This is “Laetare Sunday” or the Fourth Sunday of Lent. This is the Sunday that the presider is allowed to wear “rose” colored vestments, showing that this Lenten season is moving along and that we can rejoice in what God has done for us. Our “elect” will celebrate the Second Scrutiny as they proceed closer to the Easter sacraments.
Don’t forget the Pancake Breakfast that the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring after the 7:30, 9 and 10:30 Masses. All you can eat for $5! What a bargain.! Come and spend some time with your friends after Mass in the Church Hall and enjoy a great breakfast.
I’ve noticed that many of the new hymnal racks have been installed in the church. They will make a great difference in keeping our music books available in each pew. It is helpful in keeping the church looking neat and clean by putting the hymnals back in the racks after each Mass, taking your bulletin home with you rather than leaving it in the pew and taking with you any Kleenex or other items that you have used during Mass. Sometimes the church is left very messy. I appreciate your help in keeping it clean.
Next Sunday we will be welcoming our new parishioners after the 9 AM Mass. They will gather at the reception in the church hall after Mass and then proceed to the St. Clare Room for our Welcome Program. We are a growing parish and have these “Welcomes” every other month.
Last weekend I ventured over to the Gasparilla Art Festival. The artists’ tents were moved to a new location in the park near the new Art Museum and Children’s Museum and on Ashley Street. What a wonderful art show! It was a beautiful day and thousands of people were wandering, looking over the various exhibits or munching on food from the food booths. This park and the two new museums are great additions to downtown Tampa. Another new addition is the History Museum at Channelside. In October we will be having an exhibit celebrating our 150th Anniversary at the History Museum and an Anniversary Luncheon. Watch for more details about this event. Downtown Tampa continues to get better!
Our Annual Pastoral Appeal Report shows that we have $26,122 in pledges and donations. This represents 111 gifts and is 14.56% of our goal of $179, 437. We are moving along, but need your help in arriving at our goal. Pledge/donation envelopes are available in church or send your gift to the Annual Pastoral Appeal, Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743. Mention that you are from Sacred Heart Church, Tampa. Thank you for your gift!
