Announcements ~ January 6, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life (Please put the following in your parish bulletin and pulpit announcements as many times as possible prior to the deadline.) The Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving with Bishop Gregory Parkes will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 …

Mr. Arogyam Anthony

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr. Arogyam Anthony, 79, stepfather of Reverend Edison Bernavas, I.C., Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seffner.   Mr. Anthony passed away on December 10, 2019, in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He is survived by his wife, Elthrow, six children, including Father Bernavas, and eleven grandchildren. …

Announcements ~ December 16, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES CHRISTMAS EVE MASS WITH BISHOP GREGORY PARKES TO BE LIVE VIDEO STREAMED FOR THE HOMEBOUND The joyous celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg will be live-streamed starting at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. To view on your …

Clergy Changes, December 9, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective November 11, 2019: Upon notification by Very Rev. Timothy Zak, S.D.B., Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco: APPPOINTMENT Rev. John Bosco Lee, S.D.B., appointed as Parochial Vicar, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Tampa. RELIEF Rev. Benjamin Kim, S.D.B., relieved as …

Announcements ~ December 9, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES CHRISTMAS EVE MASS WITH BISHOP GREGORY PARKES TO BE LIVE VIDEO STREAMED FOR THE HOMEBOUND The joyous celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg will be live-streamed starting at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. To view on your …

Reverend Paul Andre Grauls, S.D.B.

The Chancellor’s Office was recently notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Andre Grauls, S.D.B., 84, Saturday morning, November 30, 2019, at Suncoast Care Center, St. Petersburg.  For the past year, he was under nursing care at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg.  Before his transfer to Maria Manor, Father Grauls lived with his fellow …

Announcements ~ December 2, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Days at the Capitol Make the Trip and Make a Difference! January 28-29, 2020, returning January 30th. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of our Catholic values in the public square. We will also be joined …

Amy Elizabeth Lounsbury

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Mrs. Amy E. Lounsbury on November 19, 2019. Mrs. Lounsbury was former Director of Transfiguration Early Childhood Center, St. Petersburg. She is survived by husband, Douglas, two boys, Nathaniel and Jonathan, parents and sisters. Funeral arrangements have not been made public. Please keep her family …

Announcements ~ November 25, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Days at the Capitol Make the Trip and Make a Difference! January 28-29, 2020, returning January 30th. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of our Catholic values in the public square. We will also be joined …

Reverend John Joseph Braun, M. Afr.

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Reverend John Joseph Braun, M. Afr., 88, on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg, following a major stroke. Prior to his hospitalization and transfer to nursing care, Father Braun (aka “Father Joe”) lived with his fellow Missionaries of Africa at …

Announcements ~ November 18, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Congratulations St. Jude Medal Award Honorees On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to representatives from parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service to the community. To see the list of this …

Announcements ~ November 12, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Congratulations St. Jude Medal Award Honorees On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to representatives from parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service to the community. To see the list of this …

Brian J. Moschetto, son of Deacon Sam & Pat Moschetto

Our office has received word of the passing of Brian J. Moschetto, son of Deacon Sam & Pat Moschetto from St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs, on October 31, 2019. The viewing for Brian will take place on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dobies Funeral Home located at …

James J. Potocnak, brother of Most Rev. Joseph Potocnak, SCJ

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the death of Mr. James Joseph Potocnak, 76, younger brother of Most Reverend Joseph Potocnak, S.C.J., retired Bishop of De Aar, South Africa and in residence with the Sacred Heart Fathers, Pinellas Park.  Mr. Potocnak was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a retired police officer.  Additional biographical details …

Mrs. Trinidad Chavez Belgica, mother of Rev. Erwin Belgica

The Chancellor’s Office has received word that Mrs. Trinidad Chavez Belgica, 80, mother of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on October 31, 2019 in the Philippines. Information on her family and address for expressions of sympathy can be found in the notice at this link. Please …

Announcements ~ November 4, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES A Promise to Protect Occasionally, parishioners and parents of Catholic school students will inquire about the safety of our parishes and schools when it comes to prevention of child sexual abuse.  Please see the following link (PDF doc.) to find a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the commitment of our Diocese to …

Announcements ~ October 28, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Urge Governor DeSantis to stay execution of James Dailey, a veteran with evidence of innocence James Dailey is scheduled to be executed on November 7th. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence. The Catholic bishops of Florida have written to …

Clergy Changes ~ October 21, 2019

As a result of the pending merger of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg with the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Pastoral Mission, Largo, resulting in the newly named Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective October 21, 2019: APPOINTMENT Pastor Reverend Nguyen Vu …

Announcements ~ October 21, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES National Vocation Awareness Week The Office of Vocations invites you to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life during National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9, 2019. The theme for this year is Family: the Foundation for Vocations. Vocation awareness week is an opportunity to promote a culture of vocations across the Diocese. …

Announcements ~ October 14, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Do You Have Courageous Faith?Living our faith is counter-cultural and we need inspiration from others who are on the same journey. That’s what Courageous Faith, the e-newsletter from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, seeks to provide. If you are a ministry leader who is searching for ways to evangelize the culture or if you are …

Announcements ~ October 7, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Religious Jubilee MassOn Sunday, October 13, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the Religious Jubilee of twelve men and women who have reached milestones in their commitment to the Church through their Congregations.  Representing a total of 715 years of consecrated service to the People of God, the religious will renew …

Announcements ~ September 30, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Tune In To Spirit FM 90.5 and Listen to Bishop Gregory ParkesBe sure to tune in to Spirit FM 90.5 radio for the program, A View from the Top with Bishop Parkes each Friday at 11:30 a.m. This radio program provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. Also, you can subscribe to the …

Announcements ~ September 23, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Tune In To Spirit FM 90.5 and Listen to Bishop Gregory Parkes Be sure to tune in to Spirit FM 90.5 radio for the program, A View from the Top with Bishop Parkes each Friday at 11:30 a.m. This radio program provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. Also, you can …

Announcements ~ September 16, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Chosen by Him – A Day of Reflection & Discernment for Women The Office of Vocations will host Chosen by Him – A Day of Reflection & Discernment for Women, on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 am until 2 pm at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Hear …

Obituaries ~ September 9, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Monsignor Avelino Garcia The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Monsignor Avelino Garcia, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on September 1, 2019, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. …

Announcements ~ September 9, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy Life, Justice and Advocacy Day Saturday, October 5, 2019, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. St. Patrick Parish (4518 S. Manhattan Ave. Tampa). How to Talks to Kids about Things No One Wants to Talk About- Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will help parents and parish leaders learn …

Announcements ~ August 26, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy For Immediate Attention As you may know, the State of Florida executed a Death Row prisoner last Thursday. Please share the following Prayers of the Faithful with the person that prepares your prayers for daily and weekend Masses. It is important that we pray for …

Obituaries ~ August 12, 2019

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Sophie Carroll The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Mrs. Sophie Carroll, age 81, on July 23, 2019.  Mrs. Carroll was a long-time employee of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, as well as …

Announcements ~ August 12, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Bulls Are Invited to Help Kick-Off the New School Year! The Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida is having a Welcome Home Weekend for students, parents, alumni, and friends of the CSU.  Saturday, August 24, 5:00 p.m. – Vigil Mass followed by a followed by a festive event with …

Announcements ~ July 29, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Beware of Text Message and Social Media Scams It has come to the attention of the Diocese of St. Petersburg that parishioners have been receiving text messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be our priests. Our priests and staff do not contact individuals via text message or social …

Announcements ~ July 15, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES A Candid Conversation with Bishop Gregory Parkes Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for A View From The Top, a radio program that provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. A new episode can be heard on Friday, July 19 at 11:30 a.m. on Spirit FM 90.5. Also, you can subscribe to the …

Announcements ~ July 1, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES A Candid Conversation with Bishop Gregory Parkes Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for A View From The Top, a radio program that provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. A new episode can be heard on Friday, July 19 at 11:30 a.m. on Spirit FM 90.5. Also, you can subscribe to the …

Obituaries ~ July 1, 2019

  Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly August 22, 1934 – June 26, 2019 (See complete obituary here.) Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly, age 84, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. His first assignment in the Diocese of St. …

Monsignor James Bernard Caverly – May He Rest in Peace

We are sad to announce that Monsignor James Bernard Caverly, age 84, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg.   Visitation: 10:00 …

Clergy Changes ~ June 17, 2019

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Eric Hunter from Pastor of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Parochial Administrator Monsignor Michael G. Muhr to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, while continuing other assignments. Parochial …

Announcements ~ June 17, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy Pornography Recovery Group A confidential support and recovery group is being formed for those that suffer from addiction to pornography, or feel they need help to stop viewing pornography.  Meetings will take place monthly, in the early evening in Brandon, beginning in late June. …

Announcements ~ June 3, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office HURRICANE SEASON Please help your community to stay informed and safe during hurricane season. Here is information that can be shared in your bulletin. Hurricane Season English PDF and Spanish PDF Hurricane Season English Word and Spanish Word Preparing for Severe Weather Hurricane season is here and continues …

Announcements ~ May 28, 2019

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS “Your Heart’s Desire” Eucharistic Healing Retreat Elisheba House invites everyone to attend our annual summer retreat at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway Hotel in Lutz on June 28-29, 2019 (Friday 7 p.m. – Saturday 5:30 p.m.). Mass will be celebrated, plus inspirational talks and an opportunity for Reconciliation, reflection and …

Announcements ~ May 20, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICE Let’s Keep Our Children Safe This Summer! All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school …

Clergy Changes ~ May 13, 2019

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2019, unless otherwise noted: RELIEVING Reverend Philip D. Gyapong [Donkorkrom, Ghana], from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, effective May 27, 2019.  Father Gyapong will be returning to his home territory in …

Announcements ~ May 13, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Let’s Keep Our Children Safe This Summer! All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at …

Florida Bishops Express Concerns Over New Immigration Enforcement Plan

The following is a statement from Michael B. Sheedy, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), executive director, on final passage of SB 168 sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota):  “Today’s passage of state-level immigration enforcement legislation is disheartening. There are many, including members of the Florida Legislature, who are frustrated that Congress has not enacted …

Obituary ~ May 6, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Brother Peter P. Mahady, SSS Brother Peter Patrick Mahady, SSS, just turning 87, Blessed Sacrament Brother died on April 15, 2019 at Regina Health Center, Richfield, OH, surrounded by the loving staff of Regina and Western Reserve Hospice and members …

Announcements ~ May 6, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference Florida State Fairgrounds Join Spirit FM, Fr. Larry Richards, Leah Darrow and Elizabeth Bunbury on Saturday, September 28, 2019 as women from throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg and West Central Florida gather together at the Florida State Fairgrounds to celebrate faith, family, fellowship and …

Clergy Changes ~ April 29, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Dennis Hughes from Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Trinity, granted retirement status. Reverend Eugeniusz Gancarz from Pastor of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend Michael Cormier from …