March 23, 2022 | While walking the halls of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dade City, you will encounter a Wall of Honor. It’s a place where parishioners dating back to World War II are recognized for their service in the US Armed Forces. One of those service members represented is Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Riley Roberts, a current officer in the US Navy who is preparing to leave on a seven-month deployment from Naval Station Norfolk.

“I am honored and humbled to be placed among those that have gone before me and hope to make my church family proud,” said LTJG Roberts.  

LTJG Roberts was born into the parish and has been active in ministry, serving as an altar server and signing in the choir as a cantor. When word of her upcoming deployment was shared, the parish gathered to offer a Mass for her protection.

“There is nothing more comforting than having the sacrifice of the Mass offered in honor of her and to have her church family, who all care for her, offer up their prayers in her name along with her shipmates,” said Tracey Roberts, LTJG Roberts’ mother. “It is all the more special to be at our parish where parishioners have watched Riley from infancy grow as a person and in her faith.”

The Wall of Honor is prominently located in an area of the parish where religious education classes take place so that kids walking the halls can look up to the parish military heroes. Among them are two service members who were killed in action while serving overseas.

The current war in Ukraine is concerning to LTJG Roberts, who is a Surface Warfare Officer on a 600-foot warship. Officials with the Navy have not publicly released where the ship is headed on this regularly scheduled deployment, but say they are ready to respond to any task or mission that is provided.

“War is a scary thing,” she said, “ Everyone could use more prayer in their life and with what’s going on in the world, it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a little extra, knowing I’m headed right into the mess of it.”

It’s the prayers of their parish family that are helping mother and daughter through it all.

“As a parishioner of over forty years, the support of my parish family is paramount to me. These are people that constantly check in on Riley’s wellbeing. These are people that proactively pray for her including her on prayer chains even at a neighboring parish. Their concern is genuine and brings great comfort,” said Mrs. Roberts.

The parish is working on building an outdoor memorial to include the flags of all the US Armed services. They say it’s a way to remember and pray for veterans and those still on active duty every day and not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day.

Prayer For the Safety of Soldiers

Almighty and eternal God,

those who take refuge in you will be glad

and forever will shout for joy.

Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.

Protect them with the shield of your strength

and keep them safe from all evil and harm.

May the power of your love enable them to return home

in safety, that with all who love them,

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.