. Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the tragic passing of Mr. William Romaniello, age 74, during a hiking trip in Utah on March 11, 2023. He was the Head Athletic Trainer at Jesuit High School, Tampa. He began the sports medicine program with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in 2014 and joined the …
Author Archives: chancellor
Announcements ~ March 20, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Save the Date for “Mary and the Eucharist” on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the fifth annual Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress! The theme this year is “Mary and the Eucharist.” The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and we encounter the risen Christ …
Announcements ~ March 13, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Safe Environment Program Office Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Once again, a Mass of Healing will be held for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass …
Mr. Arthur C. Jewett
Mr. Arthur C. Jewett, 83, grandfather of Reverend Jonathan Emery, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Largo, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was a resident of Clearwater, Florida. Mr. Jewett was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ann, and is survived by his sister, Pat, two children, Robin, and …
Reverend Paul Chuong Nguyen, S.D.B.
We have been informed by the Salesian Province for Canada and the U.S.A. that Reverend Paul Chuong Nguyen, S.D.B., age 64, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in his room at the Salesian Youth Renewal Center, in Rosemead, California, as the result of a heart attack. While in formation as a novice with the …
Miss Carol Jean Poehler
Word reached our office that Miss Carol Jean Poehler, 82 years, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on March 4, 2023 in Tampa. She was born on January 8, 1941 in Paterson City, NJ State. Carol graduated from Florida Southern College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She received a Master of …
Announcements ~ March 6, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know? The Prevalence of Abuse in Society In surveys of adults, one out of five women and one out of ten men reported that they were sexually molested before they were 18 years old. This means that an estimated 40 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse are …
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes
Word reached our Office of the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Barnes, 63, uncle of Angie Schaefer, Manager of the Internal Services Administration Office at the Pastoral Center, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Kentucky. His death was the result of a motorcycle crash. Mr. Barnes was retired from the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the …
Announcements ~ February 27, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know? The Prevalence of Abuse in Society In surveys of adults, one out of five women and one out of ten men reported that they were sexually molested before they were 18 years old. This means that an estimated 40 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse are …
Clergy Appointments ~ February 21, 2023
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments: Appointments Reverend Daniel D. Bot [Abuja, Nigeria], to Parochial Vicar of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, effective February 14, 2023. Reverend Raju Chebattina [Chalottetown, PE, Canada], to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’Lakes, effective February 20, 2023. …
Announcements ~ February 21, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry SUMMIT: Adoration, Confession, Mass for Tampa Bay Young Adults SUMMIT is a monthly gathering of those in their 20’s and 30’s to worship and let their hearts be transformed by our Lord! SUMMIT is held on the second Thursday of the month at Our Lady of …
Mrs. Mary Blakely
The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed by Reverend William Swengros, Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, that his aunt, Ms. Mary Blakely, passed away late last week in Virginia. A Funeral Mass will be held this Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church, in South Chesterfield, Virginia. Father Swengros will …
Mr. Henry Brown
The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mr. Henry Brown, 92 years old, uncle of Ms. Dale Brown, Director of Lay Ministry Formation, on January 29, 2023 in New Orleans. This is the second family member that Dale lost within the same week. (Her mother passed away on January 25th in Texas). A celebration of …
Announcements ~ February 13, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry SUMMIT: Adoration, Confession, Mass for Tampa Bay Young Adults SUMMIT is a monthly gathering of those in their 20’s and 30’s to worship and let their hearts be transformed by our Lord! SUMMIT is held on the second Thursday of the month at Our Lady of …
Announcements ~ February 6, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Receive a Daily Reflection to Help You Be Courageous Join over three thousand other Catholics who receive a daily “Be Courageous” reflection from the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel and invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This takes courage! Our daily Scripture reflections written by …
Mrs. Aliyamma Joseph
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Aliyamma Joseph, 82, passed away in the Lord early Monday morning, February 6, 2023, in India. Mrs. Joseph is the mother of Father Joseph Kalarickal, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, New Port Richey. A Funeral Mass will take place at Lourdematha Forane Church, …
Mrs. Teresa Brown ~ Update
We were saddened to learn that Mrs. Teresa Brown, 100 years old, mother of Ms. Dale Brown, Director of Lay Ministry Formation, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Legend Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Greenville, Texas. Teresa married George Brown on July 18, 1953. That marriage, of over 50 years, produced four children– George …
Announcements ~ January 30, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES CRS Rice Bowl ~ Prepare to bring Lent to Life! Each Lent, parishes and schools participate in Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) educational program of prayer, fasting, and giving. 75% of the collection is sent to CRS headquarters to fund projects that help to prevent hunger and poverty around the world. …
Mrs. Colette Welsh and Adam Hall
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Colette Welsh, 85, stepmother of Reverend Garry Welsh, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, San Antonio, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She was a resident of Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland. A Funeral Mass will be held today, Monday, January 23, 2023, at St. Senan’s Church, …
Deacon John Edgerton
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon John Edgerton from St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, Tarpon Springs. He passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was 91. Deacon John was a loving and beloved husband to Joan. Together, they shared their love with their four children, Michael, Daniel, Janice and …
Announcements ~ January 23, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Get Involved in Parish Safety Programs Parents and guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people. Parents and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events will be in the best position to protect their own children as well as all the children …
Clergy Appointment
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective January 18, 2023: Appointment Reverend Oscar O. Unakalamba [Owerri, Nigeria], to Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, San Antonio.
Announcements ~ January 17, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Get Involved in Parish Safety Programs Parents and guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people. Parents and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events will be in the best position to protect their own children as well as all the children …
Clergy Change ~ January 9, 2023
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following diocesan appointment: APPOINTING Reverend Victor Amorose to Director of the Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective January 1, 2023, while continuing all other assignments. Father Amorose will oversee the responsibilities formerly handled by Mr. Douglas J. Reatini, who served in the Office …
Announcements ~ January 9, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Announcement for January 15, 2023: Dive Deeper into God’s Word To celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God” on January 22nd, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a series of videos in English and Spanish by renowned Catholic biblical scholars. The videos will address the Bible’s authorship, the canon of …
Mr. Ronald W. Fleming
Mr. Ronald W. Fleming, 70, husband of Mrs. Laurie Fleming, Hospitality and Support Assistant for the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, at his home in St. Petersburg. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, along with his daughters and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending. Expressions of sympathy may …
Clergy Change ~ January 3, 2023
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following change in clergy appointment: RELIEVING Reverend James B. Johnson from Director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp, Floral City, effective January 1, 2023, while continuing all other assignments. After 26 years of faithful service to the Camp, Father Johnson has been succeeded as …
Sister Dianne Wansley, O.S.B.
Sister Dianne Wansley, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, passed into her eternal life on Friday, December 30, 2022. Born to Howard and Clara (Vann) Wansley on November 22, 1950, Sister was a native of Plant City, FL, the second of three children. Sister Dianne is also survived by her brother Ivan …
Announcements ~ January 3, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Parish/School Plans for the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI How is your parish or school observing the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI? Please let the diocesan Office of Communications know of your plans. Please send details and photos to Keishla Espinal as soon as possible so we may …
Announcements ~ December 19, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Let the Children Come To Me Pre-k and kindergarten students recently visited with Bishop Gregory Parkes to share their thoughts about Christmas during Take Five with Bishop Parkes. These young children are learning about the true meaning of Christmas and all of the joy that Christmas brings. This five-minute conversation can be seen …
Mr. Robert “Bob” Mahoney
The Chancellor’s Office was informed today that Mr. Robert “Bob” Mahoney, 88, grandfather of Reverend Drew Woodke, Parochial Vicar of St. Timothy Parish, Lutz, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church, 213 N. Knights Avenue, Brandon. …
Announcements ~ December 12, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual Red Mass Tampa Bay Catholic Lawyers Guild’s Annual invites you to their annual Red Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the …
Rev. Msgr. Austin Mullen
Earlier this morning, the Chancellor’s Office was informed of that Reverend Monsignor Austin Michael Mullen, 81, passed away in the Lord early this morning, Monday, December 12, 2022, at Melech Hospice House, in Temple Terrace. In late October, he was hospitalized after a fall and was transferred between hospitals and rehab facilities in Tampa before …
Mr. Manuel Camacho
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mr. Manuel Camacho, 85, father of Right Reverend Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., Abbot of the Monks of Saint Leo Abbey. Mr. Camacho passed away earlier today, Friday, December 9, 2022, near his home in Mexico City, Mexico. He is predeceased by his wife and is survived by …
Announcements ~ December 5, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES How Can Families Celebrate Advent? Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks with Katie Holland, a local mother of five, about how her family celebrates Advent and he recalls his own family’s Advent/Christmas traditions on Take Five with Bishop Parkes. This five-minute conversation can be seen Tuesday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. on the bishop’s Facebook …
Announcements ~ November 28, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Women Needed for Prison Ministry! “For I… was in prison and you visited me.” (Mt 25:36) The Diocese of St. Petersburg’s ministry to incarcerated women in the Hillsborough County Jail is in dire need of volunteers. Our jails often are the warehouses of the poor and neglected in our society, but we as …
Mrs. Anne Genevieve Hays
The Chancellor’s Office sadly informs that Mrs. Anne Genevieve Hays, 85, mother of Reverend John S. Hays, Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ridge Manor, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022. Mrs. Hays was born in St. Joe, Florida (near Dade City) and was a decades-long member of Sacred Heart Parish, Dade City. She is …
Clergy Changes ~ November 21, 2022
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following changes in clergy changes: RELIEVING Reverend John B. Lipscomb from Parochial Vicar of St. Timothy Parish, Lutz, effective January 1, 2023, and continuing other assignments. Upon notification by Very Reverend Joseph O’Reilly, Provincial Superior, Institute of Charity (Rosminian Fathers), Reverend Bibin Mathew, I.C. from …
Announcements ~ November 21, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Take Five with Bishop Gregory Parkes Bishop Parkes will be hosting a new video segment called Take Five: Conversations on Faith and Life, premiering on Tuesday, November 29th. The segments are about five minutes in length and are designed to easily fit into people’s busy schedules. New video segments can be seen each …
Mrs. Elaine Sydejko
The Diaconate Office has informed us of the passing of Mrs. Elaine Sydejko, age 98, on November 12, 2022 in Wisconsin. Mrs. Sydejko is the mother of Mrs. Josephine Manko, wife of Deacon Mark Manko, from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, in Altoona, …
Sister M. John Francis Coyle, O.S.F.
The Office of the Vicar for Religious informs the passing of Sr. M. John Francis Coyle, O.S.F., 100 years old, on November 7, 2022 in Tampa. Sister Coyle was stationed at St. Elizabeth Convent, Tampa. Sr. John Francis entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1945; was received into the Congregation on August …
Announcements ~ November 14, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Take Five with Bishop Gregory Parkes Bishop Parkes will be hosting a new video segment called Take Five: Conversations on Faith and Life, premiering on Tuesday, November 29th. The segments are about five minutes in length and are designed to easily fit into people’s busy schedules. New video segments can be seen each …
Announcements ~ November 7, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES from Catholic Scouting for Girls Save the Date: Girls Retreat The Catholic Scouting for Girls of the Diocese of St. Petersburg invites all the girl scouts for their yearly retreat on April 1, 2023 at Light of Christ Parish, 2176 Marilyn St., Clearwater. More information to come and in the flyer at this …
Announcements ~ October 31, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison To help Catholics to become informed voters, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed a comparison between the positions of the two major-party candidates for Florida governor on a range of issues. The positions of Ron DeSantis (Republican) and Charlie Crist …
Mr. Thomas P. (Tom) Schroeder
The Chancellor’s Office reports the passing of Mr. Thomas P. (Tom) Schroeder, former H.R. Director for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on October 22, 2022, with his wife, Diane, by his side. Born on November 30, 1943, in Bay City, MI, he was the eldest child of Howard and Virginia (Betty) Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder retired …
Mrs. Diane Grant
The Vocations Office informs the sad news that Mrs. Diane Grant, mother of former seminarian Spencer Grant, died suddenly on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in the presence of her family. A Funeral Mass will be held for Mrs. Grant on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz. Expressions of …
Announcements ~ October 24, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison To help Catholics to become informed voters, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed a comparison between the positions of the two major-party candidates for Florida governor on a range of issues. The positions of Ron DeSantis (Republican) and Charlie Crist …
Be Courageous Scripture Reflection ~ Promotional Graphics
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Mrs. Winifred (Winnie) Margaret McEvoy
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Winifred (Winnie) Margaret McEvoy, 93, mother of Very Reverend John McEvoy, VF, pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ruskin, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2022, in Ireland, with Father McEvoy and his brother, Mark, at her bedside. A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Holy …
Mrs. Denise Roach -Update
We sadly report the passing of Mrs. Denise Roach, 65, on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Woodside Hospice, in Pinellas Park. Mrs. Roach was the Director of St. Jerome Early Childhood Center for 26 years before her retirement in 2019. Denise was predeceased by her husband, Scott Roach, and father, Thomas Connors, and is survived …
Mrs. Margaret “Peg” Simpson
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Margaret “Peg” Simpson, 87, widow of the late Deacon Robert Simpson from St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Hudson. She passed yesterday, October 13, 2022. No service information is available at this time. It will be posted here when it becomes available. Expressions of …
Announcements ~ October 17, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES St. Andrew’s Discernment Dinner Young men 16 and older please join us for a casual discernment event hosted by the Office of Vocations. Dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet on October …
Announcements ~ October 10, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES St. Andrew’s Discernment Dinner Young men 16 and older please join us for a casual discernment event hosted by the Office of Vocations. Dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at St. …
Mr. Pacian Z. Kiwale
The Chancellor’s Office has received the sad news that Mr. Pacian Z. Kiwale, brother of Reverend Theobald Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, passed away in the Lord on September 30, 2022, after struggling with illness since last year. All funeral services will take place near Mr. Kiwale’s home in Tanzania. Please …
Sr. Frances Barfield, O.P.
Sister Frances Barfield, formerly known as Sister David Therese, died on Monday, September 19, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 90 years of age and in the 73rd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Frances was born in Pensacola, Florida, to David C. and Theresa …