About

Welcome

Fr. John Serio, 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.

Who We Are

MISSION

Called to help each other grow in holiness in the Charism of St. John Bosco

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

Saint John Bosco was a priest from Italy who dedicated his whole life and work for the young. Saint John Bosco was inspired by a dream that he had at nine years old. In this dream, he was told by the Virgin Mary, Mary Help of Christians, to work for the young people who were living in sin and squalor. He was called to help them lead a life of holiness and sanctity. This dream inspired Saint John Bosco to live a life that was completely devoted to the will of God and to seek out the salvation of all the young people that he served. In 1859, he founded a religious order known as the Salesians of Saint John Bosco. Today, Salesians all over the world continue the work and mission of Don Bosco by offering schools and programs that seek to help the young become honest citizens and good Christians.

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. John Serio, SDB

Contact: (813) 626-6191 Ext. 1024

Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School
Patrick Liang, Ph.D.

President & CEO

Contact: (813) 621-8300

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