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Reviving a city core requires some faith

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published August 25, 2006

When people talk about the revitalization of downtown Tampa, the conversation typically focuses on the impact condominiums will have on retail, museums and the Riverwalk.

Don't forget churches.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in the heart of downtown on N Florida Avenue, turned 100 last year, and this Sunday, Sacred Heart Academy, the parish school, celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Still, there is as much new about the school as there is old. The church is served by the Franciscan friars from Holy Name Province, who arrived last year to assume the helm.

"It's really been a great matchup for us," Father Barry Langley said. "Our group of friars believes we do urban ministry and parish communities well. Here we have both.

"It's exciting to be on the edges of this sort of development. Soon, there's going to be a whole lot more people than us and a lot more neighbors living in the midst of this building."

Langley said the church has started a number of outreach and spiritual development programs in anticipation of downtown's changing face.

Maintaining the vibrancy of the school also is an important goal for the friars. The school has nearly 200 preschoolers through eighth-graders. It opened during the Depression, but remains relevant today, having just initiated plans to build a new computer lab.

One of the friars, Father Sean O'Brien, teaches daily in the school. Langley and Father Andrew Reitz help out with weekly Mass held at the school.

On Sunday, Bishop Robert Lynch of the St. Petersburg Diocese will preside at a special 11 a.m. Mass at the church celebrating the school's anniversary. Following the Mass, Bishop Lynch will rededicate the academy at 3515 N Florida Ave. in Tampa Heights. An open house and reception will follow.

The special Mass and blessing kicks off a yearlong celebration. Other events include a gala banquet in February and the annual crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mother in May, in which members of the 75th graduating class and surviving members of the original graduating class will attend. Langley said they have been able to find several women from the first graduating class.

Miracles never cease.

EACH YEAR, THE Susan G. Komen Foundation holds the Breast Cancer 3-Day in various cities across the nation. Tampa Bay's version of the 60-mile walk, scheduled for Oct. 13-15, will raise awareness and generate funds for research education and community outreach programs.

Each participant is required to raise $2,200, so you're likely to come across a number of people staging events. One group, however, is looking to take its fundraising to the next level. Melissa Readling, Jennifer Sullivan and Sarah Klein have set a target goal of $10,000.

The women, who call themselves the 3-Day Divas, are holding a Party with a Purpose from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Velvet Room at Channelside. The band Punch Drunk and magician Robert Horning will perform, and there will be drink specials, door prizes and free appetizers.

However, I'm arriving early, so if you show up late, the appetizers probably will be gone. Actually, I'm serving as emcee, and I'm certain it will be a good time.

Tickets are $30 for individuals and $50 for couples. For more information, go to www.the3day.org/tampabay06/3daydivas.

SPEAKING OF GOOD CAUSES, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope holds the Downtown Sunset Charity Fundraiser at 5:30 tonight at the Shark Bar, 102 S Tampa St. Academy director James Evans is hoping to generate money to sponsor students over the next 12 months. The program stresses academics, attendance, behavior, self-esteem and leadership with at-risk children. Over the past two years, 20 students from the program have gone on to college.

Actor Charles Mattucks, who is hoping to launch a nationally syndicated television show called The Poor Chef, will be the featured guest at the fundraiser. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted

Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or hooper@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 25, 2006, 01:31:07]