Fr. John Tizzio, C.Ss.R. Is New Pastor at Sacred Heart Church
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December 2, 2021Fr. Kevin MacDonald was appointed Pastor Pro Tem after the death of Fr. Tom Burke. This was a difficult moment in the life of a parish. Fr. Kevin performed admirably. Used to beinga missionary Fr. Kevin accept the appointment with Christian wisdom, understanding, and patience, and guided the parish successfully through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Fr. Burke’s passing.
During this time Fr. Kevin gave the keynote address at priest’s retreat during the Advent season and his talk was well received. He also successfully endured a knee operation and now is in fine form to resume his athletic interests – mainly golf!
A heartfelt thanks is extended to Fr. Kevin for guiding the parish through a difficult period and a warm welcome to Fr. John Tizio. “I arrived here in New Smyrna Beach in the middle of September, having never been stationed in the South before. I was touched by the way so many parishioners remembered those Redemptorists who have served here at Sacred Heart and St. Gerard-- Tom Burke, Glen Parker, John Murray, Frank Browne, Mike Dillon, Ed Gray, Gene Daigel, George Rosario, Frank Nelson to name just a few. They remember all those who have ministered here so fondly, with great stories! What a great legacy of Redemptorist ministry here in New Smyrna Beach, both in the past and looking forward. I am happy and excited to be here and to build upon what they have done.”
In the spirit of our Redemptorist call to reach out to the poor, many might not be aware of the parish ministry to the hungry in the New Smyrna Beach area by Fr. Aldrin Nunes helping the Knights of Columbus each month in feeding the homeless, from 150 to 200 people a day.
Fr. Aldrin Nunes, a Redemptorist from the Mumbai Province, is an excellent priest in the Sacred Heart Parish. Every Friday, except during the pandemic, Fr. Aldrin leads a group of eight extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist (EMS) in visiting approximately 55 parishioners who are not able to come to church or receive communion. The people visited appreciate the effort of all these volunteers as it brings them great joy– to receive the Christ and listen to words of Christian comfort from these volunteers.
In addition. Fr. Aldrin presides at Mass at Lexington Assisted Living facility once a month after distributing the body of Christ to the infirm. The people who gather for this Mass are treated to an excellent homily by an energetic presider who loves them dearly.
Fr. Aldrin’s work in this area encourages the other extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist to continue to serve Christ by remembering those who cannot attend Mass or regular parish functions. By doing so these people not only feel connected to the parish but are connected through the parish by the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is one of our faith’s most powerful assets and allows people to connect and be a part of the missionary endeavor of our faith. Our Sacred Heart School is celebrating 60 years of operation and bringing the message of Christ to school-aged children – preschool through eighth grades.
Fr. John Tizio, our new pastor, celebrated the kickoff Mass for the year-long celebration with great joy and allowed him to be introduced to our parish. His message of hope and encouragement during his homily was well received and will be continued throughout the year.
