Bishop Gregory Parkes issued this statement on August 27, 2025, in response to the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, we are confronted with a heartbreaking act of evil and violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact that the victims were innocent children, and the adults caring for them, who were attending the celebration of the Holy Mass, a sacred time when the faithful gather in prayer and communion with God.

The Catholic community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg mourns this tragedy with all of the victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt prayers and express our deepest sorrows to the students, families, faculty, parishioners, and all who have been shaken by this violence.

May God’s consolation bring comfort in the midst of unspeakable sorrow. I invite all people of faith to unite in prayer for the victims, for their loved ones, and for the healing of the Annunciation community.

Let us entrust all victims of violence to the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and who intercedes for all who are grieving. 

Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes
Bishop of Saint Petersburg

About the Diocese of St. Petersburg

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is comprised of nearly 500,000 Catholics within the five counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. It includes 74 parishes, five missions, one shrine, 46 schools and early childhood centers, and a variety of social services, health care, housing, and pastoral ministries. Mass is celebrated regularly in 14 languages, and we are led by Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, who was installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese on January 4, 2017.