Announcements ~ May 2, 2022

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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., …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …