DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …
Author Archives: chancellor
Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2022
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Joseph A. Pellegrino, from Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Tarpon Springs, granted retirement status. Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, from Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City, granted retirement status. Reverend Jose George, from …
Announcements ~ April 25, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Five Steps to Safer Environments The Diocese of St. Petersburg mandates that all people who work with children and youth in our parishes and schools must undergo child abuse prevention training through our diocesan Safe Environment Program. The training details five steps to prevent child sexual abuse: Know the warning …
Announcements ~ April 18, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Foster Families NeededThis May, during National Foster Care Month, please consider providing a loving home for a child who has been separated from his or her parents. Over 20,000 children in Florida have been removed from their parents or guardians, yet only 5,000 families are certified to meet their needs. If you are …
Mrs. Tereca Flores
Mr. John Morris, Manager of Spirit FM, informs about the passing of Mrs. Tereca Flores, 97, April 9, 2022 in Medellin, Colombia. She was the mother of Gonzalo Jaramillo, who has been the Spirit FM Spanish Radio producer for 20 years. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mr. Gonzalo Jaramillo at Spirit FM, 717 …
Deacon David Sirrianna ~ Update
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Deacon David Sirrianna, 80, from Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park. on Monday, April 11, 2022. Deacon Sirrianna was ordained on June 28, 1997 for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was assigned to the Cathedral of St. Jude from June 1997 to August 2009 and to …
Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP
Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP, a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister, went home to God on Wednesday, April 4, 2022. A resident in this diocese since 1996, all funeral services will take place at the Motherhouse, in Wisconsin. Professed in 1950, she taught in several Catholic schools within the USA. She also served as pastoral minister at …
Jack Gordon Hutchinson
We were informed of the passing of Jack Gordon Hutchinson, 13 years old, grandson of Bob Hutchinson, Real Estate Office, on March 23, 2022. Jack lived In Jacksonville with his dad and mom, Bob’s son Bryan and daughter in law Erin. Jack is survived by his parents, Robert “Bryan” & Erin “nee Boyle” Hutchinson, his …
Announcements ~ April 11, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2021 APA Annual Report More than 22,000 generous donors provided more than $9 million in support of more than 50 diocesan ministries and services through the 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Their donations support larger ministry and outreach throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All are invited to visit dosp.org/2021-annual-report to view the …
Announcements ~ April 4, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022 Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, spiritual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be …
Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Beers Embree
The Chancellor’s Office receive the news of the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Beers Embree on March 29, 2022 surrounded by the love of her family and the prayers of many. Born April 5, 1958 in St. Petersburg, Florida, she worked in the title insurance business for over 30 years, beginning her career working with …
Mrs. Mary Rogers
The Human Resources Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Rogers, former employee of the Diocese of St Petersburg as a cook for Bishop William Thomas Larkin, on March 18, 2022 at Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor, FL. She was 81. Please keep Mary and her family in your prayers. Obituary at this link. ++++May …
Reverend Timothy Murphy
The Diocese of Venice is mourning the loss of Father Timothy Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice who passed away March 19, 2022, at the age of 97. Father Murphy most notably served as Pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral for 21 years and later founded St. Andrew Catholic School. …
Deacon Michael “Mike” Arno
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Arno, 82, retired, on March 21, 2022. Deacon Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, children; Michael and Elizabeth, and several grandchildren. Funeral services: Visitation followed by Mass of Christian Burial ~ Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:30 am to …
Mrs. Bobbie Connors
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Bobbie Connors, 92, widow of the late Deacon Bill Connors from Sacred Heart Parish in Dade City, on March 23, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Sacred Heart Parish, 32145 St. Joe Road, Dade City, at 11:00 AM. As it is our …
Announcements ~ March 28, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES 4a Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “EL AMOR EN LA FAMILIA COMO EXPRESIÓN DE DIOS” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 23 de abril, 2022, de 7:30 a.m. a 3:00 p.m., en el salón social de Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., …
Deacon Mike Ruffner
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Ruffner on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Deacon Ruffner was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago on April 25, 1992 and relocated to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March of 2005. He served at St. Anthony Parish in Brooksville, St. Theresa Parish in …
Announcements ~ March 21, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Listen Like Mary – Be A Part of the Fourth Annual Marian Congress on Saturday, May 14thOur Blessed Mother is the perfect example of a good listener and Mary’s way of listening is what we are called to do as disciples. At this year’s Marian Congress on May 14th at the …
Philip Andrew Spada
Word reached our offices about the passing of Philip Andrew Spada, the son of Elle and Mark Spada, on Friday, March 4, 2022. Philip was 23. His mother, Elle, is the long-time hostess of Spirit FM’s Kids Kingdom program, Sunday Praise show, as well as other duties. Philip was a frequent visitor to Spirit FM. …
Announcements ~ March 7, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing 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 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 11:00 …
Announcements ~ February 28, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Follow the Real Bishop Gregory Parkes Please be sure you are following the official social media accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes and not an imposter account. We have been informed of fake social media accounts that appear to be Bishop Gregory Parkes, but they are not. The official accounts are listed below. Report …
Mrs. Regina M. Dwyer
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Regina M. Dwyer, mother of Deacon Kevin Dwyer from Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Tampa, on February 12, 2022. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on February 17, 2022 at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to Deacon Kevin & Denise …
Mrs. Lorraine Davis
The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers informs the passing of Mrs. Lorraine Davis, 96, mother of Dr. Ann Davis, Associate Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools, on February 17, 2022. Funeral services and burial took place in St. Louis. Obituary at this link. Please keep Mrs. Davis and her family members in your …
Rev. Robert Chabot, S.S.S.
We sadly report that Rev. Robert Chabot, SSS, 84, passed away on February 20, 2022 after a 7-month battle with cancer. He will be missed for his devotion to the Eucharist, his kindness and hospitality, his commitment to social justice and fair housing, and his warm and loving presence with everyone. Father Chabot was born …
Announcements ~ February 22, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
Mrs. Anita Gratkowski – Update
It is with sadness that the Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mrs. Anita Gratkowski, on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Anita was the wife of Deacon Dan Gratkowski, now retired from St. Stephen Parish, Riverview. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in April 2021. Deacon Dan was present at her passing. The services for …
Driving Pilgrimage Brochure
DRIVING PILGRIMAGE AROUND THE DIOCESE BrochurePrepared in 2011, this brochure features 25 pilgrimage sites around our diocese. We invite you to spend time in prayer visiting these sites that are important to our local church’s history.Download the Catholic Driving Pilgrimage brochure here.
Announcements ~ February 14, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
Mrs. Cecilia Bemis – Update
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Cecilia Bemis, 96, wife of Mr. Al Bemis, Maintenance Technician for the Pastoral Center, on Thursday, January 13, 2022, after a brief illness. She and Al were married for over 55 years. In addition to her husband, Al, Mrs. Bemis is survived by …
Announcements ~ February 7, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Attention Faith Formation & Parish Leaders: FORMED Webinars Offered! We are pleased to announce that all parishes in the Diocese of St Petersburg that do not presently have a FORMED subscription may register to participate in a special grant opportunity to reduce the cost of a one-year subscription by as much as much …
Mr. Enrico Tremante
Mr. Enrico “Rico” Tremante, age 65, husband of Annette Tremante, Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous two year battle with lung cancer. Rico was predeceased by his parents, Amedeo & Fortunata, and brothers Pepino and …
Announcements ~ January 31, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life Justice & Advocacy Courage & Encourage Day of Recollection – MARCH 5, 2022 The Courage Apostolate offers support for men and women who experience same sex attraction and desire to live chaste lives following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship …
Announcements ~ January 31 ~ Promotional graphics
Gráficas de promoción para la 4ta Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres
Mr. Ronald G. Bento
(Wisdom 3:1)The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the death of Mr. Ronald G. Bento, 86, on Friday, January 21, 2022, in St. Petersburg. Mr. Bento formerly worked in the Real Estate Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th …
Mr. Ronald G. Bento
The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the death of Mr. Ronald G. Bento, 86, on Friday, January 21, 2022, in St. Petersburg. Mr. Bento formerly worked in the Real Estate Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th …
Announcements ~ January 24, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? @TEOTD Are Your Kids AATK? Do you understand the sentence above? Chances are your kids do. The Internet is a great resource for information and fun; but like nearly everything else these days, cyberspace brings with it its own set of challenges for parents. Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use …
Reverend Thomas P. Jones, O.F.M.
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Thomas P. Jones, O.F.M., 89, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Father Jones made his final profession with the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1956 and received Holy Orders in 1959, having served nearly 62 years in the priesthood. He has resided at St. Anthony Friary, …
Announcements ~ January 18, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? @TEOTD Are Your Kids AATK? Do you understand the sentence above? Chances are your kids do. The Internet is a great resource for information and fun; but like nearly everything else these days, cyberspace brings with it its own set of challenges for parents. Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use …
Sister Dorothy Guettler, O.P.
Sister Dorothy Guettler, formerly known as Sister Marian Vincent, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 86 years of age and in the 67th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Dorothy was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, to Vincent and Lillian (Heitkamp) …
Announcements ~ January 10, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade The Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade in English and Spanish should be shared in bulletins and with your online networks the weekend of January 22/23. Please use this opportunity to again encourage the faithful …
Br. Karl Koenig, OFM
Br. Karl Koenig, OFM,80, a professed Franciscan friar for 56 years, died on December 29, 2021 at Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Care Center, St. Petersburg. Due to health reasons, Br. Karl retired from full-time ministry in 2017 and moved to St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated …
Mr. Thomas DeJulio
Mr. Thomas DeJulio, 77, brother of Reverend David DeJulio, pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in Rensselaer, New York. Surviving family members include his wife, Marilyn, son, Gregory DeJulio, daughter, Felicia (Vincent) Luca, five grandchildren, brothers, Felix (Lois) DeJulio, Frank (Terri) DeJulio, and Father David …
Clergy and Pastoral Center Appointments
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy and Pastoral Center appointments: APPOINTMENTSUpon presentation by Very Reverend Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., Provincial Minister, Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, Reverend Michael P. Jones, O.F.M. from Parochial Vicar to Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, effective January 17, 2022. Dr. Lois …
Announcements ~ January 4, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Spirit FM’s 7th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Please plan to join Spirit FM and over a 2,000 of your closest girlfriends from throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a day of faith, friendship, food, and shopping. Our speakers are: Sr. Rita Clare Yoches and Deby Sansone Schlapprizzi. Tickets are on sale at www.myspiritfm.com/WomensConference or call Marci at 813.289.8040, ext. 231. Promotional graphic at …
Brother Jerry Meegan, S.D.B.
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Brother Jerry Meegan, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at St. Philip Residence, Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, where he had resided since last year. Brother Meegan was an educator, who served as Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from …
Announcements ~ December 20, 2021
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of the Bishop Christmas Video – O Come All Ye Faithful In his 2021 Christmas video, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares Christmas hope and introduces a very special musical presentation. Multicultural choirs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg perform a beautiful rendition of the Christmas carol classic, O Come All Ye …
Bob Davis
The Diaconate Office has received word of the unexpected passing of Bob Davis, brother of Susan D’Angelo, wife of Deacon Geoff D’Angelo from St. Stephen Parish in Riverview. All services will take place out of state and are not available at this time. Please keep the D’Angelo family in your thoughts and prayers at this …
Sister Suzanne Hixson, S.N.J.M.
Sister Suzanne Hixson (Sister Rita Christine), a Sister of the Holy Names, entered into eternal life on December 7, 2021. Sister Suzanne was a member of the American Association of Teachers of French and taught French at the Academy of Holy Names, Silver Spring, MD, as well as in Tampa, FL. Sister is survived by …
Announcements ~ December 13, 2021
DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme …
Announcements ~ December 6, 2021
DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme …
Mr. John Z. Kiwale
Mr. John Z. Kiwale, brother of Reverend Theobald (“Theo”) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, following a brief hospitalization in his home country of Tanzania. Mr. Kiwale had struggled with cancer in the months leading up to his death. Please keep Father Weria, his parents, …
Sr. Josephine Helen Slabinski, S.F.C.C.
Sr. Josephine Helen Slabinski, age 99, of Tampa, passed peacefully to be with Our Lord Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 25, 2021. Josephine Helen was born on March 14, 1922, in Hudson, Pennsylvania. She entered religious life at age nineteen with the Roman Catholic order of nuns, Little Sisters of the Poor, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She …
Ms. Patricia A. McCarthy
Ms. Patricia A. McCarthy, 72, of Tampa, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Patricia was born March 10, 1949. She worked as the Music Director for Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Temple Terrace until her retirement in 2019. Obituary at this link. Please keep Ms. McCarthy and her family in your thoughts and prayers. …
Announcements ~ November 29, 2021
DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection: Religious Retirement Fund Help Aging Religious Sisters, Priests and Brothers The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 11 – 12, 2021. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C. Proceeds help religious communities across the country to …
Pastoral Center – Holiday closing
Thanksgiving Holiday The Pastoral Center Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday starting on Wednesday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m. through Friday, November 26th. We will reopen on Monday, November 29th, at 8:30 a.m. May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed and safe holiday!