PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Blessing of the Animals – Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 PM, The Franciscan Center

The Franciscan Center once again plays host to our Friars blessing the animals of our local community.
Pets of all kinds and their owners will be blessed by the friars, from tiny hamsters to the mounted patrol
Horses from our local law enforcement. This annual blessing for all furry, finned, and feathered friends is
a Franciscan tradition in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the
environment. The event is free to the public.

Location: The Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave.)

Transitus of St. Francis – Friday, October 2 at 6:30 PM, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa

Every year, Franciscans ritually remember the passing of Francis of Assisi from this life during this liturgy,
as a reminder to renew our own commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi. You are
invited to join the friars as they continue this 800-year tradition.

Mural Blessing – Friday, October 2 at 7:30 PM, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa

To celebrate this 800th Anniversary and the Franciscan Jubilee Year, Sacred Heart has commissioned a
mural by local artist Carlos Pons that reflects the charism of the Franciscan order (Justice, Peace,
Integrity of Creation) and the character of Sacred Heart Church as a beacon of hope in Tampa for more
than 120 years. Following the Transitus, the friars will bless the new mural outside of the church’s St.
Francis Hall, with a reception in the hall immediately after.

Annual White Mass – Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM

This mass will be celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes on for physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals in our diocese. The location is Our Lady Queen of Angels Chapel at Christ the King Church in Tampa.

Dinner will follow at the church’s McLaughlin Center with a presentation by Sam Goodwin, bestselling author and inspirational speaker, who will share his personal survival story “A Test of Faith”.  Event is organized by the Tampa Bay Guild of the Catholic Medical Association (CMA). 

For registration details, please email CMA Guild President Dr. Rob Hamill

The Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi – Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM, Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle

Come celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, commemorating his passing into eternal life. Fr. Randy Roberts, OFM will lead this service sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Secular Franciscan Fraternity, on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Join us for a reception between the 4pm Vigil Mass and the 6pm Transitus. Contact Jim Gillis: 727-564-1733. 

University of South Florida Family Weekend – Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Mass will begin at 10:00 am; followed by reception.

International Festival – Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tampa is hosting their 17th International Festival! Come enjoy a wonderful day filled with delicious international food, entertainment, fellowship, and celebration of cultures from around the world. 

All are welcome to attend!

Misa y Procesión En Honor Al Señor De Los Milagros
La Hermandad del Señor de los Milagros de Tampa con gran fe, devoción y alegría invita a nuestra comunidad en general a la Sagrada Misa y procesión en honor al Señor de los Milagros.  El evento tendra lugar el 25 de octubre, 2026, comenzando a las 12:30 PM en la Iglesia St. Mark the Evangelist, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa. 

¡Te esperamos con un corazón Nazareno y con los brazos abiertos! 

Para obtener más información, llama al 813-200-8858; por Email: hsmtpafl@gmail.com o visita:  https://www.hsmtpafl.org/ 

Mass and Procession in Honor of the Lord of the Miracles
The Brotherhood of the Lord of Miracles of Tampa with great faith, devotion and joy invites our community in general to the holy Mass and Procession in Honor of the Lord of the Miracles

Join us on October 25 at 12:30 pm at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, for this celebration.

For more information visit: www.hsmtpafl.org/; or by Email: hsmtpafl@gmail.com or Phone: (813) 200-8858.

Tampa Bay Courage and EnCourage
Courage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions.  Through discussion, prayer and chaste friendship, Courage members strengthen each other to joyfully live out the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church. To learn more call Fr. John McEvoy at 352-206-2042.  Meet with Father or ask him how to participate in the monthly Courage meetings.  

EnCourage provides support for families and friends of those with same-sex attraction and/or gender dysphoria. In many cases, their loved ones have embraced an LGBTQ  identity and no longer practice the faith. Through prayer and sharing we offer support to remain faithful. To learn more call 813-591-3766.  We respect your privacy. 

Quick view resources: couragerc.org; courageandencouragetampabay.org; Desire of the Everlasting Hills (one hour documentary). 

Promotional graphic here. 

The 45th Annual Ukrainian Autumn Festival will take place on November 14–15, 2026 at Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg

This annual festival is a wonderful opportunity for the Tampa Bay community to experience Ukrainian faith, culture, traditional food, music, dancing, crafts, and fellowship. It is also an important event for the parish and helps allow them to continue parish ministries and support for Ukraine.

All are warmly invite to attend and celebrate! Click here to view the flyer.

PILGRIMAGES AROUND THE DIOCESE

If your parish is offering a pilgrimage within the coming months, we invite you to share this information with the Pastoral Bulletin: pastoralbulletin@dosp.org.  This allows readers to view opportunities to participate in an upcoming pilgrimage.  The pilgrimages are posted in the Diocesan website under the Pastoral Bulletin page at this link.