Dear Parishioners,

As we gather each week to celebrate Mass, share in the Sacraments, and grow together in faith, it is easy to see the many ways God has blessed our parish community. Our church is far more than just a place where we meet on Sundays—it is a spiritual sanctuary, a beacon of hope in our local community, and a sacred home where generations of families have marked life’s most significant moments.

Like many of your own households, our parish family is navigating the realities of a changing economic landscape. The general rise in the cost of everyday living—from energy and utilities to basic operational supplies—affects our parish budget just as it does your homes. To continue providing the vibrant ministries, liturgical programs, and pastoral care that define our community, we must continuously adapt to these financial pressures while remaining faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Over the past year alone, significant investments have been made to maintain, preserve, and enhance our parish facilities and worship spaces:

▸ Major Structural Repairs: We invested approximately $290,000 to repair the church dome and repoint half of the exterior south wall.

▸ Worship & Liturgical Enhancements: We spent roughly $20,000 to upgrade our sound system for clearer audio during services, $6,500 for new chalices and patens for the altar, and $4,000 to replace the air conditioning compressor serving the choir loft to maintain a comfortable worship environment.

Looking ahead, caring for our historic physical infrastructure and expanding our community facilities require ongoing attention and continued investment:

• Preserving Our 121-Year-Old Church: Our main church building has stood as a testament of faith for over a century. While we have made great progress on the exterior, we still need to repoint more than half of the outside masonry before we can safely begin much-needed interior repairs. Additionally, critical restoration is still needed for the two large rose windows on the sides of the church.

• North Campus Renovations ($2.3M Project): Managing and maintaining our North Campus property remains an ongoing commitment. We are currently preparing for a comprehensive $2.3 million renovation of the auditorium kitchen and bathrooms, which we are hoping to start in about a month. This extensive project requires installing completely new plumbing and electrical systems, adding a building-wide sprinkler system, new equipment for the kitchen, and completing essential upgrades to make the entire facility and restrooms fully handicap accessible and up to code.
• Enhanced Campus Security: Ensuring the safety and peace of mind of everyone who enters our grounds is a top priority. We are looking at installing new security doors at St. Francis Hall, adding additional security cameras across all of our parish properties, and increasing our security presence during weekend Masses.

With these growing operational, structural, and safety needs in mind, we gently and prayerfully ask each family to consider whether a modest increase in your weekly offertory giving might be possible.

We fully recognize that financial circumstances differ for every household, and we ask only that you reflect on what works best for your budget. Whether through weekly envelope contributions, online giving, or the gift of your time and prayers, every contribution plays a vital role in sustaining our parish home.

Thank you for your steady generosity, your devotion, and your continued commitment to our shared mission. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones richly.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,

As we approach the Solemnity of St. Clare of Assisi on August 11, I realized that many people do not know much about her beyond her name. Because she lived and worked so closely with St. Francis, her own incredible story can be overshadowed. This month, I wanted to use my article to change that and share some deeply inspiring information about this remarkable woman.

Saint Clare of Assisi: The Indomitable Light of Franciscan Poverty | For the Franciscan family, St. Clare is not just a secondary figure or a holy companion to St. Francis; she is a co-founder of the Franciscan movement and the spiritual mother of the Second Order (the Poor Clares). In the Franciscan liturgical calendar, her day is elevated to the highest possible rank—a Solemnity—to honor her foundational role, her radical witness, and her enduring rule of life.

The Noblewoman Who Chose Nothing | Born Chiara Offreduccio in 1194, Clare was the eldest daughter of Favorino Scifi, the Count of Sasso-Rosso, and his deeply pious wife, Ortolana. Her family was one of the most powerful aristocratic clans in Assisi, owning a grand palace in the city and a castle on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Clare grew up destined for a life of high-society luxury, political marriages, and material security.

But as a teenager, Clare began hearing stories of a radical young man named Francis, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, who had stripped himself of his clothes and his inheritance to live in literal poverty among the lepers. Intrigued and deeply stirred by the Holy Spirit, Clare arranged secret meetings with Francis. In him, she saw a path to living the Gospel purely, stripped of feudal expectations.

On Palm Sunday in 1212, the 18-year-old Clare snuck out of her family’s palace through the “door of the dead”—a secondary door used only to carry out corpses, symbolizing her death to her old life. She ran through the woods to the Portiuncula, the tiny chapel restored by Francis and his early brothers. There, Francis cut off her long, beautiful hair, and she traded her fine silk gown for a rough woolen habit and a thick rope belt.

When her furious father and uncles tracked her down to a nearby Benedictine convent, aiming to drag her home by force, she clung to the altar linens and bared her cropped head, declaring that she had no spouse but Jesus Christ. Her conviction was so absolute that her family ultimately retreated.

A Relationship of Equals: Clare and Francis | The bond between Saint Francis and Saint Clare is one of the most beautiful and misunderstood spiritual friendships in history. They were not romantic partners, nor was Clare a passive student blindly following a male mentor. They were spiritual soulmates and partners in a radical Gospel revolution.

While Francis was the charismatic herald traveling and preaching across Europe, Clare was the steady, silent anchor of the Franciscan movement. From her cloister at San Damiano, she prayed continuously for Francis and his friars. When Francis faced intense doubt about whether he should live as a hermit or a preacher, it was Clare who discerned his true calling, sending word that God wanted him out in the world preaching.

Later in his life, when Francis was blind, dying, and suffering from the stigmata (the wounds of Christ), he sought refuge at San Damiano. It was under Clare’s maternal care, in a small hut in her convent garden, that Francis composed his famous Canticle of the Creatures.

The Radical Power of the “Privilege of Poverty” | The true measure of Clare’s strength was her lifelong chess match with the highest authorities of the Catholic Church.

In the 13th century, women’s religious communities were strictly expected to hold property, lands, and investments to ensure their safety and survival. The Church hierarchy viewed a group of cloistered women with zero steady income as a dangerous liability.

But Clare insisted on something entirely unprecedented: The Privilege of Poverty (Privilegium Paupertatis). She did not want her sisters to own land, receive rents, or hold property. They would live entirely on daily alms, trusting completely in God’s providence.

The Papal Position:

• Pope Gregory IX offered to grant her convent lands and exempt her from her vow of absolute poverty to ensure the community’s survival.

• Pope Innocent IV sought to impose a generic, milder monastic rule upon her community to keep them aligned with standard medieval practices.

Saint Clare’s Position:

• Clare refused, famously telling the Pope: “Holy Father, absolve me from my sins, but do not absolve me from following Jesus Christ.”

• Clare wrote her own Rule of Life—the first monastic rule ever written by a woman for women—ensuring absolute Gospel poverty.

For decades, popes tried to “protect” Clare by diluting her radical vision. Clare never backed down. She used the weapons available to her—uncompromising letters, respectful defiance, and an ironclad will wrapped in deep humility.

Her ultimate victory came on her deathbed. On August 9, 1253, Pope Innocent IV finally relented and issued a papal bull officially approving Clare’s strict, propertyless Rule of Life. Two days later, on August 11, Clare passed away, clutching the signed papal document in her hands.

Why Saint Clare Matters Today | St. Clare’s legacy teaches us that gentleness is not weakness, and humility is not submission. In an age when women had virtually no agency outside of marriage or aristocratic duty, Clare carved out a space of absolute spiritual freedom. She did not gain power by accumulating wealth, but by radically giving it away, leaving the world completely empty-handed but entirely filled with God.

As we celebrate her Solemnity, let us pray for her fierce courage to protect our own spiritual values against the pressures of the world, and for the grace to depend entirely on God’s providence.

Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us!

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,

When we choose a parish, we aren’t just picking a building to attend on Sundays; we are choosing a spiritual home. Registering as a parishioner is a vital step that formalizes your place within our faith community. It signals that you are committed to practicing your faith here and allows us to better serve and shepherd you and your family.

Beyond the spiritual connection, registration is a practical necessity. There are moments in life when you will need your parish to verify your participation, and we can only officially certify the status of individuals who are formally registered in our system.

“But I’ve Been Coming Here for Years!” | We often hear from long-time attendees who are surprised to learn they aren’t officially registered. A typical scenario looks like this: You have attended Sacred Heart for years, you faithfully drop cash into the collection basket, and you consider this your spiritual home. Then, the day comes when you need a sponsor certificate or want to plan a wedding, and the parish office unfortunately cannot find you in the system.

Why does this happen? While every financial gift helps support our mission, loose cash is anonymous. We have no way of knowing which family placed it in the basket. Attending Mass is a vital part of your faith journey, but active parishioner status leaves a clear trace—whether through serving in a ministry, volunteering, or using trackable stewardship options (envelopes or digital giving). Without that record, a pastor cannot truthfully sign a legal Church document certifying that you are an active, practicing Catholic.

Fairness and Equality for All Parishioners | It is important to understand that we enforce these registration and verification policies so that we can treat everyone fairly and equally.

We want to avoid a system where exceptions are made for some while others are held to the standard guidelines. By maintaining clear, documented requirements for everyone, we ensure that the same expectations applies to every single family at Sacred Heart, regardless of how long they have been attending or who they know in the parish. Clear records remove ambiguity and ensure complete fairness across our entire community.

Sacramental Guidelines & Requirements | To ensure equality and avoid any last-minute disappointments during major life milestones, please keep our parish policies in mind: Sponsor Certificates for Godparents & Confirmation Sponsors: Church law requires that sponsors be practicing Catholics in good standing. You must be a registered, active member of the parish for us to sign a sponsor form. Please note that you cannot register as a parishioner and expect a sponsor form to be signed the following day. A period of consistent, documented presence is necessary before the parish can verify your status.

• Planning a Wedding: To set a wedding date at Sacred Heart, at least one party must be a registered and active, participating parishioner for at least one full year before a date can be set on the parish calendar. After the date is set, the diocese requires a six-month preparation period. Additionally, please note that the Diocese requires a minimum of 6 months of formal marriage preparation to complete all necessary canonical steps.

• Marriage Preparation for Weddings Elsewhere: If you are planning to get married at a different parish or destination church but require Sacred Heart to complete your marriage preparation paperwork, you must be a registered, active member of our parish for at least 6 months before we can begin the process. Additionally, the Diocese requires a minimum of 6 months of formal marriage preparation to complete all necessary canonical steps.

What Defines an ‘Active, Participating Parishioner’? | We define active participation through three primary pillars: Time | consistent, weekly attendance at Sunday Mass and on Holy Days of Obligation; Gathering for the Eucharist is the core of who we are. | Talent | community engagement; being involved in the life of the parish, through volunteering, joining ministries, or participating in parish events. | Treasure | sacrificial giving; Demonstrating financial stewardship. Using parish envelopes or our online giving system is the primary way we are able to verify your active participation, as it provides a traceable record of your commitment to supporting the church.

If you love Sacred Heart and consider it your home, please help us help you. Don’t wait until you need a form signed tomorrow to find out you aren’t registered today. Fill out a registration card at the back of the church or click the button below to formalize your membership today!

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,

Peace be with you! We have an incredible amount of activity happening in our parish right now, and I am so energized by the enthusiasm of our young adults who are eager to get involved and do more. As we move into a season of transition and renewal, I want to share several important updates with you.

Farewell and Blessings to Deacon Ray Ferreris: Please join me in congratulating Deacon Ray Ferreris on his new assignment at Incarnation Parish, beginning July 1, 2026. His last Sunday will be June 21, as he celebrates with us at the 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Masses. A farewell reception will follow immediately after the 9 a.m. Mass in St. Francis Hall. All parishioners are invited to come by to offer him your prayers and well wishes as we say goodbye!

Maintenance Committee Updates: Our facilities require continuous care, and the Maintenance Committee has been hard at work planning essential updates for our worship and community spaces.

• Main Church Buildings
  • Dome & Choir-Side Exterior Repointing: Work will begin this June to repair the dome and repoint the exterior brickwork on the southern side of the church. This vital structural work is estimated at $282,000.
  • New Wireless Microphone System: To fix the frustrating “dead spots” and drop-offs we have experienced for quite a while, we are replacing much of our wireless microphone system. This $20,000 project will begin soon and greatly improve our sound quality.

• North Campus Renovations: We are very close to beginning a major renovation of the Kitchen and Auditorium, which we hope will start by late summer.
  • The Scope: The kitchen and restrooms will be gutted to install brand-new electrical and plumbing.
  • We will also be addressing asbestos removal, installing a building-wide sprinkler system, and bringing the facility into full ADA compliance.
  • Please Note: Due to strict budget constraints, we unfortunately cannot replace the roof at this time or purchase all the kitchen equipment we might want. Furthermore, there will be a period of time when the building will be completely closed and unavailable for use.

Looking Ahead | Franciscan Mural Project: We are currently gathering designs for an exciting new mural to be placed on the 11’×12′ exterior wall of the Parish Office building.

• The goal of this project is to create a visually compelling and spiritually meaningful work of art in downtown Tampa.
• It will reflect the core values of Franciscan spirituality—particularly humility, compassion, and service to the poor. It is our hope that this mural serves as both a warm invitation and a holy witness, inspiring our own parish family to deepen their faith in action while offering encouragement and hope to everyday pedestrians and visitors.
• While we do not have a final cost quote yet, we are praying we can secure the funds to complete this beautiful project in celebration of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, stewardship, and dedication to our vibrant parish life.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike Jones, OFM

Dear Parishioners,

Our parish joyfully congratulates the children who received First Holy Communion this weekend. After months of prayer, learning, and preparation, they approached the altar for the first time to receive Jesus in the Eucharist—an important and grace-filled milestone in their journey of faith.

We give thanks for these young parishioners and for their families, catechists, and all who supported them along the way. May the Eucharist strengthen them, deepen their love for Christ, and guide them each day as they continue to grow as members of the Body of Christ.

St. Francis of Assisi teaches us to slow down, to gaze with wonder, and to recognize God’s presence hidden in simplicity. Nowhere is this truer than in the Eucharist. With reverent awe, Francis contemplated the humility of Christ, who chooses to remain with us under the gentle signs of bread and wine—quiet, vulnerable, and full of love.

As our First Communicants receive Jesus for the first time, they are invited into this sacred mystery of presence. The Eucharist is not only something we receive, but Someone who comes to dwell within us, shaping our hearts in silence and love. In this simple moment at the altar, heaven bends close to earth, and Christ gives Himself completely, asking only that we receive Him with trust.

In the Franciscan spirit, we remember that this same Christ continues to meet us beyond the church walls—in the beauty of creation, in moments of stillness, and in every person we encounter, especially those who carry suffering or need. Nourished by the Eucharist, we are gently formed to live with humility, compassion, and peace, becoming reflections of the One we receive.

May our First Communicants grow in quiet reverence for this gift, learning to listen for God’s presence in their hearts and in the world around them. Rooted in the love of Christ and inspired by the example of St. Francis, may their lives become a prayer of gratitude, peace, and joyful simplicity.

Please keep our First Communicants in your prayers as they continue to walk with Christ in faith and wonder:

Eve-Marie Armstrong, Leo Barney, Saoirse Bavinger-Sulaimana, Caroline Bentley (receiving May 17), Ava Bouzas, Ella Burch, Derek Busciglio, Viviana Calder, William Coyle, Sophia DuCoin, Claire Ferguson, Evelyn Gargasz, John Hay, Maeve Heffelmire, Price Henderson, Jackson Howard, Peter Linn, Alaiia Lopez, Carter Mairink, Logan Mairink, Nicholas Maniscalco, Michael Martino, Davis McCrory, Cecilia McLamore, Aubrey Mendoza, Cullen Owens, John Pasteur, William Pugh, Mark Sarver, Julian Vazquez.

Prayer for our First Communicants: Loving and humble God, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, through which Your Son remains with us in love. Bless our First Communicants as they take this sacred step. May their hearts always recognize Jesus present—on the altar, in creation, and in one another. Form them in the way of St. Francis, to walk gently, to love generously, and to become instruments of Your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,

Father Steve is always calling us “Saints of God.” This week, I would like to share the story of a man on the path to formal canonization who has a profound, lifelong connection to our own Sacred Heart Church.

The life of Father Richard “Rick” Thomas, SJ, is a testament to the radical power of the Jesuit mission. It is a journey that began in the historic pews of Sacred Heart in Tampa and has led to the threshold of sainthood. Following the November 2025 USCCB vote to advance his cause, Father Rick is being celebrated globally as a model of “Gospel literalness.”

A Spiritual Formation in Downtown Tampa

While Father Rick is renowned for his work on the U.S.-Mexico border, his spiritual foundation is inseparable from the history and architecture of Sacred Heart. As our parish celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2025, the connection between this landmark and Father Thomas has never been more relevant.

Sacred Heart is more than a backdrop; it is a testament to the Jesuit mission in Florida. Dedicated on January 15, 1905, our Romanesque Revival structure replaced the smaller St. Louis Parish after a yellow fever epidemic. The Jesuits designed this church as a spiritual beacon, and it was this environment that shaped young Richard Thomas. The design features that greeted him then still inspire us today:

• The Franz Mayer Windows: 70 stained-glass windows from Munich that depict the life of Christ and the saints.

• The 135-Foot Dome: A hallmark of the Tampa skyline, constructed from granite and white marble.

• The Jesuit “Pillar”: For decades, Sacred Heart served as the mother church for the Jesuit community, including the students of Jesuit High School, where Thomas was valedictorian in 1945.

Sacraments of Grace

Father Thomas’s spiritual life was anchored here at Sacred Heart, where he received his foundational sacraments:

• Baptism (April 1, 1928): His life in Christ began at our baptismal font.

• First Communion (March 31, 1935): He first received the Eucharist in the splendor of our nave.

• Confirmation (January 15, 1939): He was “sealed with the Spirit” on the exactly 34th anniversary of our building’s dedication.

The “Ignatius Moment”

Despite his academic success, Richard was a skilled horse trainer with no initial desire for the priesthood. While resting under a tree after a struggle with a violent horse, he heard a clear internal command: “I want you to be a priest.” He entered the Society of Jesus immediately after graduating from Jesuit High in 1945.

Radical Poverty and the “Miracle of the Dump”

In 1964, Father Thomas was assigned to Our Lady’s Youth Center in El Paso. He embraced extreme simplicity, living in a small room with only an army cot and no air conditioning.

His ministry reached a legendary turning point on Christmas Day 1972. While serving dinner to the destitute at a garbage dump in Juárez, Mexico, food meant for 150 people reportedly fed over 300, with baskets of leftovers remaining. This event spurred decades of work, including:

• The Lord’s Ranch: A farm in Vado, New Mexico, providing food and spiritual refuge.

• Massive Food Banks: Networks that fed thousands across the border weekly.

• Charismatic Leadership: Mobilizing the laity to see Christ in the poor.

A Family Legacy of Service

While Father Rick served on the border, his brother, Robert “Bob” Thomas, remained a pillar of the Tampa community. A prominent businessman and philanthropist, Bob shared his brother’s devotion, founding Joshua House and serving as a director for Metropolitan Ministries. Together, the brothers represented two paths of the same mission: one through local leadership and the other through radical missionary poverty.

The Path to Sainthood

Father Rick passed away on May 8, 2006, at age 78. In January 2026, the Diocese of Las Cruces confirmed that documentation of his heroic virtues and reported miracles is officially moving toward Rome. For us in Tampa, he remains a “homegrown” saint—a boy who walked the streets of Twiggs Street and took the Jesuit call to its most heroic conclusion.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Sources:

• A Poor Priest for the Poor by Richard Dunstan.
• Our Lady’s Youth Center & The Lord’s Ranch: Biography and Missionary History (2025/2026).
• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Canonical Consultation Affirmation (Nov 11, 2025).
• America Magazine: “The ‘Lone Ranger’ Jesuit up for Sainthood” (Nov 24, 2025).
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church Archives: Sacramental Records and Jesuit History in Tampa.
• Tampa Bay Times: Obituaries and Philanthropic History of the Thomas Family (2006-2007).

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

Dear Parishioner,

As we approach the Christmas season, many of us have already started singing and listening to Christmas music and going to Christmas parties. When doing these things, do we truly take the time and reflect on what our faith and Christmas is all about?

In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, there are hidden symbols of faith, with each gift representing key elements of Catholic doctrine and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. The 12 Days traditionally begin on December 25 (Christmas Day), and end on January 5 (Twelfth Night) with the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6. For Catholics, the Christmas season then ends with the Baptism of the Lord on the following week.

Symbolism of Each Gift:

• A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Represents Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for humanity. The partridge is known for its protective nature, symbolizing Christ’s sacrificial love.

• Two Turtle Doves: Symbolize the Old and New Testaments, representing the complete story of the Christian faith and God’s plan for salvation.

• Three French Hens: These stand for the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (love), as described in 1 Corinthians 13:13. They also represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• Four Calling Birds: Represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospels convey the good news of Jesus Christ and guide believers in understanding His teachings.

• Five Gold Rings: Symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah), which outline the creation of the world and God’s covenant with humanity.

• Six Geese a-Laying: Represent the six days of creation, reflecting God’s work in forming the world.

• Seven Swans a-Swimming: Symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

• Eight Maids a-Milking: Represent the eight Beatitudes, which are teachings of Jesus that outline the attitudes and behaviors that lead to true happiness.

• Nine Ladies Dancing: Symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  
• Ten Lords a-Leaping: Represent the ten commandments, which are fundamental laws given to guide moral behavior.
  
• Eleven Pipers Piping: Symbolize the eleven faithful apostles, who spread the teachings of Jesus after His resurrection.
  
• Twelve Drummers Drumming: Represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed, summarizing the core beliefs of the Christian faith.

One trivia question that we often hear during this time is“How many gifts are in the Twelve Days of Christmas?” My mother would always answer “364, one for every day of the year with Jesus being born on Christmas as the first gift.” This song reminds us that it is not just about doing good for one day of the year but it should be for the 365 days of the year.

In 2025, we celebrated a year of Mercy and Bishop Parkes asked all of us to do Corporal Works of Mercy as part of a diocesan-wide campaign. Perhaps we should each adapt this song to doing acts of Mercy. “On the first day my act of mercy was to ….”

Be creative in writing your own song of mercy based upon your acts that you have done this past year of what you plan to do next year.

Happy Advent! (Christmas, you have to wait a few more weeks)

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,

I would first like to congratulate our Outreach and Event Manager Vicky McCarthy and her Gala Committee of volunteers for the wonderful job they did with this year’s Gala that was at the end of September. We raised nearly $93,000, which will go to repairs and preservation of the church dome. It is through the support of our volunteers and parishioners that we were able to have such a successful Gala. I thank all of you!

Vicky has also been busy organizing this year’s Fall Festival which will take place next Sunday afternoon at the North Campus. It promises to be a very fun day for everyone. There will be many activities for both the children and adults. Please come an joins us next Sunday.

Besides the upcoming work on the dome, we have several other projects we are working on around the parish. They are as follows:

• Friary living room ceiling – Over the summer with the heavy rains we’ve encountered a major leak in the friary. The leaks have been addressed and contractors are currently fixing part of the living room ceiling in the friary. Parts of it had to be removed and replace due to mold.

• Tile restoration in the church – Work continues in the church to restore and grout some floor tile that has been damaged. Due to the age of the tile, it is coming loose and falling out. We are to the point that we are unable to reuse the old tile, due to damage. Also, the tile is not made anymore, so the solution has been to replace the tile with a small round tile.

• North Campus kitchen renovation – We interviewed four construction managers (CM’s) at the end of October. Once we settle on a CM, we will then be able to put the project out to bid. Once we have bid then we will go back to the Diocese and get permission to go forward. During this process we have determined that we will need to put a new roof on the kitchen and auditorium as well as installing a sprinkler system. Included in the project is also redoing the restrooms off the auditorium. All new plumbing will have to be installed in the kitchen and the restrooms. The building was built in the late 1950’s and there has not been much done to it since.

• Church Exterior work – We are working to finalize proposals and paperwork to submit to the diocese for the sealing the south-side of our church. Expected time-frame is two months of work. The date to begin is TBD. This will be the outside wall between the church and friary so the scaffolding should not be visible to the public. This area is needed due to the amount of leaks we have had on that side of the church.

As we come to the end of the calendar year, please consider and additional gift that could help fund these various projects. In the last few years, we have put quite a bit of money into the church and we were able to do so through the generosity of our parishioners. Thank you to all of you for your continued support of Sacred Heart Parish.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike