There’s an old saying that goes, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or quite some time, but somehow you now feel a tug at your heart calling you back home to the Catholic Church. Please know that the people and friars of Sacred Heart Parish are here to welcome you.
Regardless of what’s happened in your life or how long you’ve been away, you can always come home to the Catholic Church. Our Lord wants you to come home. Think for a minute about Christ's parable of the Prodigal son. The young man had walked away from his father, certain that he was doing the right thing by leaving. But eventually, he had a change of heart and tentatively made his way home, full of doubts about whether his father would accept him back. The story has a happy ending. Not only did the father welcome his son home again, but he threw a party in celebration of his son’s return! You can be sure that the angels and the saints in heaven—and your own Heavenly Father—will rejoice that day you come home to the Catholic Church.
How do I come home? There are many things you can do we you are ready, but simply come to Mass and be in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. Sit in the presence of the worshipping community of sinners and saints and know that "We believe...." Our faith has never been about the fidelity of anyone except Jesus Christ and we believe that He held back nothing of himself for himself that He might receive you completely. Such is the power of love.
Drop by Sacred Heart Catholic Chruch in the quiet of the morning or the afternoon. Sit in the quiet of this sanctuary in downtown Tampa and feel the presence of God calling you home. Such is the power of home.
When you're ready.... There are many things you can do:
If you know a neighbor or friend who is Catholic, begin a discussion with them with something as simple as, "I have been away from church for a while, but I see you regularly attend. What draws you to attend?"
Our parish priests, Francisan friars, are always around at the weekend Masses. They are friendly and approachable. Introduce yourself and let them know you're thinking about "coming home."
If you would be more comfortable calling, give the parish office a call, let them know you are considering "coming home." The receptionist will connect you with a priest or one of the staff members.
Maybe you have been away because you don't think you are worthy or have sinned in a way that can never be reconciled - yet you long for the Eucharist. Come to speak with a priest in the privacy (and anonymity) of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God is awaiting to shower you with His mercy and love - free for the asking. Our schedule for the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be found here, or you can even call one of our Friar priests and ask to celebrate the sacrament at another time (and have more time for sharing your journey)
Peruse the archives of AmericanCatholic.org, a Franciscan ministry - search for the topic you would like to know more about in their "Catholic Update" newsletters. They also have another great series called "Scripture from Scratch"
