Category Archives: Parish News

He Is Risen, Indeed! | Friar Reflections | Easter 2025

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Saints of God, the Lord be with You!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! What we celebrate today is the central event of Christianity, for without the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead into a new and glorified life, there would be no Christianity. On Good Friday, Jesus, though sinless offered Himself as a sin offering on the cross for us. The Resurrection is, in a way, the proof that God the Father accepted the saving action of Jesus. That is why, to paraphrase St. Paul, if Christ has not been raised, then our faith is in vain, and we are still in our sins. (1 Cor. 15:17).

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! But how do we know this? What’s the proof? In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (10:34, 37-43) St. Peter preaches that, “this man (Jesus) God raised on the third day and granted that He be visible, not to all the people, but to us…” He was seen. The second reason is found in today’s Gospel according to John (20:1-9) in which Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb of Jesus empty. The second proof is the empty tomb. The good news for us is that this event has consequences for us. To paraphrase the second reading from St. Paul (Col. 3:1-4) we were raised with Christ…and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. When Christ our life appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. St. Paul later writes in his letter to the Romans, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! So profound a mystery is this that the Church celebrates this mystery in a threefold way. Today, Easter Sunday the Church celebrates Christ’s victory over sin and death as we contemplate His bodily resurrection to new life. Another way of saying Easter is recalling Christ’s Ascension into heaven. Humanity and human nature are now and forever part of the divine. And finally, Pentecost, when Christ gives us the Holy Spirit to dwell among and within us forever.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! So, our traditions speak to the new life Christ has given us. We give candy because life is a bit sweeter. We dye eggs to show that our lives are a bit more colorful because of Christ’s grace to us. The image of the Easter Bunny reminds us that life is abundant. We hide eggs to imitate Mary Magdalene’s search for Jesus. (Given the fact that the one place Jesus wasn’t was in the tomb, I hid all the eggs for the friars to look for in the refrigerator…they didn’t think to look there!)

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Repeat this prayer throughout the day and the coming weeks and let this Good News sustain your faith, your hope and your works of charity.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
– Fr. Steve

Meet the Elect – Our 2025 O.C.I.A. Class

Faith Formation, Parish News

Each weekend during Lent, we have featured members of our parish Elect in the bulletin so that parishioners may have the chance to learn each of their faith journeys, and welcome them to the Church. For those who have not been able to yet learn about our 2025 Elect, here we have compiled the thoughts of 13 of them ahead of their initiation.

Our parish is blessed to have 20 people seeking Initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil: Laura Allison, Emma Ballinger, Wesley Bright, Emma Delmore, Diana Famintsyna, Brendan Ferguson, Lynn Gaskins, Lauren Giordano, Zachary Harper, Masumi Ishimine, Rylie Moore, Alyssa Muratte, Heather Noll, Marisol Ruiz, Mona Salman, Daniel Scott, Tyler Siegel, Carmen Vaillancourt, Elizabeth Valentine, Rory Vaughn. Please continue to keep the Elect in your prayers as they continue their final preparations toward the Easter Sacraments at the Vigil.

Brendan Ferguson, 27

Profession: Actuary

Favorite Pastimes: Used to play hockey, but now loves paddle-boarding, fishing, & hanging at the beach.

Seeking a way to strengthen his relationship with God, Brendan found his way to Sacred Heart and the O.C.I.A. program. “The community is [here] so welcoming. Everything about the program…has been amazing. My fiancé is my sponsor and we enjoy coming every Sunday and are fulfilled by the message every week.” Brendan says he’s committed to Sacred Heart long term and wants to volunteer with O.C.I.A. in the future.

Alyssa Muratte, 30

Profession: Sales

Favorite Pastimes: Enjoys the beach, traveling, time w/ friends & family, & diving into a good movie.

Alyssa says her sister went through the O.C.I.A. process several years ago, and through attending Masses alongside her, she began to “fall in love” with the community here at Sacred Heart. “Sacred Heart is special to me because of the community that God has gathered here. So many good, kind people.”

Alyssa says she hopes her relationship with God and Jesus Christ “grows deeper” following her initiation at the Easter Vigil. “…as that love for God grows deeper I hope to be able to inspire someone to start their journey of faith.

Heather Noll, 28

Profession: Lab Technician

Favorite Pastimes: “Hanging out with my favorite people, reading, or writing.”

Heather credits her boyfriend for introducing her to the faith. “My boyfriend is Catholic and when looking for a new church, we found Sacred Heart and it felt right.” Heather’s call to conversion started after experiencing her first Mass at Sacred Heart nearly three years ago. “I felt completely at home, and have been a part of the parish ever since.”

Heather hopes her initiation allows her to grow further in faith, and in her relationship with God and the Church.

Tyler Siegal, 32

Profession: Bicycle Mechanic

Favorite Pastimes: Watching baseball, playing ping-pong, & spending time with friends and family.

Tyler was initially attracted to attending Mass at Sacred Heart through the example set by the Franciscans in the way they follow Christ, and believes our parish promotes a positive, optimistic outlook on the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the Lord. Tyler hopes his initiation into the Church will help him live out the example of the Son, the will of the Father, and the faith of the Holy Spirit in thought, word and deed.

Wesley Bright, 24

Profession: Owner of both a local arcade, and pet waste removal service.

Favorite Pastimes: “My favorite hobby as of right now is playing pickleball.”

Wesley says he was originally drawn to Sacred Heart by the beauty of the church, and its parishioners, but “the opportunity to one day be baptized and take Holy Communion” is what kept him coming back. ”And now, here I am today, about to make that dream a reality.” Our parish is special to Wesley because it has helped him become more like Christ and pour His love into everyone he meets. Wesley hopes that through his initiation into the Catholic Church, he can deepen his relationship with God and continue to grow in spiritual wisdom. “After the Easter Vigil, I see myself and my lovely girlfriend, Elizabeth, getting married in the Church and helping others who are struggling in their faith.”

Lynn Gaskins, 75

Profession: Internal Medicine Physician

Favorite Pastimes: Spending time with her pets, gardening, reading, attending plays & musicals, traveling and spending time with friends and family

Lynn credits her connection to Sacred Heart from feeling “an inexplicable draw that made it feel as if I had found a home,” while attending a baptism. “I felt a special connection the moment I stepped inside Sacred Heart, and to the people of the parish. It is such a kind and welcoming, non-judgmental group,” Lynn states. “The kindness extended to me by all has touched me deeply. Some things in life have no explanation but exist just as they are. Who am I to question that?”

Rylie Moore, 24

Profession: Commercial Real Estate

Favorite Pastimes: Exercising and watching the sunset.

After hearing about the O.C.I.A. program, and how great the process was after meeting with our Director of Faith Formation Barbara Ferreris, Rylie says she felt called to join. “Sacred Heart is such a welcoming, supportive, and welcoming community,” Rylie continued. She says she hopes to empower others as she continues her faith journey following the Vigil, reminding others that “it is never too late” to find your place in the Church.

Laura Allison, 37

Profession: Wellness & Beauty

Favorite Pastimes: Traveling, caring for my Doodles – Walter & Henry, volunteering, aviation, wellness, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Laura says she was originally drawn to Sacred Heart by the beauty of the church, in addition to the proximity to her home. She then noticed a “community that embraces people from all walks of life.” Laura also sites the “incredible timing” of joining the parish. “When I reached out to Barbara, the very next day happened to be the first day of [O.C.I.A.] Inquiry, which felt like a sign I was right where I was meant to be.”

Our parish is special to Laura because of the safety she has felt while learning the about the faith. “The entire leadership team has been so kind and supportive, making the process feel smooth and uplifting. [The friars] each bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and insight—and of course, Barbara has been such a warm and guiding presence throughout this journey.” Laura hopes that after her initiation she will be able to “share the joy” she has found on this journey. “My hope is to have a place where I truly belong—where I can continue growing in my relationship with God, deepen my understanding of the Catholic faith, become more involved in the parish and community, and help others experience the same sense of peace, purpose, and connection.”

Emma Delmore, 19

Profession: Currently studying Communications and Speech at the Univ. of Tampa

Favorite Pastimes: Working out, reading at the beach, exploring Tampa, and attending Bible study w/ friends.

Emma felt called to the Church, and credits prayer and reflection with for ending up at Sacred Heart. “Finding Sacred Heart was truly a blessing, as it provided me with a strong foundation for my faith journey while navigating the challenges of college.”

When asked why Emma feels Sacred Heart is special, she credits the parish as being an “incredibly welcoming and supportive community” that has helped her grow in her faith. “Since becoming a part of this parish, I have experienced immense personal and spiritual growth. Having a church so close to my university has been a source of comfort, especially during difficult times. The ability to walk here and feel at home in God’s presence has been an incredible gift.”

Emma hopes that she will be able to share her testimony and inspire others following her initiation at the Easter Vigil. “Before finding my way to Sacred Heart, I often felt lost, but now I no longer feel that way. I am so grateful to continue my faith journey here, to keep God at the center of my relationships, and to live and love as Jesus did.

Elizabeth Valentine, 41

Profession: Healthcare Account Executive

Favorite Pastimes: Running, travelling, and playing with her four rescue dogs.

Elizabeth says that our parish history originally drew her in to Sacred Heart, though the positive and welcoming energy felt from her first time attending Mass is what really made her feel at home. “This parish so welcoming and makes you feel like you’re part of their family. Barbara’s warmth and kindness during our first meeting left a lasting impression when I decided to join the O.C.I.A. program.”

When asked about her faith journey following the Easter Vigil, Elizabeth says she sees herself “deepening [her] connection with God and growing in [her] faith.”

Lauren Giordano, 35

Profession: Author, Illustrator, Educator

Favorite Pastimes: Reading, Gardening, and Hiking

Lauren came to Sacred Heart searching for a deep connection to the Church, its history, and a fullness of the Faith. Since beginning this faith journey within our parish, Lauren says she finds “the overwhelming presence of peace and holiness in the liturgy, as well as the warm and welcoming staff and clergy” as the reasons for why our community is special to her. As for her life after initiation at the Easter Vigil, Lauren hopes to “live a Christlike life, walking with the Church to improve the lives of others, and seeing God’s will” done through her.

Mona Salman, 35

Profession: Medical Coder

Favorite Pastimes: Working out, being in nature, and shopping

Mona says she was introduced to our parish via her sponsor, David, and feels that “the hard work and dedication [of the staff, clergy] to bring and guide everyone back to God is beautiful, as beautiful as the church itself.” Mona is determined to fully comprehend what the Lord is calling her to, and move towards it as her faith journey continues following initiation at the Easter Vigil. “I hope I see every sign I ask for. And I hope I’ll be fully armed in spirit to fight every spiritual battle that might come along and never forget to just keep my eyes on Jesus no matter how high the waves can get. Amen!”

Diana Famintsyna, 31

Profession: Owner & Operator of Nutritional Supplement Store

Favorite Pastimes: Time with family, exercising, traveling, and watching documentaries.

Diana says she spent most of her life as an agnostic, always feeling something was missing. “When I began reading the Gospels, I finally found what I had been searching for. The deeper I dove… the more it made sense to me…” Diana says she “could no longer deny who God was.”

“He revealed Himself to me in many ways, and I felt His undeniable presence in my life. In that realization, I also came to see that He had been with me all along, even when I didn’t recognize Him.” This led Diana to begin the O.C.I.A. process. Her choice to do so at Sacred Heart comes from “the warmth…of the parishioners and staff,” who “love others as God loves us–with open hearts and unwavering compassion.” Diana hopes her initiation will deepen her relationship with God, through continued learning, growth, and service to others “whom may still be blind, guiding them just as I was.”

2025 Easter ScheduleThe Holy TriduumPope Francis’ 2025 Lenten MessageFaith Formation Info

Following His Path | Friar Reflections | Palm Sunday (2025)

Friar Reflections, Parish News

My Good Friends,

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!”— Luke 19:38

Today we walk with Jesus as He enters Jerusalem—not on a warhorse, not surrounded by soldiers, but riding a borrowed colt. The crowds shout and wave palms, but this is not the triumph of a conqueror. This is the gentle arrival of the Prince of Peace is exactly the kind of King that St. Francis would recognize.

I would imagine that image of Jesus on a colt would have moved St. Francis deeply. For Francis, all of creation was his brother and sister. He saw no creature as lowly, no moment as small, no life as insignificant. Even a humble donkey was part of God’s plan.

This passage reminds us that God doesn’t ride in on extravagance and power, but on gentleness. Jesus doesn’t come to dominate but to dwell among us. So, what kind of King rides a colt? A King who is not afraid to be small a humble King. People expected a liberator—someone to throw off the Roman Empire. But Jesus’ revolution is not one of swords, but of servanthood. He comes as a King who lays down His life, not one who takes the lives of others.

St. Francis followed that same path. Although in his “pre-conversion” Francis had the ambition to be a solider and a knight, he soon thereafter renounced weapons, embraced the poor, and sought to rebuild the Church; not with stones, but with love. He took up the cross of Christ, not a sword. To follow Jesus into Jerusalem, we too must choose that same way of peace, embracing our own cross for Christ.

When the Pharisees tell Jesus to silence the crowd, Jesus replies: “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40) This is Franciscan at its core! In the Canticle of the Creatures, Francis invites the sun, moon, fire, water, and even Sister Death to praise God. Jesus reminds us: all creation knows its Maker. And should we forget how to praise, creation itself will carry the song.

So, what does this mean for us?

  • Are we looking for a flashy savior, or do we have eyes to see the God who comes in humility?
  • Will we walk the road to Jerusalem—knowing it leads to the Cross—and still shout “Hosanna”?
  • Can we join Francis in singing with the stones and with the colt?

And so we pray…

Lord Jesus, humble King, You entered not with might, but with mercy. You chose the lowly path, and called it holy. Make our hearts like Yours—gentle, courageous, and full of praise. May we sing with all creation:

“Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Amen.

Have a Blessed Holy Week!
-Fr. Zack

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.