As 2020 comes to a close, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is taking a look back at this tumultuous year and thanking God for the grace to stand firm in the faith, courageous and strong. Click on video box above or here to view the video. Do you recognize the photos in the video? The stories behind the photos are found below.

Bishop Parkes shares his thoughts on 2020 in this “Year in Review” episode of A View from the Top. Listen to it here.

JANUARY

Youth Courageously Stand Up For Life

FEBRUARY

Over 300 Couples Renew Wedding Vows during Marriage Jubilee Mass

Bishop Parkes Meets with Pope Francis and Brings Back Message of Hope

Students Explore Vocations at Focus 11

MARCH

Public Masses are Temporarily Suspended in the Diocese of St. Petersburg

Catholic Charities Opens Hillsborough Hope Temporary Shelter for the Homeless

APRIL

In the Midst of Pandemic, Churches Learn to Livestream

Drive Thru Confessions Offer Mercy and Peace

The Domestic Church is Nurtured During COVID-19

Izzie Hernandez is Ordained a Permanent Deacon

Bishop Parkes Celebrates Holy Week Liturgies via Livestream and Fox 13

MAY

Pandemic Moves Marian Congress Online and Highlights Need for Prayer

Public Masses to Resume in the Diocese of St. Petersburg

Sunday Mass for the Public to Resume May 30-31, 2020 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg

First Chance to Receive Eucharist Leaves Some in Tears

JUNE

Outpouring of Support at the Prayer Vigil for Peace, Healing and Change

Community Reacts with Joy and Tears to the News about Bishop-Elect David Toups

Eighteen People Graduate from Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute

Good Samaritan Project Goes Virtual

JULY

Diocesan Wide Rosary For An End to the Pandemic Livestream

AUGUST

New Catholics Welcomed into the Church

Oldest Serving Priest in Florida, Monsignor George Cummings, Leaves an Important Legacy

After Three Month Delay, Father Joshua Bertrand, Father Connor Penn, and Father Drew Woodke Were Ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Gregory Parkes

Catholic Schools Return to In-Person Learning

SEPTEMBER

Diocese of St. Petersburg Sends Relief Money to Hurricane Laura Victims

Priests Minister to the Sick and Offer Healing Love of Christ

OCTOBER

Catholics Unite to Pray for Life Next to Abortion Facility

Local Pastors Participate in “Know Truth, Know Faith” A Series of Courageous Conversations about Race Relations

The Annual Hispanic Mass is Celebrated in Honor of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre

Bishop Parkes Celebrates the White Mass in Honor of Healthcare Professionals

Four Men Reach Milestone on the Path to Being Ordained as Permanent Deacons

NOVEMBER

Affordable Housing Provides Veteran a Home for the Holidays

Tampa’s Catholic Vietnamese Community Rejoices in a Spiritual Home of their Very Own

DECEMBER

Advent around the Diocese Photo Album

The Bezos Day 1 Family Fund, a charity started by Amazons’ Jeff Bezos, donates $5 million dollars to help St. Vincent de Paul CARES help the homeless