Announcements ~ January 19, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Beware of Scams The Office of Communications of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, is helping our community to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Your best response is to be aware and to be vigilant. Do not reply to an unfamiliar text message, email or social media message until …

Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM

Word reached the Diocese that Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM, 83, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Concordia Healthcare Center, Tampa, of complications from COVID 19. A native of Florida, Sister Mary Patricia entered the SNJM community after graduating from the Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa, in 1955. Her roles in education …

Announcements ~ January 11, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and the Pro-Life Generation via Livestream to Pray for Life on January 22nd Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the first-ever Diocesan Mass for Life with youth from around the Diocese of St. Petersburg on Friday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. …

Announcements ~ January 4, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View to the Top In this end of the year program, Bishop Parkes shares the positives of what was generally a challenging year and makes some predictions for 2021.  Follow the following link to listen to the podcast:  https://bit.ly/3pOIXBu. Office of Communications New Video: Year in Review The Diocese of Petersburg invites …

Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown, father of Reverend Stephan T. Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg. Dr. Brown passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, while at home in St. Petersburg, under Hospice care, following a steady decline in health in recent months.Dr. …

Luis Alfonso Riveros

Sadly, the Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Luis Alfonso Riveros, 62, youngest brother of Reverend Belisario Riveros, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, passed away on Christmas morning, Friday, December 25, 2020, in Bogotá, Colombia, following a lengthy battle with Leukemia.  Mr. Riveros is survived by his wife, Flor Riveros and three children: Alfonso, Carolina …

Announcements ~ December 14, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Bishop Parkes Christmas Message Bishop’s 2020 Christmas Message is available for publication in your bulletins. We have the following versions: English PDF: https://bit.ly/3nh0mlq and PNG: https://bit.ly/2Wa9NqV Spanish PDF: https://bit.ly/2LzNPLT  and PNG:  https://bit.ly/3oUOjKZ If you need another format, contact Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org. Christmas With Bishop Gregory Parkes Those who are unable …

Clergy Changes ~ December 7, 2020

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Theobald Weria, A.L.C.P., from Parochial Administrator of St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa to Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. Deacon James (“Ben”) Hooks, to Coordinator of Pastoral Care pro tempore, St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa. …

Announcements ~December 7, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On the December 2, 2020 edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes shares why the faithful should go to Reconciliation this Advent, the roles of Cardinals in the Church, reports of aborted children used in COVID research, and why did God allow COVID.  Please follow this …

Announcements ~ November 30, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the recently released McCarrick and Florida State Attorney Reports and the virtual meeting of the U.S. Bishops. Marriage and Family …

Clergy Changes ~ November 30, 2020

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Bradley Reed, from Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater to Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon. Reverend Dayan Machado, from Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Dade City to the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, with residence …

Announcements ~ November 23, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8doO_FTIZ5UBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Thanksgiving message and expresses his gratitude for your prayers and support.In this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the …

Reverend Terence K. Fleming

We were saddened to learn that Reverend Terence Kaner (“Terry”) Fleming, 79, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rochester and long-time resident in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Oldsmar on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Father Fleming was born on August 10, 1941, in Rochester, New York to …

Announcements ~ November 9, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes discusses praying for victories, superstitions and faith, election takeaways, the beatification of Father Michael McGivney, COVID-19 and holidays and a salute to veterans.  To listen to the podcast, follow this link:  https://bit.ly/32qABGE. Our Diocesan Commitment to Safe Environments …

Reverend John G. Masiello, S.D.B.

Birth: June 19, 1929 Religious Profession: September 8, 1948 Ordination to Priesthood: June 13, 1958 Death: October 24, 2020 We sadly announce to all of you the passing of Father John G. Masiello, SDB, on the afternoon of Saturday, October 24, 2020. Father Masiello came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2007 and resided …

Announcements ~ November 2, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Remembering Our Departed Loved Ones November is the Month of All Souls, when we remember and pray for our loved ones who have died. The Diocese of St. Petersburg will be creating a special online photo album to remember those who have passed away, especially those in the past year. Email a photo …

Reverend Matthew T. Gamber, S.J.

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the sudden death of Reverend Matthew T. Gamber, S.J., 61, on Friday, October 16, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Gamber worked as a pastoral counselor and theology instructor at Jesuit High School, Tampa, from 2012 to 2014. Father Gamber was born in Evanston, Illinois to Mark and Ruth …

Reverend James C. (Seamus) Collins, O.P.

The Chancellor’s Office received word from Ireland that Reverend Seamus Collins, O.P., 87, a retired member of the Irish Province of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Tallaght Hospital, in Dublin.  Father Collins was one of four children born to Colonel Liam and Delia (Tarpy) Collins. He …

Announcements ~ October 26, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about the recent Rite of Candidacy for the Diaconate, upcoming Vocations Awareness Week events and explains how we can live the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. To listen to the podcast, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2J2wVnH. …

Brother Glenn Humphrey, O.F.M.

Brother Glenn Humphrey, O.F.M., 76, a professed Franciscan friar for 55 years, died on October 9, 2020 at Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Care Center where he had lived since August. He had spent most of his religious life in academic and counseling work. The friar community at St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg celebrated …

Rev. Karl Aloysius Aschmann, C.Ss.R.

September 4, 1923 – September 17, 2020 The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Karl Aloysius Aschmann, C.Ss.R., 97, a retired member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, while under Hospice care in Palm Coast, Florida. Father Aschmann was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He made …

Announcements ~ October 19, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocesan Audit Results Did you know that an independent audit conducted in September 2020 determined that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is once again in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Among the information revealed during the audit, it …

Announcements ~ October 12, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about 40 Days for Life and the upcoming election. Also discussed is the recent arson at a local parish, Bishop Parkes’ reflection on his brother being ordained Bishop of Savannah, and the use of social media …

Announcements ~ October 5, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual White Mass The annual White Mass will be held on Saturday October 24, 2020 for physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals in our diocese. Vigil 4:00 pm Mass will be presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes at the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross located on the campus of Jesuit High …

Reverend John Vakulskas

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend John Vakulskas, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, passed away at Mercy One Hospital, in Sioux City, Iowa on Sunday evening, September 27, 2020, following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer.  Father Vakulskas assisted in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since …

Announcements ~ September 28, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Beware of Imposter Social Media Accounts If you receive a social media direct message or Facebook message from Bishop Gregory Parkes, please be aware that is an imposter account. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using Facebook Messenger or direct messaging. Also, please be sure you are following the official …

Mrs. Alice “Louise” Nkoy

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Alice “Louise” Nkoy, 81, mother of Reverend Emery Longanga, Ph.D.,  Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her death occurred after a battle with cancer. No …

Reverend Simeon Thole, O.S.B.

Reverend Simeon Thole, O.S.B., age 85, died peacefully in the Saint Raphael Hall retirement center at Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN, on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Simeon (James) Thole was born in Moorhead, MN, April 21, 1935, made his profession as a monk of Saint John’s Abbey July 11, 1956 and was ordained on June 2, …

Announcements ~ September 21, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about diocesan disaster relief assistance, the blessing of catechists in the church, Catholic cemeteries and respect for the body, and good study bibles and habits of study.  To listen to the podcast, visit this link:  https://www.dosp.org/bishop/a-view-from-the-top/. …

Sister Irene Lucy Onyai

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Sister Irene Lucy Onyai, 56, of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, Uganda (LSMIG), on Friday, September 4, 2020, in Kampala, Uganda.  Her tragic death resulted from complications due to COVID-19. Sister Irene has been a friend of the Diocese of St. Petersburg since …

Announcements ~ September 14, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In the newest episode of A View from the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares memories of his grandparents, discusses how important language is for the validity of Sacraments, the inspired Word of God, the Season of Creation that Pope Francis is asking Catholics to observe and the return …

Announcements ~ September 8, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s A View From the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes addresses keeping the Lord’s Day holy, how the church addresses political issues and candidates, and the two-year update on the diocesan vision, Courageously Living the Gospel. To listen to the podcast please follow this link:  https://bit.ly/3m0Z4L4. How …

Brother Valerian Vaverehak, OFM

Word has been received of the death of Brother Valerian Vaverehak, OFM, on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Maria Manor in St. Petersburg.  Funeral arrangements for Brother, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years, are pending.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  …

Announcements ~ August 17, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s A View From the Top podcast, Bishop Gregory Parkes teaches on the Solemnity of Assumption of Mary, the passing of two diocesan priests, the ordination of three priests, the diaconate, and the return to schools for our local students. Click here to listen. How To …

Announcements ~ August 3, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this episode of A View From the Top, we present “the best of” Bishop Gregory Parkes podcasts and you will hear how Bishop Parkes discusses the role of the Church in the upcoming elections, Encuentro, Focus 11 and his personal call to the priesthood. Click here to …

Mrs. Mary Punakkattu

The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mrs. Mary Punakkattu, 86, mother of Reverend Sojan Punakkattu, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Citrus Springs, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, August 2, 2020, in Calicut, Kerala, India, following a lengthy period of illness. Mrs. Punakkattu is survived by eight children, including Father Punakkattu, thirteen grandchildren …