Welcome
Fr. Franco Pinto, SDB, Director of Mary Help of Christians Center
Welcome to all of you who have been specially chosen by God and Mary Help of Christians to learn about Mary Help of Christians Center. As we enter the new year, Mary Help of Christians Center is in the process of growing and updating in order to best meet the needs of all the different ministries present at MHC. The growth of MHC and its empowerment has been significant over the years and there is great optimism with regards to the performance of each of the ministries.
With this growth, the center has now been challenged to update in order to face the challenges and demands of these new times. All of this is done for the sole purpose of Mary Help of Christians Center achieving an organizational culture in keeping with the current reality. We welcome all people to visit our center and come to understand what it truly means to be Salesian. Our property and ministries offer a host of opportunities for everyone to grow in a relationship with God, take some time to meditate and find peace, and encounter an environment of hope and love.
Mission
We are a center that rests on the principles of Don Bosco: reason, religion, and loving kindness, to contribute to education, the encounter of faith and evangelization in children, adolescents, and adults.
VISION Be recognized as a Salesian Center committed to the Social, Spiritual, Educational and Cultural development of Tampa Bay.
VALUES Friendliness | Service | Charity | Cooperation | Joy
History of Mary Help of Christians Center
Mary Help of Christians Center has a storied and beloved history in the Tampa community and the Diocese of St. Petersburg. In 1928, Mrs. Alicia Gonzalez Neve donated acres of land on East Lake, to the Salesians of Don Bosco to open an orphanage for boys. Mrs. Neve gave her property, home and savings to develop the place called Mary Help of Christians. For over 85 years, Mary Help has been a place where young and old come to meet Christ and grow in their faith. For many, this has been an experience of feeling the Salesian family spirit and the love of God in their hearts. The feature that makes Mary Help unique and special for all those who visit is Mary’s motherly assistance and the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Saint John Bosco
Here At Mary Help Of Christians Center
The Cooperator unit at Mary Help of Christians meets every 1st Saturday of the month. They begin with mass at 10:00 am in the church then move to the classroom across from the Director’s office. The meetings consist of formation in the mentality, spirit, and style of Don Bosco and/or planning and preparation for works of service.
If you are interested in joining the Salesian Cooperators, or for more information, please contact Mr. Chris Yarnold at yarnoldc7@gmail.com
Directory
Director
Fr. Franco Pinto, SDB
Contact: (813) 626-6191 Ext. 1024
Mary Help of Christians Parish
Fr. Steve Dumais, SDB
Contact: (813) 626-7588
Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa
Fr. Francis de Sales La, SDB
Contact: (813) 215-1736
Mary Has a Little Farm
Kay Conroy
Contact: (813) 626-6191 Ext. 1027
St. Philip the Apostle Residence
Fr. Jay Horan, SDB
Contact: (813) 623-3468
Mary Help of Christians Center Foundation
Bill Palmisano, Executive Director
Contact: (813) 620-1225
MHC Foundation
A nonprofit organization created by a group of committed Catholic laity to support the initiatives and projects of Mary Help of Christians Center (MHC). The MHC Foundation mission focuses on education based on the Salesian charism.
Bill Palmisano, Executive Director
Contact: (813) 620-1225
Pat Marshall, Secretary
Contact: (813) 620-1225