Category Archives: Parish News

SH to Participate in Monthlong Sock Drive

Parish News

Each night in Hillsborough County, an estimated 1,600 unsheltered homeless are forced to live on the streets. Many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. They walk often and don’t always have laundry facilities at close reach. Clean socks are a reliably top-requested item at homeless shelters.

This October, Sacred Heart wishes to show that even a small act of love, such as donating a pair of socks, can make a big difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors.

Located in both the Sacred Heart Gift and Book Store as well as the church will be a pair of donation bins for “Socktober,” a month-long drive addressing this critical need. Socktober is a now international campaign that was started in 2011 when creator Brad Montague realized there was a large homeless population in his hometown, and he wanted to do something about it. While researching the needs of the homeless community, he learned that socks are the items least donated to homeless shelters. Since then, Socktober has exploded! Kids and adults around the world have started their own sock drives to benefit their local homeless shelters.

Socktober donations may be made at all weekend Masses, or at the Gift and Book Store during weekday store hours throughout the month of October. Packages of new socks in adult sizes will be accepted. Our goal is to reach 1600 pairs, with the socks being distributed to the Tampa Hope homeless shelter, our Hands of Hope ministry, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

*This page will be updated with status updates from our drive as the month progresses. Thank you for your generosity in donating, and Happy Socktober!

Aiding Frontline Ministries | Our Next Giving from the Heart Donation Drive | October 14, 2023

Parish News

In our continued effort to meet the growing needs of our community, Sacred Heart is holding its latest Giving from the Heart drive-through donation event on Saturday, October 14, at the North Campus from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be gathered to receive items assisting our Hands of Hope ministry, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

With our next drive, the emphasis is on stocking the shelves for two of our parish’s frontline ministries addressing the needs of the financially unstable, hungry, and unhoused of our community ahead of the holiday period.

Operating out of the North Campus kitchen each Saturday, Hands of Hope prepares and delivers meals and care packages to the unhoused in downtown each Saturday.

Click to View the Hands of Hope Needs List:
  • Zip Lock Bags (all sizes)
  • Used plastic or paper grocery bags
  • Bug spray/insect repellent 
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hygiene products
  • Deodorant
  • Pre-packaged & non-perishable snack foods
    • granola bars, crackers, cookies, etc.
  • Ensure, Boost protein/nutrition drinks or similar
  • Bus passes
  • Adult Socks

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

Click to View the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Needs List
  • Family meal foods
    • Rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned meals, cereals, canned fruits and veggies, pop tarts
  • Pre-packaged & non-perishable snack foods
    • granola bars, crackers, cookies, tuna, pudding, etc.
  • Ensure, Boost protein/nutrition drinks or similar
  • Plastic Utensils
  • Paper plates, napkins, towels, tissues
  • New Adult male undergarments, sizes medium to XL
  • Gently used adult male jeans
  • Incontinence pads for beds

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

Forgiving Without Limit | Friar Reflections | Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of being a Catholic Christian is the call to be a forgiving person. This his highlighted in all the readings this weekend and even the Psalm (103) which states, “the Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.” Today’s first reading from the Book of Sirach (27:30-28:7) states, “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice, then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” This reminds me of the Lord’s prayer which states, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The phrase “as we” contains within it both a sense of time and a sense of manner.

Today’s Gospel according to Matthew (18:21-35) raises the question of how many times must we forgive. As much as seven times, Peter responds suggesting this is a generous amount by any standard. Perhaps. But Jesus answers, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times!” This is God’s standard, forgive without counting and without limit. Even the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans (14:7-9), while not mentioning forgiveness, reminds that that we are called not to live for oneself, but for the Lord. A way to show that we are living for the Lord is to be a person of forgiveness. Even as he was dying on the cross, Jesus not only forgave those who crucified him, but even more astonishing made excuses for them: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

The dilemma is that most of us think that forgiveness is a feeling. It’s not. Forgiveness is a choice we make to treat with kindness and respect the person who wronged us. Forgiveness has nothing to do with forgetting how we were hurt or who has hurt us. Forgiveness is about remembering who hurt us, or how we have been hurt, but choosing to live our lives imitating our Lord who is kind, merciful, and rich in compassion. Forgiveness is choosing to live in the freedom of the present and the future Christ calls us to, and to not be shackled to past injustices done to us.

All of us have been hurt, and all of us have hurt others. We are a people, a community of disciples, both called to forgive and be forgiven. Asking for forgiveness is a hard pill for some of us to swallow, or, given the circumstances, impossible to ask from others. If this is the case, and we cannot “make amends,” then the least we can do is to ask God to bless those we have hurt. Let us remember, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has God put our transgressions from us.” Let’s put the transgressions against us as least as far.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Steve

Reconciling with Your Brother | Friar Reflections | Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Last Sunday, we heard Jesus telling us we must take up our cross and follow him. That’s always difficult to hear. When we have the courage to do so, we are showing our willingness to follow Him. By taking up our cross, we show we are joined to Him. We show our trust in Him.

This Sunday, Jesus points towards a very common, real, and unfortunately uncomfortable experience in the task of offering forgiveness and reconciliation to an offending brother or sister. It is in this process of healing broken relationships that discipleship shows its very real and practical meaning. Life in common, even life in common among Christians, is not easy. We can rub each other the wrong way. Our speech can easily offend. Our anger can cause us to lash out. We are prone to gossip or tell stories about others that do not reflect the best in them, or ourselves.

Jesus outlines for us a three-step process for attempting to gain reconciliation in approaching a person who has offended us, but I would just like to address the what I feel is the first and most important step. While this process might not work for every case, we must engage in the process regardless.

That step we must take is to ensure the reconciliation is done face to face, one on one.

We must attempt to dialogue with one another in a deeply interpersonal manner. The process of coming together is not conducted by text message or email. The personal element preserves honor and dignity. You are carrying your cross and not forcing others to carry it for you.

Isn’t that where healing begins?

While we may not get through to the offending party, we can at least begin to come to terms with the hurt. Though Jesus says that the entire community may need to be brought in to resolve the situation, it is also true that reconciliation may happen prior to going that far.

Saint Paul sums it all up today when speaking about the Commandments that involve interpersonal behavior and responsibility. He says that, in the end, we owe no one anything except to love. For to love means that our lives are at peace with others and with the world.

Loving here is the most profound form of respect and caring. May the Lord give us that peace.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Zack

Franciscan Celebrations 2023

Parish News

Each year on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world pauses to celebrate the solemnity of our Holy Father Francis’ Transitus, his passing over from this life to the next. St. Francis was not afraid of what would come at the end of his earthly life, choosing instead to recognize in that experience, not an end, but a transition from one way of living to another was to come.

The Friars of Sacred Heart invite you to join them for a series of Franciscan celebrations, reflecting on that devotion and understanding of creation, as we observe the Transitus and The Feast of St. Francis.

Want to Learn More About the Transitus? Click Here
Transitus of St. Francis | Tuesday, October 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Church

Every year, on the third evening of October, Franciscans ritually remember the passing of Francis of Assisi from this life during this liturgy, as a reminder to renew our own commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi. Join the friars as they continue this tradition, and later for a reception with light refreshments in St. Francis Hall following the liturgy.

The Feast of St. Francis | Wednesday, October 4 | Church

The Feast of the Father of our Order, St. Francis, will be celebrated at both scheduled daily Masses, at 7 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., with musical accompaniment at the 12:10 p.m. Mass from Director of Music, Philip Jakob.

Blessing of the Animals | Friday, October 6 | 6 p.m. | The Franciscan Center

The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave.) once again plays host to our Friars blessing the animals of our local community as part of their annual “St. Francis Day.” The event is free to the public and will feature live music, pet-friendly vendors, food trucks, and exhibits along the Franciscan Center’s riverfront grounds.

Full Schedule for St. Francis Day at the Franciscan Center

Event Description:  The Franciscan Center is co-sponsoring with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Annual St. Francis Day Celebration & the Blessing of the Animals. The Spirituality/Conference Center was established on donated land and developed by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY as a place of peace, healing, community, and joy. The Blessing of the Animals is an annual event in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who is the patron Saint of animals and the environment. This year’s event features several celebratory opportunities:

2 p.m. | The Way of Francis: Seeking Peace and Justice for all of Creation! | A 90 minutes interfaith prayer & music program presented by Louis Canter, OEF. This is part of an international observance of 2023 Seasons of Creation Initiative led by the Catholic Climate Covenant organization.

4:30 p.m. | Food Trucks will be on site offering food and soft drinks as well as ice cream and other refreshments.

6 p.m. | Pets of all kinds and their owners will be blessed by Franciscan Friars from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tampa. This annual “Blessing of the Animals” for all furry, finned, and feathered friends is a Franciscan Tradition in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment.  

This event will feature live music by Ray Gurka Music, pet friendly vendors, community partner information exhibits, food, and activities for the whole family on the beautiful riverfront grounds of the Franciscan Center at 3010 N. Perry Avenue Tampa, FL  33603. Media outlets are encouraged to be present for this family friendly event.

The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, FL 33603, is a non- profit, 501(3)(c), private retreat house sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY with dedicated laity who are committed in carrying out the mission. More information about the Center, upcoming retreats, and events, and venue bookings, visit: Franciscancentertampa.org.

This page will be updated with additional details for this year’s series of Franciscan Celebrations as they are announced.

Remembering Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM

Parish News

On Friday, September 1, the Friars were alerted to the passing of their brother, and former Sacred Heart parochial vicar, Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM. Fr. Salim spent the better part of three years here at Sacred Heart, from 2018 to 2020, his first assignment in the United States. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, beginning at 10 a.m. A wake will be held at Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Forane Church (3920 S Kings Avenue, Brandon) from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12. Internment following the funeral will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery (5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater).

Click here to view the Funeral Mass of Fr. Salim Joseph, OFM | September 13, 2023

The following is a tribute and short biography to our beloved friend and friar from the Order of Friars Minor of the St. Thomas the Apostle in Southern India. (Click here to view the full tribute with images.)

On 31 May 1965, the lives of Mr. C.M. Joseph Mani and Mrs. Alyamma Joseph were graced with the arrival of their beloved son, Br. Salim Joseph. Little did they know, as he lay in the gentle embrace of his mother then, that this boy would one day answer God’s call and serve the Lord as a Friar Priest. Thus began a pilgrim’s journey on this earthly plane that transcended borders and oceans, a path of faith.

With the completion of his Higher Secondary School education, Br. Salim Joseph embarked on his pilgrimage, bidding farewell to the familiar shores and knocking on the sacred doors of the Friary. The horizons of the Franciscan Cloister, which for St. Francis stood for the entire world, unfurled before him as he stepped through the doors of St. Louis Friary Novitiate on 12 June 1985. The pilgrim’s journey as a friar commenced with the donning of the habit on that day. It marked the beginning of a remarkable path as Br. Salim Joseph made his first profession on 13 June 1986, signifying his readiness to journey in the footsteps and share in the dreams of St. Francis of Assisi.

As Br. Salim Joseph progressed in the stages of Formation, he also grew in his zeal and vigour for the pilgrim’s journey resulting in the perpetual profession which he made on 6 October 1991. Completing his theological Studies and pastoral ministry, Br. Salim Joseph was ordained a priest on 5 April 1995. The journey continued…

The journey took him, a newly ordained priest, to serve in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Sion, Mumbai for a brief period in 1995. After this, he was appointed as the Director of the Technical School, St. Francis Friary, Kochi from 1995-2001. During the same time, he was appointed the Guardian of St. Francis Friary, Kochi which he held from 1998-2001. Besides these administrative responsibilities, he was zealous pastor in attending to the pastoral needs of the faithful as a Chaplain. It was during this time that his endearing nature endeared him to friends from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The journey pressed forward as he assumed the role of Parish Priest at St. Mary’s Church and Guardian of Assisibhavan, Chippilithode, from 2003 to 2004.

Click to view a gallery of moments from Fr. Salim’s time at Sacred Heart

The journey beyond borders truly took flight as Br. Salim embarked on a mission to Libya. In this foreign land, he served as the Secretary to the Bishop and Guardian of the Friary. Amidst these responsibilities, he also dedicated himself to addressing the pastoral needs of the Indian Catholic community residing there. His commitment transcended geographical boundaries, embodying the spirit of a pilgrim on a journey.

Upon his return to India, Br. Salim Joseph served as the Assistant Parish Priest at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Hyderabad from 2011 to March 2014 during which time he was also the Bursar of the Fraternity until March 2013. His journey then led him to Singapore, where he served as the Spiritual Director and tended to the pastoral needs of the Malayalam Commission from 2014 to 2018. His unwavering commitment and devotion continued to shine brightly, regardless of place.

Br. Salim Joseph embarked on yet another chapter of his journey, this time across the ocean to the United States of America. In this new land, he served as parochial vicar and pastor in several parishes: Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, FL, from 2018 to 2020; Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, NC, from 2020 to 2022; and St. Anthony’s Shrine in 2023. His connection to America deepened as his family had also moved to this country. In May 2023, Br. Salim Joseph took the significant step of incorporating himself as a member of the Holy Name Province.

Br. Salim Joseph embarked on his pilgrim’s journey, leaving a trail of indelible impressions in every place he ministered. His presence, accompanied by a warm and radiant smile, had the power to brighten the faces of all those he encountered. He remained a beloved friar, spreading light and joy wherever he went. An outspoken friar, Br. Salim Joseph was deeply passionate about his Franciscan vocation. He never missed an opportunity to share his profound views and opinions on our life and mission as friars.

Br. Salim Joseph’s simple and affable personality made him a wonderful pastor who connected with everyone through a sense of love and respect. Whether young or old, people were drawn to his company, always wearing cheerful expressions. His grace was the gift of bringing charm and warmth to everyone in his presence. The life journey of Br. Salim Joseph was marked by numerous significant milestones, each contributing to the legacy of his existence. As his life continued to unfold, little did we know that it would be abruptly cut short by his sudden and unexpected passing. On 1 September 2023, as Br. Salim Joseph was en route to Logan Airport, he suddenly suffered a heart attack, tragically bringing his 58 years of life’s journey to a shocking and unexpected end.

We are now gripped by profound sorrow over the loss of our beloved Br. Salim Joseph. This unfortunate and untimely death leaves an irreplaceable void, a vacuum that can never be filled. Yet, in the midst of our grief, our faith reassures us that Br. Salim Joseph’s life journey did not come to a final end here; rather, it has transitioned to the eternal realm. His earthly pilgrimage, meant to culminate in the Eternal, has now truly reached its destination. Requiescat in pace!

Fr. Salim Memories

In the space provided, if you are inclined to, you may share a memory of Fr. Salim from his time here at Sacred Heart. You may do so anonymously. These submissions will be collected and shared among the friars and his family. Click the submit button below when finished. Thank you!
Max. file size: 15 MB.
If you wish to add a photo to our gallery of Fr. Salim, please share it here for inclusion.

Community of Connections | From the Desk of the Pastor

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

Dear Parishioners,

Just over a week ago, on Thursday, August 24, we held a meeting of all parish ministries at the North Campus. Among the 50-plus in attendance were members from our parish leadership committees, staff, ministry leaders, and their members. The meeting served three purposes, with time allotted for our ministries to socialize and collaborate, an opportunity for the Parish Advisory Board to introduce newly crafted mission, vision and value statements, and for leadership to describe the role of the Outreach Committee and its policies.

The Parish Advisory Board spent quite a bit of time discerning these new statements following the completion of our recent parish survey. Their purpose is to serve as a new guiding light following the recent years of transition. I would like to thank the board, especially Lynda Marsh, for the wonderful job done in crafting and sharing these messages with the group.

Now we have the chance to share these statements with you. These statements will help us plan and determine where the parish can continue to grow from here. Our future plans will be predicated upon these statements.

Mission Statement: 

To cultivate a vibrant community of faith by creating meaningful connections with both God and each other.

Vision Statement:

To be the faith-filled heartbeat of Tampa, welcoming one another, supporting each other, and modeling Christ’s love to all those we meet.

Value Statements:

We are a joyful, loving, and vibrant Body of Christ, finding inspiration in our diversity and delight in our parish friends and family.

(Franciscan Value: appreciation for beauty, reverence for all creation)

We are welcoming, approachable, kind, and inclusive – not only to those within our walls, but also to those who live along the margins.

(Franciscan Value: affirmation of the unique worth of each person)

We are passionately compassionate and generous with our means – intentional in our service, driven in our actions, and devoted to our social responsibilities.

(Franciscan Value: service to the poor and marginalized)

We are proudly Franciscan in spirit, embracing our unique heritage and the traditions passed down through generations before us, yet always striving to change and evolve. We’re never done with our work or ready to give up.

(Franciscan Value: faith in a personal and provident God)

The Outreach Committee was created back in 2019 to be the network through which our parish’s volunteerism and philanthropy functions. The Outreach Committee’s mission is to represent all outreach ministries of Sacred Heart, to bring their individual missions, membership, and needs to the attention of each other and the parish as we seek to fulfill God’s Will in opening our hearts to the Tampa community (from the Parish Advisory Council, February 15, 2020). The goal of the committee is to aid the parish in working collectively, with ministries helping ministries so that we do not duplicate efforts nor over burden you, our parishioners, with constant asks. At this recent meeting, the Outreach Committee shared its decision and approval processes for outreach events, collections, etc. Several suggestions were given by parishioners during the meeting for future cooperative planning, and the Outreach Committee will be looking at the integration of those suggestions.

Pope Francis is quoted saying, “a prayer that does not lead you to practical action for your brother is a sterile and incomplete prayer.” Prayer leads to outreach and learning, which then leads to action. At the same time, action flows from prayer and its fruits of love, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, hope, respect, hospitality, and humility (from USCCB’s We Are Salt and Light).

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike

T.S./Hurricane Idalia Updates

Parish News

Thursday, August 31: All parish activities have resumed following the conclusion of the storm, and an inspection of all parish facilities.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Idalia. The DOSP Disaster Relief Fund sends 100% of all donations made to organizations assisting the people affected by natural disasters as they occur. To support victims of natural disasters, click here.

Monday, August 28: The following parish activities have been adjusted or cancelled through the evening of Wednesday, August 30. This includes:

  • Bible Study | Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. | Cancelled
  • A.A. | Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. | To meet via Zoom
  • Daily Mass | Wednesday at 7 a.m., 12:10 p.m. | Cancelled
  • Confessions | Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. | Cancelled
  • Catechist Orientation | Wednesday at 6 p.m. | Cancelled

*Additional events, groups, and ministries may appear on this list at the situation develops.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule will remain for Tuesday, August 29.

The church, parish office, and North Campus will be closed on Wednesday, August 30. Daily Mass and confessions will not be held.

The normal daily Mass and Confession schedule is slated to resume on Thursday, August 31, beginning with the 7 a.m. Mass (subject to change).

Information about Catholic Schools and Diocesan Closures can be found here.

Additional Resources:

Prayer against Storms | from the Pieta Prayer Book
Make the sign of the cross when you see the (+) symbol.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. + God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. + Christ was born of a virgin. + Christ suffered. + Christ was crucified. + Christ died. + Christ rose from the dead. + Christ ascended into Heaven. + Christ conquers. + Christ reigns. + Christ orders. + May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh. + Christ is with us with Mary. + Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root of David, was won. + Holy God! + Holy Powerful God ! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us.

Amen!

Let Justice and Peace Flow | From the Organ Bench w/ Philip Jakob

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Friends,

This Friday, September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation marks the beginning of the Season of Creation which continues through October 4 and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of ecology and founder of the Franciscans who bless our church of Sacred Heart with their presence.

This year we are called to ‘Let justice and peace flow.’ The prophet Amos cries out, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24), and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity. So where do we little people start when it comes to such global issues? I suppose we could start on those elements we can control, over which we might exercise our care for creation. Since this year’s theme includes the word “flow,” we might start with that most valuable resource: water.

I heard recently that vast amounts of water are consumed in the cooling systems of data centers, which include cooling towers, chillers, pumps, piping, heat exchangers/condensers, and computer room air conditioner units, with only some of this water being recycled. Cloud-based servers and our social media are not as cheap as I used to think! You might want to investigate this further for yourselves, but apart from lobbying or writing letters there may not be much we little people can do.

We can make changes in our own lifestyles which do reflect our care for creation. If we regularly water our gardens or wash our cars in a season in which daily rainfall is almost guaranteed, then we are wasting water. If we run the shower for longer than we need to, or brush our teeth while running the water, then we are wasting water. And water is a God-given resource. Just “as the deer thirsts for the running streams,” (Psalm 42) so we also thirst for God in our lives and for a more just use of resources. However small our sacrifices may appear, they do serve to prevent us from taking for granted what we have by the gift of God, and they enable us to consider the plight of those for whom water ‘on tap’ cannot be a daily expectation.

In addition to considering our consumption of water, we might also have care over what we allow to enter the water system, and to concentrate on keeping the water ecosystem as clean as we can. Simple actions such as not pouring fat drippings or household chemicals down the drain, reducing use of detergent or opting for earth-friendly brand products, and minimizing the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in the garden will all contribute to a reduction in environmental pollution.

A more contentious issue concerns our choice between tap water or bottled water. The reasoning behind using bottled water is primarily convenience but also because water quality in Florida, whilst still meeting the stringent Federal standards, is among the lowest of all the states. On the other hand, we also know the damage done to the environment and wildlife by increasing our need to dispose of plastics and we are learning that some of the plastic from the bottle can break down into the water. Not for nothing did India last year ban all single-use plastic bottles and that is a considerable risk for a country with serious tap water concerns! In so-called ‘first-world’ countries, many who have the financial wherewithal may choose to invest in a domestic filtration system or water softener which removes from our tap water some of the chemicals which still cause concern.

Mother Teresa, when asked how she had managed to change so many people’s lives, replied “one person at a time.” The assassinated Archbishop Óscar Romero answered a similar question:  “We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”

I think it is the same with our lifestyles and the environment: once we have become conscious of the issue we begin to make positive changes, bit by bit, gallon by gallon, until “justice rolls like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

Peace and All Good,
Philip Jakob
Director of Music

As Phil mentions, there are many ways we can embrace the ecumenical call of the annual Season of Creation. As a Franciscan parish, you’ll know that integrity of creation serves alongside justice and peace as key tenants of the Franciscan charism. The following are suggestions for how you can help ‘let justice and peace flow’ right here at Sacred Heart:

Laudato Si’ Ministry | Meets on the second Saturday of each month, discussing environmental topics.

Garden Ministry | Meets monthly to tend to the North Campus property and garden.

For more on the Season of Creation, view livestream prayer services, and read the 2023 guide, visit seasonofcreation.org.

From that Hour | Friar Reflections | Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friar Reflections, Parish News

Dear Parishioners,

Saints of God the Lord be with you!

Years ago, when I was starting my theological studies, one of my professors said that we can see “the other, the stranger,” as either a gift or a threat. It seems to me that the authors of all three readings this weekend are writing about the struggle in making that distinction, with them all coming to the same conclusion.

Isaiah (56:1, 6-7) writes that the Lord told him to “observe what is right, do what is just” not for his fellow Jews but to the foreigners that live within the borders of Israel. Not just the Temple building located in Jerusalem, but the Temple that all of Israel was supposed to be, “shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” What a vision God had? Too bad the people of Isaiah’s day didn’t cooperate to fulfill it.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans (11:13-15, 29-32) is writing to a church composed of Jews and Gentiles. Paul is warning the Gentiles not to be smug that God has called them, while many of the Jews have rejected the Messiahship of Jesus. He writes, “God delivered all to disobedience that he might have mercy upon all.”

Jesus to seems to struggle when confronted with a Canaanite woman with a demon-tormented daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). For a while, He seems trapped by cultural prejudices, not to mention the strict norms of gender and religion. Unfortunately, His initial reaction is supported by the disciples. However, the persistent faith, courage, and love for her daughter win Jesus over, and her daughter is healed “from that hour.” I can’t help but think that this encounter led Him to a deeper understanding of His mission.

There seems to be a lot of fear in our society and Church to people that are not like us. Whether they have a different skin color, ascribe to a different religion, are a different sexual orientation or gender identity, it seems to me that the only way, the Gospel way, to interact with them is to remember that God has mercy upon all. Pope Francis calls us to live the “sacrament of encounter” particularly with people who are different from us. Judgement and condemnation are not what Christ calls us to. We are called to respond to those who are least like us with the same compassion Christ has towards us.

Peace and All Good,
Fr. Steve