as well as attend medical office visits.

Feature from WFTS ABC Action News 28 to follow…

Bikes from the Heart is a volunteer program founded in 2023 by Sacred Heart parishioners Tim Eves and Tom Henry that operates out of the former convent on the church’s “North Campus” property, formerly Sacred Heart Academy (3515 N Florida Avenue). Used bicycles and parts are donated to BFTH by individuals, parishioners of Sacred Heart and other area churches, apartment and condominium complexes, and partners like WellBuilt Bikes or local law enforcement. Those bikes are then refurbished into working order to be given to recipients across Tampa Bay that are struggling with access to reliable transportation. The ministry has grown to employ more than a dozen regular volunteers and hopes to refurbish and redistribute at least 1000 bicycles each year. BFTH is the 2024 winner of the Downtown Collaboration Award from the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Urban Excellence Awards, and is funded in part by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Community Impact Grant.

To learn more about the ministry, volunteer, or donate, visit shfla.org/bikes.

The Burdens and Blessings of Choice | Friar Reflections | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Years ago, when my friend Sister Kate Murphy, OSF, was in her eighties, I would often ask her, “Kate, if you had to choose Jesus or me, who would you choose?” She always answered that she would choose me, to which I would say, “Wrong choice! You’re 80!” Now picture Fr. David Phan, OFM. As soon as I would say, “David, if you had to choose…” and before I would finish, he would respond, “Yes!”

It seems to me that all the readings hold out to us the demand to choose either a life of blessing or curse. Of course, most of us would choose blessing. The difficulty is that sometimes we must choose so quickly that we choose without reflection. Other times, the choice is not between good or evil, but between two actions or things which are both good. Sometimes, we choose without enough information or life experience. And even not to choose is itself a choice.

What might help us is asking, what a person choosing blessing would look like. In today’s Gospel according to Luke (6:17, 20-26) Jesus describes a blessed person as knowing that no matter how monetarily wealthy one is, they are aware of their existential poverty. None of us will live forever, and all the wealth we accumulated does not go with us.

We are blessed when we realize that no matter how much stuff we have, we are still hungry for more. But more of what? Or better yet, hungry for whom?

The answer, of course, is God.

We choose to be blessed people when we mourn, for our own sins and the sins of the world. And when hated or ridiculed by others because of our choices to trust in God rather than our wealth, we continue to trust in “Christ (who) has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

All of today’s readings ask us to make conscious choices for God, and God’s values. Moral theologians call this “our fundamental option.” And in choosing choices that point us in the direction of God, we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit living within us.

– Fr. Steve

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

Faith Formation, Parish News

My Good Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Lord give you His peace!

-Fr. Zack

Recognizing the Relationship | From the Desk of the Pastor | February 2025

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

Dear Parishioners,

As we get closer to the Lent, I wanted to share with you a decision that the parish has made about the weekly Stations of the Cross hosted on each of the Friday evenings during the season. Over the past few years the attendance for Stations has decreased. I believe there are several reasons for this. First, is that we do not have free parking available on Friday evenings near the church. The city previously allowed free parking on the street after 6 p.m., however that changed several years ago, and now, of course, you have to pay at a station of via the app. Second, the increase in activity downtown can make it difficult to find any parking, especially spaces that do no have surge pricing due to an event. Several older parishioners have informed me they don’t like driving in downtown Tampa at night. Last year, we also had stopped the Soup Suppers due to attendance.

The staff has looked at other alternatives, such as changing the timing or frequency. However, we always have to consider our busy wedding schedule in relation to in-church events on weekend evenings. Our wedding schedule allows for a Friday afternoon wedding where the church is occupied from 1 to 3:30 p.m.. Then we run into rehearsals for the Saturday weddings, which can be scheduled at any point between 4 and 7 p.m.

The staff came up with a solution that I am excited about, especially in relation to the increase of visitors to the church as part of the Jubilee pilgrimage. Signage will be placed in the back of the church inviting parishioners and visitors alike to take part in a self-guided prayer service of our stations. This will be available to all during our normal hours of operation.

I recently read a letter that Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, wrote this past December. In it he talks about the renewal of the church ushered in by the Second Vatican Council. I would like to share this with everyone.

“By recognizing this relationship between how we worship and what we believe, the bishops at the council made clear that the renewal of the liturgy in the life of the church is central to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. It would be a mistake to reduce the renewal to a mere updating of our liturgy to fit the times we live in, as if it were a kind of liturgical facelift. We need the restoration of the liturgy because it gives us the capacity to proclaim Christ to the world.

“Thus, for instance, the council called for the full, active and conscious participation of all the baptized in the celebration of the Eucharist to reflect our belief that in the sacred liturgy the faithful become the Body of Christ that they receive.

“Our ritual for receiving of Holy Communion has special significance in this regard. It reminds us that receiving the Eucharist is not a private action but rather a communal one. For that reason, the norm established by Holy See for the universal church is for the faithful to process together as an expression of their coming forward as the Body of Christ and to receive Holy Communion standing.

“It is important to recall that processions have been part of the liturgy from the earliest days of Christian practice. They give us a sensible experience of what it means to be a pilgrim people, helping us keep in mind that we are making our way together to the fullness of the heavenly banquet Christ has prepared for us. This is why we process into the church, process up to bring the gifts, process to receive Holy Communion and process out at the end of Mass to carry the Lord into the world.

“Nothing should be done to impede any of these processions, particularly the one that takes place during the sacred Communion ritual. Disrupting this moment only diminishes this powerful symbolic expression, by which the faithful in processing together express their faith that they are called to become the very Body of Christ they receive. Certainly reverence can and should be expressed by bowing before the reception of Holy Communion, but no one should engage in a gesture that calls attention to oneself or disrupts the flow of the procession. That would be contrary to the norms of the church, which all the faithful are urged to respect and observe.”

You can read Cardinal Blase’s full statement here.

Peace and All Good,
– Fr. Mike