Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s …
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 2, 2022. This season is a time when Christians prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter, the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Have you thought about how you will spend your Lenten Season? Bishop Gregory Parkes has a message to help you stay focused on …
On my smart phone, I have access to two email accounts, two calendars, text messaging, What’s App, and news apps. These tools can help me to remember appointments, even birthdays, and stay in touch with colleagues, family and friends. However, these tools can also prevent me from what Cal Newport calls “Deep Work” or long …
In Greek mythology, Midas was a king who turned everything he touched into gold. Having the Midas Touch is now synonymous with being able to easily turn a large profit. But what value does the human touch have in our world? It seems like some businesses celebrate a lack of human touch. For example, “contactless” …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has been made aware of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Patrick H. Koch, S.J., a priest of the U.S.A Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). Father Koch served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 1994-1997. He …
I know that eating sugary desserts is not healthy. However, I often find my way to eating candy, ice cream and cookies. Why do I do this even though I know it’s not healthy? I tend to blame my husband. He likes to buy these treats and he brings them into the house. So, I …
USCCB– The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2020 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, What am I thankful for this year (and always)? You! You, who are a part of the family of God. Each of you is a gift to our local Church. By your prayer, sacrifice, love, and concern, you live out the mission of Christ to build the Kingdom of …
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I do to my part to recycle everything I can. I also drive a hybrid car, which uses less gas. I avoid plastic bottles as best I can. Yes – I care about the environment as many people do. By studying our ecology, we can learn about the relationship between humans and the environment so …
When I was young, my favorite show was Gillian’s Island. It was a show about seven castaways stranded on a deserted island. The show stopped production in 1967 but the reruns aired during my childhood and I would watch them all, again and again. Each character had their own quirky personality, and I grew to …
Whenever we take vacations with the family near the beach, my brother-in-law brings his boat and offers us a ride. While we were out one day, dark and ominous clouds suddenly formed in the sky above us. We wouldn’t have time to make it back to the boat ramp, so instead, we docked at a …
Many families suffer from an over-packed schedule. I was one of those families. When my children were young, they were enrolled in numerous activities including scouts, music lessons, sports, faith formation and even robotics! Now, families also factor in time spent with media, such as video gaming, streaming movies and connecting online in all sorts …
When I was younger, my sister told me I was adopted. For a few minutes, I believed her. It was a story that was plausible. Sometimes I felt like I didn’t fit in with my family. I felt different at times. Her statement tapped into my insecurities. I was vulnerable to believe her. This is …
Today, we’re talking about screens versus books. Is one better than another? According to some studies, such as this one, cognitive activity, like reading a book, helps to keep our brains healthier. Reading a book forces the brain to remember a variety of characters, timelines, plots and subplots. Also, the printed words found in a …
When my children were young, a digital timer was a helpful parenting assistant. I set the timer to let my children know how long they could play, when it was time to do chores, brush their teeth and even to sit and think about what they had done – also known as “time out”. The …
Don’t just give up chocolate for Lent this year! Make a change that will have a lasting impact.Join therapist, Paige Cargioli, to learn some techniques that will help you to better connect with others and stay emotionally healthy. Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:00 P.M. on Zoom REGISTER HERE Paige Cargioli is a holistic therapist practicing …
Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate an opening Mass for the local phase of a worldwide consultation process in the Catholic Church known as the “Synod on Synodality.” The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle at 11:30 a.m. All are invited to the celebration. Representatives …
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When I get into my car, the first thing I do is buckle my seatbelt. The second thing is switch on the radio. I do these things without even thinking. These are habits that are deeply engrained into my routine. Sometimes, however, I decide to drive in silence. Even though I’m the only one in …
When I was young, my family would drive from Maryland to Miami each Summer to visit relatives. My siblings and I would pile into the station wagon and cruise along the highway looking out the window staring at the world around us. We didn’t have screens back then, which meant only one thing – we …
I have a friend that I see about six times each year. Between our busy schedules, it’s difficult to find the time to meet up and catch up on life. I’ve noticed that when we first see each other after a long absence the conversation can be a little “generic.” It takes a little time …
I was sitting in the bedroom starting at my computer screen when my twenty-something son popped his head through the doorway and said, I’m going for a walk. Do you want to join me? I was feeling sluggish and worn out. I really wanted to blurt out, I’m too tired but instead I said, “sure!” …
When I was young, I used to imagine what my life would look like in the future. Who would I marry? (Turns out Dan.) What would my children look like? (Tall by the way.) Now, believe it or not, I am trying to imagine what my life would look like if I fasted from digital …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Communications has launched a new blog and radio series that helps families to become vibrant and healthy by breaking free of technology’s constant pull and digital distraction. The series is called Making Space for Grace and it’s hosted by Teresa Peterson, Executive Director of Communications for the Diocese …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced the launch of GulfCoastCatholic.org, a news and lifestyle website created by the Diocese of St. Petersburg that officially debuts on August 14, 2021, the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Bishop Parkes chose the name of the site and serves as publisher. “All of us in Tampa Bay, the Suncoast and …
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Vatican City, Aug 8, 2021| (CNA) – Pope Francis said on Sunday that Jesus’ declaration that he is the “Bread of Life” renews “our amazement for the gift of the Eucharist.” In his Angelus address on Aug. 8, the pope reflected on the meaning of Jesus’ statement in a passage of the Gospel of John known as …
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(CNS) — The annual Fête-Dieu du Teche in the Diocese of Lafayette is a “time for all of us to renew our faith,” following the example of the first Acadians who were “led by their faith” when they came to Louisiana, said Lafayette Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel. The 40-mile eucharistic procession by boat and on …
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Vatican City, Aug 1, 2021 / (CNA) – Pope Francis said on Sunday that God wants us to move “beyond the logic of interest and calculation” and enter into a loving relationship with Him. In his Angelus address on Aug. 1, the pope said that Catholics were called to mature in faith, leaving behind self-interest. “We are …
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As we continue to learn more about the Delta variant of the Coronavirus, let us demonstrate charity for the people around us and do what we can for the health and welfare of all. On May 22, 2021, updated guidelines were announced by Bishop Gregory Parkes for the prevention of COVID-19. These guidelines are still …
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Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Dr. Julie H. Rubio to serve on the National Review Board (NRB). The NRB was established as part of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People and advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and …
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Photo: (left) Aerial view of Saint Leo University / (right) Aerial view of Marymount California UniversityOfficials announce signed agreement, now seeking accrediting approval ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University President Jeffrey Senese announced today that the university has signed an agreement to merge with Marymount California University, following a vote from the university’s board of …
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Two University of South Florida students, Elizabeth Cottle and Amelia Becerra, spent five weeks of their summer in Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) Leader Internship program in Minnesota. The Leader Internship program is a one-month immersion experience to equip students for lifelong mission on campus and beyond. After the program, participants are ready and equipped to …
When Chris Pastura became Superintendent of Catholic schools in 2015, he never imagined life would be turned upside down by a worldwide pandemic and that all schools would be challenged to adapt to a new COVID reality. But with the help of resilient educators, Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg remained open throughout …
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Participate in a Free Virtual Conference August 12-15 The Diocese of St. Petersburg is blessed to be joining forces with dioceses across the Southeast U.S. for an inspiring four-day virtual event that is absolutely free! Topics are designed to help us learn best practices for evangelization and passing on the faith within our homes, churches, …
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By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican released the names of members of two commissions charged with assisting the leaders of the Synod of Bishops’ general secretariat in reviewing documents, drafting resources and developing best practices. According to the synod website, the theological commission and the methodology commission will …
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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Approving the revision of the entire process of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis has asked that it begin with serious, widespread consultations with laypeople on the diocesan level. “In reality, without this consultation, there would be no synodal process, because the discernment of pastors, …
By Christina Lee Knauss Catholic News Service Teresa Rojo Tsosie’s Catholic faith is one of the most important parts of her life, but she has often felt that as a Native American Catholic, her voice wasn’t being considered or heard by the church as a whole. Tsosie, who works for St. Jude Catholic Church in …
Continue reading “Journeying Together Seen as Opportunity to be Heard, Respected by Church”
(CNA) – Following the Columbine High School massacre in April 1999, Catholic educator and counselor Frank DiLallo knew he had to do something. With a background in school counseling, DiLallo recorded an audio CD titled The Peace Project, a collection of introspective meditations on relaxation and self-regulation for students. “I imagined what it would have …
Continue reading “Bullying Redirect Provides Christ-Centered Solutions to Bullying and Mistreatment”
Over 70 children and their families attended a free event at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seminole recently that included a picnic and a backpack giveaway. The event was organized by members of the Knights of Columbus and the Institute of Charity who have been collecting school supplies and filling the backpacks for weeks. “We felt …
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By Andy Telli Catholic News Service (CNS) — Coming into this track and field season, Adreanna Parlette was trying to recapture the form that made her a star at St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville. She ended up exceeding even her expectations, qualifying June 24 at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the long jump in …
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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saying he was acting for the good of the unity of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has restored limits on the celebration of the Mass according to the Roman Missal in use before the Second Vatican Council, overturning or severely restricting permissions St. John Paul …
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Por Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service (CNS) — Cuatro obispos cubanoamericanos pidieron a la comunidad internacional que brinde ayuda humanitaria al pueblo de Cuba y expresaron su solidaridad con ellos tras protestas que comenzaron en la nación isleña a partir del 11 de julio. “Hacemos un llamado a los gobiernos internacionales y a todas las organizaciones benéficas para que …
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By Manuel Rueda, Catholic News Service (CNS) — The Cuban bishops’ conference called on the island’s government and protesters to “listen to each other” and avoid violence as the country reels from demonstrations sparked by food shortages, power outages and worsening economic conditions. (Click here to read a statement by four Cuban-American bishops.) The protests …
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A Time for Small Acts of Kindness (CNS) — Try a little tenderness. That’s basically how Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, 73, summarized Pope Francis’ vision for what older people, their grandchildren and friends should do to change the world after the COVID-19 pandemic. The cardinal, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, …
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(CNS) — The mere act of lifting the dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation as the coronavirus pandemic eases won’t be enough to get Catholics to come back to church, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg is actively working to bring people back. “Just opening our doors and waiting for folks to come is a …
Continue reading “Catholics Need to Hear Welcoming Messages to Return to Mass”
By Dianne Towalski, Catholic News Service CHAMPLIN, Minn. (CNS) — The Twin City Twisters in Champlin is the home gym of Grace McCallum, a member of the 2018 World Championship U.S. gymnastics team. A large banner hangs over the facility’s main entrance honoring that accomplishment. But her supporters are hoping the gym will soon need …
Continue reading “Gymnast Headed to Olympics Relies on Hard Work, Trust in God”
(CNA) – Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Wednesday after spending 11 days in a Rome hospital to recover from colon surgery. The Vatican said on July 14 that Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Hospital shortly after 10:30 a.m. Rome time and left the hospital to return to his Vatican residence by car. …
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(CNA) – A virtual three-day summit dedicated to St. Joseph will feature more than 40 evangelists and aims to connect Catholics with their “spiritual father.” The summit “Our Spiritual Father: Pilgrimage to the Heart of Saint Joseph” will be held online from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, and will be hosted by Deacon Steve Greco, the president …
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WASHINGTON – Upon the news of the brazen assassination of Haiti’s president at his home, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement: “We express our …
Two staff members from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami are now on hand daily at the Family Assistance Center which was set up for relatives of those missing after the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021. Please pray for all those impacted by this devastating collapse. To assist with …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes welcomed Father Daniel Kayajan as a permanent priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on July 1, 2021. “Father Dan,” as he likes to be called, began serving here in 2008 as a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province. He first sensed God’s call to the priesthood while working …
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For two years, Jose Posada has relied on services provided by Catholic Charities at the La Esperanza Free Medical Clinic in Wimauma. Without this assistance, he would have had to face his medical condition alone and his health would likely have deteriorated. “My medical condition has been very difficult, but I have hope. Catholic Charities …
Continue reading “Ribbon-Cutting Celebrates More Access to Healthcare in Southeast Hillsborough”
As a priest for 36 years, Father Ted Costello wears a collar as part of his priestly ministry. But some days you can see Father Ted dressed in blue, not black. It’s those days that he serves as a volunteer chaplain, ministering to men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the …
Bishop Gregory Parkes said it was “a day of joy” as three men who were ordained outside of the Diocese of St. Petersburg were welcomed as permanent priests of this local Church community. (View Photos Here) “Today marks a new chapter in the history of our Diocese and also in your priesthood and we thank …
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The St. Patrick Catholic School Intermediate Odyssey of the Mind team earned 4th place in the World competition for 2021. The team was comprised of 5th graders Ivan, Sergio, Rebekah, Shannon and Madison, and 1st grader Ellie. The path to the World Finals was not an easy one. The students were on COVID quarantine immediately …
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U.S. Bishops Approve the Writing of a Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church Bishop Gregory Parkes welcomes the idea to enhance teaching on the Eucharist, especially given that the role of a bishop is to teach the faith. Also, the U.S. Bishops have embarked on a multiyear National …
