DIOCESAN OFFICES

Pastoral Plan and Mercy Challenge News and Updates

If you haven’t already begun, now is the perfect time to dive into detailed planning for your Mercy Event.  As the date approaches, early preparation will ensure everything runs smoothly, communicates a message of hope, and offers a truly meaningful experience for your community.

Last week, we focused on securing a location, gathering volunteers, and starting promotion efforts.  This week, our attention shifts to formation, specifically selecting materials that will inspire your community to explore the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue forming hearts in love and compassion!

Bookmark our webpage for news and updates:  https://www.dosp.org/courageouslyliving/calltoconversion-resources/news-and-updates/

From the Office of Marriage and Family Life

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week – July 20-26, 2025
Pursue a lasting love …MARRIAGE! Create hope for the future!

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week highlights the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood.  The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.  Find a plethora of NFP resources at https://www.dosp.org/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/.

St. Gianna Center offers Education Program in Natural Family Planning, Creighton Model
St. Gianna Center is looking for new FertilityCare Practitioners to help teach the Creighton Model System (CrMS), a Natural Family Planning & Fertility Appreciation system.  A 13-month program, next class begins November 15, 2025 at Most Holy Name of Jesus, 5800 15th Ave. S., Gulfport.  Become an FCP and help women learn an approach to women’s reproductive healthcare that is safe from side effects, life-affirming, cost-effective and clinically proven.  Assist couples struggling with infertility and women with challenging cycles.  Scholarships available.  Contact Becky, 813-421-4625, https://stgiannacenter.com/become-a-practitioner/.

PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS

Now Leasing: Affordable 55+ Apartments in Hillsborough County
Casa di Francesco is a beautiful new community with many amenities in Seffner, Florida that was developed in partnership with the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.  One and two-bedroom units are currently available.  Starting at $1,056 for a 1-bedroom, the property is located right next to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Income is restricted to those making 60% of Area Medium Income or less. Call (813) 436-3976 or visit: www.casadifrancesco.com/applicants  for more information.

EMPOWER 2025
A local youth ministry core team training is coming on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at St. Raphael Parish, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg.

More information and registration at this link:  https://lifeteen.com/events/empower/.

New, Prospective Students Invited to Saint Leo U’s
The MANE Event on July 19, 2025
Saint Leo University will host its largest annual admissions event — The MANE Event — for new and prospective undergraduate students, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the University Campus, 33701 County 52, St. Leo, FL 33574. Students who have committed to joining Saint Leo for Fall 2025, as well as those who still are making their college decision, are invited.

The MANE Event will include:

• Class registration with a Student Success coach;
• Financial aid meetings and support;
• Faculty-led experiential learning sessions; and,
• Residence hall tours and housing selection.

Light breakfast items will be served during check in, 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. and the university welcome will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Lunch will be available in the Dining Hall.  Registration is required to attend by Thursday, July 17, 2025.  Interested students may register at https://www.saintleo.edu/admissions/mane-event.

For information, contact the Admissions Office at (352) 588-8283 or by email at admissions@saintleo.edu.

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.