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 …
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 …
They juggled masks, Zoom backgrounds, social distancing, and online and hybrid classes during the academic year, but on May 21 and May 22, Saint Leo University students gathered with family and friends to celebrate their graduation. This year, Saint Leo celebrated the graduates at three in-person ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. See …
Following the verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota today, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued …
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Following a mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, CO, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued the following statement: “As we are still reeling from the loss of life in the mass shootings in Atlanta, it is heartbreaking …
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As is the custom of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Chrism Mass (or the Mass of the Holy Oils) is celebrated on the Tuesday of Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. For 2021, that will be Tuesday, March 30th starting at 11:30 a.m. Due to the coronavirus …
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You are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for Holy Week Liturgies to celebrate the Easter Triduum! To reach our homebound community, the Masses of Holy Week will be livestreamed on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5. Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord …
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New home to hottest sport includes 12 state-of-the-art gaming stations for team, students Saint Leo University unveiled its newest amenity, a 12-station Esports Arena, on Wednesday, March 10, in Apartment Building 5 at the university’s residential campus in Pasco County. The new arena will serve as the home to the university’s new esports team, and …
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following message today on the global COVID-19 pandemic. The USCCB’s Administrative Committee is led by the president of the Conference, and is made up of all the chairmen of the Conference’s committees and a representative from each Episcopal Region of the United States …
WASHINGTON– On March 2, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for use in …
The Catholic Church will hold its annual celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on February 2, 2021 and in parishes over the weekend of February 6-7. This event is a special time for individual parishes and the greater Church to celebrate the gift of consecrated life and pray for men and women discerning a consecrated …
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ST. LEO, FL – The word “catholic” with a lowercase C means “universal” or “inclusive.” And that is part of the goals of the Rev. Randall Meissen, university chaplain, for Saint Leo University: to be open and welcoming to all. Meissen recently joined the university and leads the University Ministry team. “As the university …
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December 10, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On Tuesday, as our Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a communication was sent from the USCCB announcing that Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at home, …
With more federal executions scheduled in December and January, two bishop chairmen call on the Administration to recall God’s mercy during Advent. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, …
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The Solemnity of Christ the King is Sunday, November 22, 2020. Here is a reflection from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI with the encyclical Quas primas. The Holy Father speaks directly to the problem of what he referred to as “anti-clericalism,” …
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In the wake of more federal executions scheduled in coming weeks, two bishop chairmen have issued a statement calling on the Administration to act as a witness to the dignity of all human life. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and …
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Recently ordained priest Father Connor Penn is hosting a new YouTube series to help younger Catholics fit faith into their crazy busy lives. Would you share this with a YouTuber in your life? In the series, Catholic Planner, Father Penn brings a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church’s comprehensive calendar of celebrations, solemnities, saints’ feast days …
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The following statement is from Most Reverend José H. GomezArchbishop of Los Angeles, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). November 10, 2020 I welcome the report of the Holy See’s investigation into its knowledge and decision-making regarding Theodore McCarrick during his long career as a priest, bishop, and cardinal. We are studying …
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In October 2018, the former Florida Attorney General announced an investigation of the State’s seven Catholic Dioceses to determine how allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been handled. We welcomed the State’s investigation and we cooperated fully with the process instituted to research past cases of abuse allegations, dating back prior to …
Like the greater Tampa Bay community, Father Tom Anastasia is thrilled that the Rays are in the World Series for the first time since 2008, and only for the second time in the history of the organization. However, he has a special interest in the competition since he has served as the team chaplain since …
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Monsignor Dennis Hughes was announced as the recipient of the 2020 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on Tuesday, October 6. This award is given annually to a priest serving in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who best exemplifies selfless and dedicated service to the people of God. The recipient of the award is chosen by his brother priests. This year, the award …
Catholic schools, especially those serving urban areas have been disproportionately impacted in the ongoing fallout of the novel coronavirus. Three bishop chairmen of committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have sent a letter to Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, requesting support for black families in Catholic …
ST. LEO, FL – This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Leo University is welcoming students to its campus over several days in order to protect the health and safety of everyone. The process began with a “move-in day” on Tuesday, August 18. New and transfer students will move to campus, 33701 State Road …
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Aug. 21 will mark a special day for the Diocese of Beaumont and the community of Southeast Texas. On that day, Bishop-elect David Toups will be ordained and installed as the sixth bishop of Beaumont at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica at 2 p.m. Bishop-elect Toups will be ordained by his eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of …
The Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida invites you to join them for their annual Welcome Home Weekend events. On Saturday, the 22nd of August, following the 5:00 p.m. vigil mass there will be a socially distant meet and greet for all students, parents, and alumni along with complimentary refreshments, lawn games, music, …
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Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement in solidarity with Lebanon after the explosion in the Port of Beirut: “The world watched with shock and horror the catastrophic explosion in the Port of Beirut Tuesday. Over 100 have died, thousands are injured, …
Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement: “Alongside Pope Francis and my brother bishops throughout Latin America, I condemn the sacrilegious attack against the Cathedral of Managua that occurred on Friday, July 31. Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, archbishop …
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, SB 404, a bill that requires parental consent before a minor has an abortion. This common-sense measure simply holds abortion to the same consent requirements as most every other medical decision involving a child, including simple …
We are saddened to announce the passing of Deacon Joe Polcari on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He was a retired deacon from St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater. His wife Teresa passed in 2014. Deacon Joe was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 2, 1982. He moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
More than 300 people participated in a Holy Hour at the Cathedral of St Jude the Apostle on Sunday, June 7, 2020, to pray for peace, healing and change following the brutal death of George Floyd and the national protests that have erupted. Bishop Gregory Parkes led the solemn prayer service inside, and a group …
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Businesses are navigating the re-opening of the economy following shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemics. To assist those facing challenges and looking for new opportunities, Saint Leo University will a free, four-part webinar series, Business Reimagined: Insights for Small Businesses in the COVID-19 Landscape, for Tampa-area businesses beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20. The …
Queridos hermanos y hermanas de los Estados Unidos, sigo con gran preocupación los dolorosos desórdenes sociales que se están produciendo en vuestra nación en estos días, tras la trágica muerte del Sr. George Floyd. Queridos amigos, no podemos tolerar ni cerrar los ojos ante ningún tipo de racismo o exclusión y pretender defender la santidad …
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“Dear brothers and sisters in the United States, I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend …
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El arzobispo José H. Gomez, de Los Ángeles, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) emitió un comunicado sobre George Floyd y las protestas que han sucedido en ciudades de Estados Unidos en los últimos días. Este pronunciamiento sigue a la declaración del viernes 29 de siete presidentes de comités de obispos de …
Thanks to a new, $1.2 million grant, Saint Leo University will be awarding substantial scholarships to help as many as 18 undergraduates prepare to become biology or mathematics teachers in Florida’s Pasco and Hernando county schools over the next several years. Saint Leo is able to start this new scholarship program with grant money received …
Find the latest information from Catholic Charities on their website. For the time being (at least through April 30), Catholic Charities has closed its offices – see below for details on individual appointments Catholic Charities offices hours – All offices are now closed in compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements to maintain social distance and …
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One of the most heartbreaking realities for Christians during the COVID – 19 Coronavirus pandemic is the suspension of the public celebration of the Liturgies of Holy Week. This reality will certainly bring a void; however, it does not mean that, we as Christians, cannot participate in a meaningful way. Below are some suggestions for …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes has a message of hope for our young people during this difficult time. He shares, “I’m praying for you. Don’t lose hope remain strong in your faith. Continue to pray. Remember that God is always with us – He never abandons us.”
At the Angelus on Sunday, March 22nd, Pope Francis announced that this coming Friday, March 27th, at 6:00 pm Rome time (1:00 p.m local time), the Pope will preside over a moment of prayer on the sagrata of Saint Peter’s Basilica, before the empty square. He invites everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication. There …
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I realize that for many of you, Saturday evening and Sunday are times when you would normally go to your local parish for Mass. Unfortunately, as we know, these days are anything but normal. However, as your bishop, I want to assure you of a few things. First, even …
March 18, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As you are aware, because of the fluid and unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus crisis, our response to the threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States has been to closely monitor the guidance of government leaders and public health officials, and to make …
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Florida Commencement Ceremonies Postponed, Rescheduled for June 1 ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University officials have decided to extend the university’s online course delivery for the remainder of the spring terms and will postpone Florida commencement ceremonies. After hearing the recommendation of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the state universities, Saint Leo has followed suit. …
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Dear Friends of Catholic Charities: I am reaching out to our clients, our supporters (funders, donors, volunteers), vendors, colleagues and board members, community and government partners, parishioners, and members of the broader community, to share what Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg is doing in response to unprecedented health risk posed by the Corona Virus …
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In general, as a rule of thumb, if the Public Schools are closed, parish Faith Formation programs should be closed as well, but that has always been for weather emergencies; this is a whole new situation without precedent. In the next day or so the Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth & Family Life will be recommending …
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“[Pope Francis] offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary on Wednesday, [March 11, 2020], in a video message to mark the Diocese of Rome’s day of prayer and fasting for the coronavirus emergency. The video was broadcast at the opening of a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the diocesan vicar, at the Sanctuary …
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): “With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world …
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Residential Students are to Remain Home, and Classes Resume Online March 23; Education Centers Move to Online-Only Classes on March 16 ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has decided to make adjustments to university operations and move to online classes. The university is following guidance issued to the state universities in Florida regarding the coronavirus. Saint Leo’s students at …
On March 11, 2020, Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey was notified that a parent of a student had tested positive for Coronavirus. The parent is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The child has not been present at school since last Friday, March 6. The family …
The 2020 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and ends with Easter Sunday on April 12. During Lent, we are encouraged to raise up the needs of the world in prayer, to sacrifice or fast by giving up food or material wants, and to offer our time, talent, and treasure as good stewards of the gifts God has given …
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Saint Leo University broke ground Thursday, February 6, 2020, for a Wellness Center located on the west end of campus by Lake Jovita. The 59,000-square-foot facility will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services, and campus ministry. See photos from the groundbreaking below. Focusing on …
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Feeling confused or troubled by events in the news and in the culture? Dr. Ralph Martin of Renewal Ministries will address these issues and help us keep our bearings in the midst of these challenges. Learn how to abide more continually with Jesus and bear fruit for the kingdom. Join us on Saturday, February 15, …
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Helen Aguirre Ferré was honored today by the Catholic bishops of Florida with the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The Distinguished Catholic Leader Award is presented to a Catholic Floridian whose life and work has deepened respect for life and increased appreciation for the human dignity of the people of Florida. The …
Starting the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2020. 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 …
Saint Leo University will host a new “Theology Roundtable” discussion at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, on the topic of Christian faith and science. The one-hour, online interactive discussion will be led by Dr. Marc Pugliese and instructor Thomas Poynor. Together, they will address questions such as whether faith and science conflict. …
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