Announcements ~ October 13, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES
Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle Medals
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member or couple from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it is advocating for the life of the unborn, serving as an usher at Mass, or leading a parish ministry, these men and women share the love of Christ in many visible ways. Whatever humble offerings they provide, they exemplify gratefulness to God’s blessings in their service to His people. The prayer service will be livestreamed at dosp.org/livestream, Facebook.com/DioStPete and YouTube.com/DioceseofStPete.
To view the list of award recipients, visit www.dosp.org/bishop/st-jude-medal-awards.
Bishop Parkes to Celebrate Mass in Honor of St. Jude on October 28th
The saint known for helping people in desperate situations will be honored on his feast day with a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes. The Mass for St. Jude, the patron saint of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and the patron saint of lost causes will take place on Tuesday, October 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, in St. Petersburg.
All are invited join in this sacred event and form a greater connection with this holy man who has touched many lives through his intercession. His patronage of impossible causes is derived from his New Testament letter, which stresses that the faithful should persevere in the environment of harsh, difficult circumstances. The Mass will also be livestreamed at dosp.org/livestream, Facebook.com/DioStPete and YouTube.com/DioceseofStPete.
Annual White Mass
The Annual White Mass for physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals in our diocese, will be held on Saturday November 8th, 2025. Bishop Gregory Parkes will preside at this 4:00 pm Vigil Mass at the Chapel of Christ the King Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.
Saint Leo University Hosting Prospective Student Open House October 25, 2025
High school and transfer students and their families are invited to visit Saint Leo University at its fall open house, 8:30 AM – 1 PM, Saturday, October 25, at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. Prospective students may tour the campus and learn more about the innovative academic programs, welcoming campus life, and supportive resources offered by the university. Attendees are eligible for a $250 open house micro-scholarship for those who enroll for Spring Semester or Fall Semester 2026.
RSVPs are requested by Wednesday, October 22. Prospective students may register at https://www.saintleo.edu/student-experience/visit. Contact the Office of Admissions at (352) 588-8283 or admissions@saintleo.edu.
2026 Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference
Christ the King Catholic Church – Tampa
February 7th 2026 8:30 AM -3:00 PM
Women from across the Diocese are invited to a day of faith, fellowship, and renewal at the Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference. The event includes Mass, inspiring speakers, uplifting music, and time for prayer and reflection. Vendors and ministries will also be present. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Tickets are now available. Join us as we grow together in faith! Learn more at MySpiritFM.com/WomensConference.
Matt Maher & Sarah Kroger Live in Concert
Kick off Spirit FM’s 40th Anniversary celebrations with a special Advent night of worship featuring Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg) on Friday, December 12, 2025. Enjoy an evening of music, prayer, and reflection as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
For tickets and details, visit https://myspiritfm.com/matt.
Catholic In Recovery Retreat for Those Seeking to Overcome Addictions
Catholic In Recovery (CIR) is a national and international Catholic ministry that provides hope and healing for individuals and families seeking recovery from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Their program uniquely blends the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, the Twelve Steps of Recovery, Sacred Scripture and Catholic Tradition, and Community Support. To learn more about the organization follow this link: https://catholicinrecovery.com/.
A Catholic in Recovery Retreat will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, in Jensen Beach, Florida, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The cost is $65 per participant and the deadline for registration is November 1st. To register, click here: https://shorturl.at/zCbP5.
Promotional Handout available at this link.
PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS
Catholic Underground Tampa
A gathering for Young Adults (18-35) to pray, praise, greet & meet to discover their love for Jesus with the inspiration of Sts. PierGiorgio Frassati & Carlo Acutis. Young adults gather from churches, universities, organizations or as individuals. A spark has ignited a burning desire to set the world on Fire for Jesus in the Real Presence through the young.
Join the Underground at Mary Help Center on November 1st at 7:30pm. Instagram has details or text (201) 788-2808.
Promotional graphics: November & All dates.
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.