Parish Outreach helps members of the community in need.

Contact: Hugh Davis

(727) 895-6373

 

 

Westcare Rehabilitation

Thomas Heid

tomrheid@gmail.com

Death of Daniel Richards

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Prison Ministry,
I must sadly report to you the death of our young friend, Daniel Richards. Daniel succumbed to the effects of a poisoned recreation drug. He stopped breathing within minutes of ingesting it and was the victim of violent seizures at Bayfront Hospital for 12 days until his death on June 2. He never regained consciousness and was kept breathing by machine. He was 26.
Daniel suffered from severe anxiety and was not usually comfortable in group settings. That is, until he became a worshiper at Sacred Heart. He often talked of the love, inclusion and sense of community he felt, not just in the Church but also at the meetings of the men of St Joseph.
It was my mentoring of Daniel that resulted in my jail credentials being rescinded. I first met Daniel while substituting for a Wednesday night volunteer at the jail. He always exhibited great love of scripture and a driving devotion to the Eucharist. I have been a part of Daniel’s support system for three years.
Still homeless, Daniel was Confirmed at the Easter Vigil Mass this year. He found great comfort worshiping with Sacred Heart parish and was particularly devoted to the Eucharistic Adoration. Although he was never sure where he would sleep next, he knew that he had found a spiritual home at Sacred Heart.
There will be a funeral Mass for Daniel on Saturday, June 22 at 10am in the Chapel of Sacred Heart Church. You are invited to attend.
Your brother in Christ,
Chris Raleigh