Advent Penance Service
The Holy Season of Advent is a preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child in the Solemnities of the Christmas Season and also a time of devout preparation for Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For that reason, the Church encourages the faithful to consider taking time to embrace the gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Annual Penance Service here at Sacred Heart will take place on 6:15pm on Monday, December 15th. We will have ten priests available to hear your confessions, including at least one for those who prefer to confess in Spanish. Mark your calendars for this important celebration of this Sacrament of Healing! If you are unable to attend our Penance Service, there are several local parishes also offering a service: Holy Family: 12/17 6:30pm St. Cecelia: 12/17 10am & 6pm (both bilingual) Holy Cross: 12/18 6pm (bilingual)
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation sessions prepare individuals who have been baptized Catholic or in a different Christian faith to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. These 12-week sessions cover core topics about the Catholic faith. For more information, contact Lisa Gunnin at the parish office: (727) 541-4447 or faithformation@sacredheartpinellaspark.com. Classes meet on Thursday nights at 7pm.
Breakfast with Santa
Last Sunday, we had a special visit from Santa Claus and his better half, bringing joy to many kids, young and old. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Breakfast with Santa event an enjoyable experience, especially the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, who prepared and served a delicious breakfast, the school faculty, staff, and parents, and all other volunteers and helpers.
Rite of Entrance
At last Sunday’s 9:30 Mass, several adults and children were formally accepted as catechumens in the OCIA or OCIC in the Rite of Entrance (formerly called Rite of Acceptance). They promised the willingness to open themselves up to God’s grace through prayer, study, and charity, and their sponsors, catechists, and fellow parishioners promised to offer prayer, encouragement, and authentic Christian witness to them as they continue the journey to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass in April. May the Lord continue to bless, protect, and inspire you all!