Announcements ~ August 17, 2026

DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of AbuseThe sixth annual Mass of Healing will be held for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical, or emotional, and for those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family, and friends. The Mass will be held on Saturday, September 5, …

Abuse Survivors Invited to a Healing Mass

To help individuals affected by abuse find strength, support, and healing, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is holding their fifth annual Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. All are welcome, including people of …

Bible on the Beach

Who: Spirit FM WBVM, the Diocesan radio station for the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg  What: Bible on the Beach mass  When: August 5, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM Where: Sand Key Park 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767 Clearwater Details: Join us as we bring back Bible on the Beach in honor of Spirit FM’s …

Catholic Charities Celebrates Opening of Mercy Oaks II Affordable Housing Community

TAMPA, Fla. — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, will celebrate a blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony of Mercy Oaks II, a new affordable housing community that expands housing opportunities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.  Located adjacent to Mercy Oaks I, which opened in 2022, the new single-story apartment building provides additional …

Diocese of Saint Petersburg Receives $950,000 for Safety Enhancements at Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp

TAMPA, Fla. — The Diocese of Saint Petersburg has been awarded $950,000 in the State of Florida budget, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. These funds will be used to enhance the safety and security of Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp, the diocese’s youth summer camp in Brooksville. The funding will support improvements …

Teens Across Tampa Bay Participate in Summer Immersion Program Through Service and Faith

WHO: 240 high school students from across the Tampa Bay area, accompanied by 60 adult chaperones and 26 college student volunteers WHAT: Participating in the Good Samaritan Project, a week-long service and faith experience focused on serving others, growing in faith, and building community WHEN: June 22-26, 2026 WHERE: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School and …

Catholic Bishops from Across the Nation to Meet in Orlando June 10-12

Who: 273 active Catholic bishops from across the United States, including our local bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes. What: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly. When: June 10-12, 2026 Where: Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Florida Details: This annual meeting …

Bishop Parkes to Receive Oath of Permanence from Two Priests Joining the Diocese of Saint Petersburg

Who: Bishop Gregory Parkes, Father Andrew Burns, and Father Francisco Hernandez What: Bishop Parkes will receive the Oath of Permanence from Father Andrew Burns and Father Francisco Hernandez as they officially become incardinated priests of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, effective June 1, 2026. When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Where: Diocese of …

Diocese of Saint Petersburg Celebrates Catholic School Graduates of the Class of 2026

As the academic year comes to a close, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as students from its Catholic high schools prepare to graduate and begin the next chapter of their lives.  Superintendent Chris Pastura shared his congratulations with graduating seniors, saying, “Graduation season for the class of …

Spirit FM WBVM Celebrates 40 Years of Christian Radio Ministry in Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. — Spirit FM Radio WBVM, the Tampa Bay Area’s longtime source for uplifting Christian music and faith-filled programming, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33609. Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate a special anniversary …

Bishop Gregory Parkes to Celebrate an Outdoor Mass in Clearwater on Memorial Day

Who: Bishop Gregory Parkes, local clergy, and hundreds of worshipers What: Outdoor Mass in observance of Memorial Day Where: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater When: Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. More than 500 people are expected at this annual Memorial Day tradition led by Bishop Gregory Parkes and priests of the …

Sister Joan Carberry Receives National Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education Award 

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – Sister Joan Carberry, Assistant Principal at St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg, has been honored by the National Catholic Educational Association with the Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education Award, recognizing more than 65 years of dedicated service to education. Sister Carberry has served the Tampa Bay community as a dedicated …

38th Santo Niño Fiesta & Sinulog Festival to Bring Faith and Filipino Culture to Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. — The Filipino Community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg will host its 38th Celebration Mass honoring Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, located at 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. The Celebration Mass will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a festive reception …

Nearly Two Million Acts of Mercy: Tampa Bay Communities Answer the Call to Serve

TAMPA, Fla. — What happens when the people of Tampa Bay commit to kindness, compassion, and service? In 2025, it resulted in nearly two million Acts of Mercy. The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg celebrates the outstanding parishes, schools, and diocesan ministries that went above and beyond in service to others as part of the 1,000,000 …

Tampa Bay Community to Unite for March for Life, Advocating for the Protection of Life

TAMPA, Fla. — The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg will host its second annual Tampa March for Life on Saturday, January 17, bringing together hundreds of young people and community members to advocate for the protection of life and an end to abortion. Who: The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg, with young people leading the way What: Half-Mile …

Winter Jam 2026 Brings Worship, Music, and Community to Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. — In partnership with Spirit FM 90.5, Winter Jam 2026 is back and coming to Tampa for an unforgettable evening of worship music, faith, and fellowship. The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, January 10, at Benchmark International Arena (401 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602). General admission entry begins at 5:00 p.m., …