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SING PRAISE TO THE LORD!

SING PRAISE TO THE LORD!

We are looking for singers and musicians to help enhance our Sunday Liturgies.  If you are interested in being a part of our music ministry, we invite you to a practice session.  The 4 PM & 11:30 AM choirs practice on Tuesday nights at 7 PM. (singers only)

The Contemporary Choir is in need of musicians preferably guitarists and percussionists.  The choir directors are available after masses if you have any questions.  ALL are welcome to join the choirs! 

Pentacost Sunday “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Upcoming Readings June 2, 2013

UPCOMING READINGS

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

June 2, 2013

Reading 1–Sharing bread and wine, a foreshadowing of the eucharistic elements, Abram is blessed and God is praised. (Gn 14:18-20)

 Reading 2-When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your glory, Lord Jesus, until you come again. (1 Cor 11:23-26)

Gospel–Jesus feeds h\the people through the apostles. It all foreshadows th Eucharist. (Lk 9:11b-17)

Ushers Needed!!

Steubenville Youth Conference

Teens!!  Are you ready for a powerful weekend that will change your life?

Join us this June for the Steubenville Youth Conference in Orlando, Florida.

What is Steubenville Youth Conference? 

It is a weekend conference filled with  Christian rock music, exciting speakers,

and opportunities for you to grow in your  relationship with God, and your friends.

When? June 21-23

This is open to all incoming 9^th graders to recent high school graduates.

Please contact Kim in the office for more details.

Spaces are limited.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

Mother’s Day is May 12th.  What better way to remember your Mother, living or deceased than by enrolling her in a Novena of Masses for the month of May beginning on Mother’s Day. Their names will remain at the altar during this time.  You will find a special envelope in your packet.   If you wish to have a card to   present to you Mother, you may pick one up in the  ‘Tree House” gift shop after Mass.

Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Journey – Closing Ceremony

Santa Maria de Gaudalupe

(Translated:  Saint Mary, the one who treads on Snakes)

              Last weekend we had the honor of having four copies of the original image of Our Lady of Gaudalupe.  They were unique in the sense that they were touched to the original tunic of Juan Diego and blessed by the Pope.  The tunic which is 475 years old had carried roses from the Hill of Tepayac.  When those roses were presented to the Bishop by Juan Diego, they vanished and what was left was the image of the Lady. 

These four images have circulated throughout the State of Florida over the last two years.  They were received in 140 parishes and were seen by over 235,000 people.  For some odd reason, they all convened here at Sacred Heart Church in Pinellas Park.  I’m not certain as to why they had their closing ceremony here.  When the State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus spoke at the end of the 11:30 Mass, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit emulating from him.  And then he looked at me and said, “Father, we would like you to have one of the four to remain permanently with Sacred Heart Church.” 

I was a stunned and a tear came to my eyes.  All I could do was repeat the words of Saint Elizabeth, “Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me.  For at the sound of your voice the Holy Spirit stirred within me.”  The Knights of Columbus have honored us.  Originally, there were 76 copies given to the United States.  All of them had been touched to the original tunic and blessed by the Pope.  To think that out of the entire country, we received one of the 76 amazes me.  There are over 76 Churches in the Diocese of         St. Petersburg alone, not to mention the entire country and yet we were given one.  Who are we that one of them should remain with us?

Most of you will note that there are flames of fire coming out of the Lady.  She is on fire with the Holy Spirit.  Her most pure heart is filled with God’s love and she prays for all of us.  She loves.  The name ‘Guadalupe’ means ‘the one who treads on Snakes’.  I think the Devil better be careful.  The ancient prophecy will be fulfilled, “God said to the Serpent, ‘I will put hatred between you and the Woman, between your offspring and hers.  She will strike at your head while you strike at her heel.’”

God destined the Mother of God to be more than just a biological mother of Jesus Christ.  He destined her to be the mother of the living – the New Eve.  And by the grace of God we follow in the footsteps of our Mother,

“Romans 16:20 – then the God of peace

Will quickly crush Satan under your feet.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

The presence of Saint Mary’s image will hang in our chapel as a reminder to us that we have a Mother who is on fire, a Mother who will protect her offspring, a Mother who the Devil hates and fears.   When was the last time you told your Mother that you loved her?

 May we follow in her footsteps,

 Father Anthony Gerard

New Youth Ministry Program

As we prepare to launch the new Youth Ministry program, I would like to invite all interested teens,  parents, and  parishioners who would like to learn  more about the opportunities in our community for our teens and their families.

We will meet May 9^th  at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center.

All are welcome to this meeting.

Fr. Tobin’s Homily April 27, 2013

To hear Fr. Tobin’s Homily of April 28, 2013, “Send Off Message”, click here

Fr. Tobin’s Homily April 21, 2013

To hear Fr. Tobin’s Homily of April 21, 2013, “Holding the Lord’s Hand & Never Letting Go.”   click here