Hurricane Relief
September 8, 2023

All five counties in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and our neighboring counties were directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. To begin assisting those most affected, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Bishop Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with $100,000 from the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund. Our Disaster Relief …

Thank You Sunday
August 31, 2023

Thank You Sunday To Be Celebrated in Gratitude For God’s Protection from Hurricane Idalia A few days ago, Hurricane Idalia was headed straight for the five counties that comprise the Diocese of St. Petersburg. But, thanks be to God, the storm veered slightly west causing it to make landfall on a largely unpopulated stretch of …

The Rite of Election – 2024
December 13, 2022

The Rite of Election will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on the First Sunday of Lent, February 18, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. R.C.I.A. directors can reserve seating now by completing this form. All catechumens (i.e. the “unbaptized”) who will receive the three sacraments of initiation (i.e. Baptism, Confirmation, …

Ian Storm Update
September 26, 2022

Please watch local news for updates about Hurricane Ian. We will post the latest updates affecting the Diocese of St. Petersburg on this webpage. We will also share updates via Facebook and Instagram @DioStPete. Disaster Relief Special Collection The Diocese of St. Petersburg is helping people affected by Hurricane Ian. Bishop Gregory Parkes is asking …

New Website Seeks to Unite, Inform and Inspire Local Catholic Community
August 11, 2021

Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced the launch of GulfCoastCatholic.org, a news and lifestyle website created by the Diocese of St. Petersburg that officially debuts on August 14, 2021, the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Bishop Parkes chose the name of the site and serves as publisher. “All of us in Tampa Bay, the Suncoast and …

Scholarships Available for Stewardship Conference in September!
July 12, 2021

The Office of Stewardship and Development is sponsoring three (3) scholarships for the International Catholic Stewardship Conference (ICSC) being held in Orlando, Florida September 12-15, 2021. The scholarship is open to Parish Leaders from all 79 parishes and missions of the Diocese of St. Petersburg who are looking to participate in the conference for the …

Full-Time Priest, Part-Time Police Chaplain, Father Ted Costello is Named Volunteer of the Year
June 29, 2021

As a priest for 36 years, Father Ted Costello wears a collar as part of his priestly ministry. But some days you can see Father Ted dressed in blue, not black. It’s those days that he serves as a volunteer chaplain, ministering to men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the …

A Day of Joy as Three Priests are Welcomed into the Diocese of St. Petersburg
June 23, 2021

Bishop Gregory Parkes said it was “a day of joy” as three men who were ordained outside of the Diocese of St. Petersburg were welcomed as permanent priests of this local Church community. (View Photos Here) “Today marks a new chapter in the history of our Diocese and also in your priesthood and we thank …

The Diocese of St. Petersburg Announces the Hiring of a New Executive Director of Operations
June 21, 2021

Bishop Gregory Parkes has appointed Lois Locey as Executive Director of Operations for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective June 21, 2021. In this role, she will serve on the Bishop’s Executive Leadership Team and supervise various ministries of the Diocese, including Catholic Schools and Centers, Stewardship and Development, Construction, Real Estate, Calvary Catholic Cemetery …

Local Filipino Community Celebrates 500 years of Christianity in their Homeland
May 6, 2021

St. Paul Parish in Tampa serves as a hub for the Filipino community in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the parish recently hosted a special Mass to mark the anniversary of the establishment of Christianity in the Philippines. Ed Bilbao and his wife, Susan, helped to organize much of the festivities. “It was a …

Third Annual Hispanic Men’s Conference Encourages Renewal
May 6, 2021

In collaboration with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Suncoast Catholic Ministries and Resurrection Catholic Church, the Third Annual Hispanic Conference for Men was successfully held on April 10, 2021. The theme of the conference was “Trust in the Lord”. (Click here to view photos from the event.) Among the participants of the conference was the …

Project Rachel: A Lifesaver for Men and Women Traumatized by Abortion
May 6, 2021

To receive help for healing after an abortion, contact Catholic Charities at 813-924-4173 or via email to projectrachel@ccdosp.org. All calls are confidential and non-judgmental. A St. Petersburg man openly discusses the devastating effects of abortion and how Rachel’s Vineyard retreats for post-abortive healing brought him peace and the experience of God’s infinite mercy and love. “There …

Clergy Appointments ~ Spring 2021
April 8, 2021

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2021 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Ronald B. Aubin, J.C.L., from Pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, granted retirement status.Reverend C. Timothy Corcoran, III, from Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Tampa and Vicar …

Bishop Gregory Parkes Announces Catholic Mass Obligation To Resume May 22nd
March 30, 2021

General Dispensation is Currently in Place due to Health Concerns from COVID-19 Surrounded by priests, deacons and leadership staff from the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that the obligation for Catholics to attend Mass on Sunday will resume on May 22, 2021, the vigil of Pentecost. This announcement …

Stained Glass Window is Revealed after Hidden for Nearly Half a Century
March 8, 2021

When parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Tampa walk into the church on Easter morning, they will be celebrating the Risen Christ in more ways than one. Parishioners will see an unobstructed floor-to-ceiling stained glass window of the Risen Christ welcoming all who enter. For years this window went largely unnoticed, partially hidden by …

Ministry Adapts to COVID-19 with Operation Smile and Birthday Splash
March 8, 2021

COVID-19 has been a challenging time for so many people mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Among the most vulnerable are seniors and those living in nursing homes and Assisted Living Facilities. Despite the challenges, St. Raphael Catholic Church has adapted during the pandemic to continue its long-time ministry to nursing home residents and seniors over …

Behind the Scenes of a Live Stream Event with Bishop Parkes
February 19, 2021

A giving society is established by organizations to give thanks to those who make it possible for them to fulfill their mission. While this is usually done through in-person events, the Diocese of St. Petersburg courageously jumped into the unknown last November to launch their Mater Dei Giving Society virtually. “For the last couple of …

Catholic Foundation: Committed to Transparency and Accountability – 2020 Impact Report
February 19, 2021

The purpose of endowed and long-term investments is to provide support to beneficiaries now and into the future. The Catholic Foundation is proud to be entrusted with more than 70 managed and endowed funds from committed donors. As stewards of the legacy gifts so generously given, the Catholic Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability. …

Catholic Foundation Legacy Planning Video Series
February 19, 2021

As with many large gatherings in the past year, the popular Catholic Foundation Life Planning Workshops for parishes were put on hold. However, questions surrounding legacy planning, legal matters and financial planning issues were flooding in. To assist and provide a new resource for parishes and their parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has launched the new …

Hope in the Lord
February 3, 2021

The theme for the 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal is “Hope in the Lord”, inspired by Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Through hope, we find strength, …

2020 Annual Report
January 29, 2021

Even through difficulties and challenges, our more than 24,000 generous donors provided more than $10 million in support of our 50+ diocesan ministries and services through the 2020 Annual Pastoral Appeal. Gifts were also made to support special projects through the Forward in Faith Campaign, and Bishop Gregory Parkes launched our new Mater Dei Giving …

Students at St. Petersburg Catholic High School Benefit From New State-of-the-Art Learning Center
January 20, 2021

Students, faculty, families and supporters gathered on January 14, 2021 for the blessing of St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s newly remodeled, Learning Commons. This major renovation project advances the school’s mission to foster a 21st century teaching and learning environment, with state-of-the-art technology and teaching resources. The project was an extensive remodel of the preexisting …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Urges Parishes to Spread Awareness of Human Trafficking
January 8, 2021

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has partnered with the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to encourage all parishes and Catholic schools to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking by becoming “Trafficking-Free Zones.” The goal is to end modern-day slavery and protect children and youth. Participating …

Plenary Indulgences for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Year of St. Joseph
December 10, 2020

December 10, 2020  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,  On Tuesday, as our Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a communication was sent from the USCCB announcing that Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at home, …

Celebrate Bishop Lynch’s 25th Anniversary with a Gift of Hope
December 9, 2020

In 2021, Bishop Emeritus Robert N. Lynch will celebrate the silver anniversary of his episcopal ordination, which was held on January 26, 1996 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, in St. Petersburg. Providing help and hope to those in need was a hallmark of Bishop Lynch’s episcopacy. One such project was the establishment …

Tampa’s Catholic Vietnamese Community Rejoices in a Spiritual Home of their Very Own
December 9, 2020

The Catholic Vietnamese community in Tampa celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on November 25, 2020, in gratitude for their new church, located at 5601 Hanley Road, in Tampa. Previously, St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission shared space with Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Tampa, but it now has a church home all its own. Despite being …

New Donor-Advised Fund is Introduced in the Diocese of St. Petersburg
December 1, 2020

We know that many of our parishioners actively search for ways to invest in their parishes, the greater Catholic Church as well as other organizations that align with our Catholic Values. They look to support good deeds through their generous giving. Because of this, we are proud and excited to announce the launch of the …

New YouTube Series is Directed at Young Adults and Families
November 18, 2020

Recently ordained priest Father Connor Penn is hosting a new YouTube series to help younger Catholics fit faith into their crazy busy lives. Would you share this with a YouTuber in your life? In the series, Catholic Planner, Father Penn brings a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church’s comprehensive calendar of celebrations, solemnities, saints’ feast days …

National Collection Assists Elderly Sisters, Brothers, Priests in Religious Orders
November 17, 2020

The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 12-13. The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last year, the Diocese of St. …

Compassion, Concern and Commitment – Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes Regarding the Florida Attorney General’s Report
November 6, 2020

In October 2018, the former Florida Attorney General announced an investigation of the State’s seven Catholic Dioceses to determine how allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been handled. We welcomed the State’s investigation and we cooperated fully with the process instituted to research past cases of abuse allegations, dating back prior to …

St. Scholastica Rosary Makers Create Over 55,000 Rosaries in Nine Years of Loving Service
October 22, 2020

Rosaries from the St. Scholastica Rosary Makers have found their way to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless ministries, army bases, and foreign missions around the world. The ministry, which began nine years ago, hit a major milestone at the beginning of 2020 with the completion of its 55,000th rosary. Ministry founder Ann Downer says that …

Spirit FM 90.5 is Bringing Community Together to Help Those in Need During the Pandemic
October 21, 2020

What:                   Spirit Service Week to Collect Food and Hygiene Items for Local Organizations Why:                     To Help the Hungry and Homeless When:                  Monday, October 26- Friday, October 30, 2020, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Each Day Where:                 Five Locations Listed Below Oct 26th – Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave …

Catholics Unite to Pray for Life Next to Abortion Facility
October 21, 2020

A small crowd recently gathered for the kickoff to 40 Days for Life at the Knights Women’s Center, a pro-life crisis pregnancy center on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa.  The September 24th event brought together those committed to advocating for life and praying for unborn children whose lives are tragically ended by legal abortion that takes …

Monsignor Dennis Hughes Receives 2020 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award
October 7, 2020

Monsignor Dennis Hughes was announced as the recipient of the 2020 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on Tuesday, October 6. This award is given annually to a priest serving in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who best exemplifies selfless and dedicated service to the people of God. The recipient of the award is chosen by his brother priests. This year, the award …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Remains in Compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
October 5, 2020

An independent firm that specializes in investigatory and analytical consulting has found that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York conducted an audit of the Diocese’s Safe Environment policies and procedures on September 8-9, 2020. Based …

Pope Francis Proposes New Ways to Foster Compassion in Third Encyclical
October 5, 2020

Pope Francis released his third encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, On Fraternity and Social Friendship” on Saturday, October 3, 2020, in Assisi, Italy. An “encyclical” is a letter that is a teaching document by the Holy Father. This letter is addressed to all people who will accept it and reflect on the invitation to dialogue. Click here …

Official Communication Channels
September 16, 2020

To help our diocesan family of clergy, religious, staff, parishioners and the entire community stay up-to-date with news and information about our bishop, our faith and our activities, please refer to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s official communication channels listed below. We encourage you to subscribe, follow and stay connected. There are some groups who …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Sends Relief Money to Hurricane Laura Victims
September 8, 2020

Thanks to generous donors of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund, Bishop Gregory Parkes is helping victims of Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Louisiana on August 27, 2020 and killed at least 34 people. In early September, Bishop Parkes issued a check in the amount of $50,000 to …

Some Groups that Use the Name Catholic are Not Affiliated with the Catholic Church
September 8, 2020

There are several non-Church affiliated, political advocacy groups (such as CatholicVote, Priests for Life, Catholics United, My Faith Votes, League of Women Voters, etc.), which seek to mobilize and educate Catholic voters. These non-Church affiliated groups may endorse (or oppose) candidates for elective office, as well as provide candidates with direct financial support, which does …

After 76 Years of Ministry, Monsignor George W. Cummings, Leaves Important Legacy in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Florida
August 10, 2020

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is remembering the legacy of Monsignor George W. Cummings who passed away in the Lord on August 8, 2020 at the Sturgill Hospice House in Brooksville at the age of 102. He was a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and Pastor Emeritus of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton …