Announcements ~ October 23, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …

Announcements ~ October 16, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …

Mrs. Loreta Tupa

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Loreta Chavarria Tupa, 80 age old, mother of Reverend Allan Tupa, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines.Β  She was surrounded by her family, including her sons, Father Tupa, Brian and Charles Tupa at the time …

Announcements ~ October 9, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the DiaconateThe Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordain Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst (St. …

Announcements ~ October 2, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Diaconate The Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordainΒ Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst …

Announcements ~ September 25, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES St. Andrew’s Dinner We invite young men, 16th and older, to join us for a casual discernment event on October 25, 2023.Β  Dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and other priests.Β  Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal.Β  We will meet at St. Catherine …

Mrs. Angela Amodeo ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mrs. Angela Amodeo, mother of Reverend Donald Amodeo, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer.Β  According to Father Amodeo, β€œ[Angela] battled cancer for many years but was happy to see my ordination, and she offered her …

Deacon Joseph (Joe) P. Reid

The Diaconate Office has been informed that Deacon Joseph (Joe) P.Β  Reid, 95, from St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, passed away peacefully on the night of September 16, 2023.Β  Deacon Reid was ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of Rockville Center in 1988 and came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in …

Announcements ~ September 18, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES NEW VIDEO: Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to Participate in 40 Days for Life. The 40 Days for Life Campaign, September 27-November 5, 2023, aims to end abortion through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigils in front of abortion businesses. Bishop Parkes explains why this campaign is so important and …

Rev. Salim Joseph, OFM

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Salim Joseph, O.F.M., 58, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2023 as a result of a heart attack, while in route to Logan International Airport, in Boston.Β  Father Joseph served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 2018 to 2020, after which he was transferred to …

Announcements ~ September 11, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Provides $100,000 to Catholic Charities for Hurricane Relief On September 6, 2023, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with a donation of $100,000 to help with local needs for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. This was made possible by donations to the Diocese of …

Robert J. Kroll

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing ofΒ Robert J. Kroll, former OFM Franciscan priest and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1992 to 2001, on June 23, 2023, from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. His obituary was included in the Tampa Bay Times.Β  To read more, please click here. …

Mrs. Linda Bell ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Linda Bell, mother of Father Kyle Bell, Director of the Catholic Student Center at U.S.F., on Sunday, September 3, 2023, after a brief hospitalization at Tampa General Hospital.Β  A Funeral Mass for Mrs. Bell will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at …

Announcements ~ September 5, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Sends $100,000 Donation for Maui Wildfire Relief The tragic wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii have left the town of Lahaina, located in the Diocese of Honolulu, mostly devastated.Β To assist victims, Bishop Gregory Parkes sent a donation of $100,000 to the Diocese of Honolulu on August 18, 2023. This …

Mr. Lorenzo Tejada

The Chancellor’s Office has received word that Mr. Lorenzo Tejada, 63, brother of Reverend Jose (Jojo) Tejada, Parochial Vicar of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in the Philippines, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.Β  He is survived by his wife, three children, siblings, including Father …

Clergy change ~ August 21, 2023

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective August 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023: APPOINTMENT Very Rev. Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L. as acting Vicar General during the above-mentioned period, and continuing all other duties. During that time, Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris, Vicar General, has been granted a …

Announcements ~ August 21, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life Mother and Daughter Creighton Fertility Appreciation Day Christ The King Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Saturday, September 16, 2023 8:00 am-12:00 pm younger girlsΒ  (approximately 7-12 yrs.) 12:00 pm-4:00 pm older girls (approximately 12-19 yrs.) A special day to start the conversation and increase communication …

Mrs. Anne Sifferlin

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Anne Sifferlin, 100, retired employee of the Pastoral Center, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Seminole, Florida.Β Β Anne worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from October 1982 until her retirement in November 2004.Β  She served in the offices of Insurance, Building Commission (Construction), Vocations, and Real …

Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt, O.P.

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt, formerly known as Sister Helen Maureen, died on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 88 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Kathryn was born in …

Ms. Kathleen Devine

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Ms. Kathleen Devine, sister of Monsignor Michael Devine, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on August 3, 2023, in Ireland.Β  All funeral services will take place in Ireland, and Monsignor Devine will be traveling to participate in the services.Β  No other details are available at …

Announcements ~ July 10, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Summertime, Safe Time All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. (Arch)diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school and …

Mrs. Mary Ann Sokol

The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Mary Ann Sokol, 81, of Indiana, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023 at Indiana Regional Medical Center.Β  Ms. Sokol was the mother of Margaret Ann β€œMaggie” Rogers, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg. Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 59 years, John J. …

Mr. Tommy Schaefer

We informed the passing of Mr. Tommy Schaefer, 91, on Saturday, June 10, 2023.Β  Mr. Schaefer was the father-in-law of Angie Schaefer, Director of Internal Services Administration for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Please keep Angie, family members and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy might be sent to …

Announcements ~ June 26, 2023

Β  DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Tips for Summer Camp Safety Summer is almost here. School is almost out, and a whole host of new opportunities for recreation and relaxation await. Maybe you are sending your children to a music or sportsΒ camp. Or maybe they have been invited by their friends to go camping in …

Mr. Marvin Hays ~ Update July 10, 2023

The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mr. Marvin Hays, 60, died suddenly and was discovered in his home on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Β He is the brother of Reverend John Hays, Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ridge Manor. UPDATE: Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 4142 Treiman …

Sr. Elizabeth A. Demirgian, O.P.

Word reached the Office of the Vicar for Religious that Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian, formerly known as Sister Marie Berge Demirgian, died on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 64th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. …

Clergy Changes ~ June 12, 2023

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Alexander T. Padilla II, J.C.L. from faculty of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, to Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, with sacramental and pastoral care of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg, …

Announcements ~ June 12, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Tips for Summer Camp Safety Summer is almost here. School is almost out, and a whole host of new opportunities for recreation and relaxation await. Maybe you are sending your children to a music or sportsΒ camp. Or maybe they have been invited by their friends to go camping in the …

Announcements ~ May 30, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES FromΒ Ministries of Missionary Discipleship Programa de Espiritualidad y DirecciΓ³n Espiritual (EDE) ~ Oblate School of Theology (OST) La Escuela Oblata de TeologΓ­a (OST) en San Antonio, Texas, estΓ‘ ofreciendo un programa de Espiritualidad y DirecciΓ³n Espiritual y estΓ‘ invitando a las personas que cuenten con las bases catequΓ©ticas y/o pastorales de nuestra comunidad …

Announcements ~ May 22, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES FromΒ Ministries of Missionary Discipleship Courage β€œThese men and women testify to the power of grace, the nobility and resilience of the human heart.” – Cardinal Robert Sarah Courage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who strive to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.Β  For more …

Mr. Alberto C. Bueno

The Chancellor’s Office received word today that Mr. Alberto C. Bueno, 91, father of Reverend Alberto Bueno, T.O.R., Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa, passed away on May 11, 2023, while in Hospice care in Arlington, Virginia.Β  Β According to Father Bueno, his father died β€œpeacefully” after experiencing declining health in recent days. Funeral arrangements …

Announcements ~ May 15, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Reach 250,000 People With Your Message This September, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is launching a new magazine to lead people closer to Christ and His Church. Gulf Coast Catholic will be mailed into 100,000 homes reaching a readership of 250,000 in West Central Florida. We are currently inviting business and ministries to …

Clergy Appointment ~ May 15, 2023

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Reverend Cosmas O. Amadi [Archdiocese of Owerri, Nigeria], to Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa.Β  Since August 2021, Father Amadi has been in residence at St. Mark the Evangelist while completing his graduate courses …

Reverend Joseph M. Vanderholt, S.J.

The Chancellor’s Office sadly announces the passing of Reverend Joseph M. Vanderholt, S.J., 85 years old, who has been serving at Jesuit High School since January of 2021, on Saturday, May 6, 2023 in an acute care facility in Land O’Lakes. Born in Texas in 1937, Fr. Vanderholt entered the Society of Jesus in 1955 …

Clergy Appointment ~ May 8, 2023

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Reverend Amaro Vasquez Ortiz [Diocese of Chimbote, Peru], to Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park, also assisting with Hispanic Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater.Β  Father Ortiz is currently working in the Archdiocese …

Announcements ~ May 8, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcomingΒ Ordination to the PriesthoodΒ ofΒ Reverend Mr. Christian A. Galvan.Β  Deacon Galvan will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.Β  The …

Sister Kathleen Therese McCann, OP

Word reached our office of the passing of Sister Kathleen Therese McCann, baptized Mary Helen McCann, April 4, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 97 years of age and in the 75th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Kathleen Therese ministered for more than 25 …

Announcements ~ May 1, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcomingΒ Ordination to the PriesthoodΒ ofΒ Reverend Mr. Christian A. Galvan.Β  Deacon Galvan will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.Β  The …

Announcements ~ April 24, 2023

DIOCESAN OFFICES Prison Ministry Invitation I was in prison and you visited me…(Mt 25:36).Β  Have you ever considered ministry to the incarcerated?Β  Spreading the Good News of a loving and forgiving Father can make all the difference in the world to someone search for the path to salvation or who feels alone and forgotten.Β  If …

UPDATED: Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2023

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2023, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend James B. Johnson, from Pastor of St. Scholastica Parish, Lecanto, granted retirement status. Very Reverend John F. McEvoy, V.F. from Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ruskin, and Vicar Forane of the Southeast …

Ms. Joanne M. Tomassi – Update

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Ms. Joanne M. Tomassi, 67 years, long-time Parish Office Manager of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach, passed away in the Lord today, Monday, April 17, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg.Β  In addition to her work for the parish, Ms. Tomassi was highly involved with the …