Author Archives: Teresa Peterson
Ian Storm Update
Please watch local news for updates about Hurricane Ian. We will post the latest updates affecting the Diocese of St. Petersburg on this webpage. We will also share updates via Facebook and Instagram @DioStPete. Disaster Relief Special Collection The Diocese of St. Petersburg is helping people affected by Hurricane Ian. Bishop Gregory Parkes is asking …
Mrs. Maria Luisa Romero
Mrs. Maria Luisa (Ita) Romero, 96, grandmother of Mrs. Katie Camario, Digital Communications Manager for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Conroe, Texas. Additional details may be found at this link. Please keep Katie and her family in your kind thoughts and prayers during this time.
Mr. Frank Oliver
The Chancellor’s Office learned that Frank Michael Oliver, 82, husband of Mary Sue Oliver, Notary for our diocesan Tribunal Office, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. The funeral arrangements for Mr. Oliver are as follows: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian …
U.S. Bishops Continue to Offer Child Protection and Safe Environment Resources to Assist Dioceses
This June marks twenty years since the U.S. bishops gathered in Dallas, Texas to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. At their 2002 meeting, the bishops drafted and passed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., of Kansas City-St. Joseph, chairman of the United States Conference …
Lay Leadership Commissioning
In an evening prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on June 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., Bishop Emeritus Robert N. Lynch presented 11 individuals with a Certificate in Lay Leadership Ministry. Bishop Lynch, substituting for Bishop Gregory Parkes, formally commissioned these students to serve in ministry leadership in parishes throughout the …
Statement of USCCB President on Twenty Years Since Passage of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
This June marks twenty years since the Catholic bishops of the United States gathered in Dallas, Texas to draft and pass the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in their commitment to address the issue of clergy sexual abuse. Marking this moment, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the …
Prayers Needed in Response to Leak of Draft Supreme Court Opinion
In response to the leak of a draft opinion in the Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following call to prayer: “The leak related to the U.S. Supreme Court case …
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Learning to Listen Across the Division
Online Event- Monday, May 9th at 7:00 P.M. Can we learn to communicate with compassion and justice, even when we disagree? Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will explore listening skills, communication techniques and reflective exercises that will help us to open our hearts and minds to richer and more compassionate dialogue. Register to receive Zoom link. http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=p8pcb9dab&oeidk=a07ej5ywuxpd1fc0a48 …
A Gift for You
Have you tried fasting from social media? Streaming? Apps? Have you noticed any changes in yourself after fasting from digital? Or– have you noticed changes in your children or your spouse or friends? Here’s what I discovered after I fasted from digital each Friday during Lent. I discovered that I became more aware of the …
Bishop Gregory Parkes and the Catholic Bishops of Florida Praise Governor’s Approval of 15-Week Abortion Ban
For Immediate Release April 14, 2022 Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 5 that limits abortions in Florida to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. The new law also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. In support of the governor’s action, the Florida Conference of …
2022 Holy Week Liturgies with Bishop Parkes
What: Holy Week and Easter Celebrations When: April 10-April 16 Where: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 Fifth Avenue, St. Petersburg Watch: www.dosp.org/livestream, www.facebook.com/DioStPete and www.youtube.com/dioceseofstpete Listen: Spirit FM 90.5 Schedule of Holy Week Celebrations with Bishop Parkes: Sunday, April 10, 2022, Palm Sunday Mass, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022, Chrism Mass, 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, Mass of the …
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Eye to Eye
Do you remember what life was like before drive through restaurants? Believe it or not – there was a time when you were required to park your car, walk into a building and speak with a human being in order to expect food, a meal or a drink. Now, in addition to drive through, some …
What Details Are You Missing?
One time I was baking banana bread with my daughter when she was around nine years old, and the recipe called for a cup of sugar. Without paying much attention, I grabbed a jar from the pantry and poured the white substance into the mixing bowl. It wasn’t until the bread had finished baking that …
Cleansing the Soul
A very popular diet fad is intermittent fasting. But fasting for spiritual reasons is a practice that goes back centuries and is grounded in biblical truths. In fact, St. Augustine, who lived in the fifth century said, “Fasting cleanses the soul.” During the Lenten Season, Fasting is one of three areas of concentration for Catholics …
Consecrating Ukraine and Russia to Mary
Bishop Gregory Parkes Will Join the Holy Father in the Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for a prayer service in union with Pope Francis as he seeks to bring peace to Ukraine through prayers and spiritual devotion. When: Friday, March 25, …
Announcements – March 14, 2022
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022Bishop 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 …
Mary Sidney Twachtmann
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mary Sidney Twachtmann (Stansfield) 88, on March 3, 2022. Born in Wauchula, Florida, October, 20 1933, to Mary Nelson Stansfield and Sidney “Captain Sid” Stansfield, she was a graduate of Plant High School, Stephens College and Florida State University where she was a member of Pi …
Reverend Sidney J. Figlia, S.D.B.
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend Sidney J. Figlia, S.D.B., 91, a member of the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in St. Philip Residence at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa. “Father Sid” was a native of Brooklyn, New York. Following graduation from high school, he …
Rules
When I was growing up, we had a few major rules that our parents enforced. They probably sound familiar to you. Never lie. Never steal. Obey your parents. Respect one another, especially your elders. And never – ever miss Sunday Mass. These rules to live by provided order to our home which was greatly needed! …
Family Prayer Time
When I was young, my parents made a strong effort to pass on the Catholic faith to me and my siblings. We were enrolled in Catholic school, even though my dad worked two jobs to afford tuition. We also attended Mass each Sunday. At home, a large portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus adorned …
Prayers for Ukraine
LOCAL CONNECTION: Our local Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church hosted an ecumenical prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine on March 2nd. This coincided with Pope Francis’ call for prayer and fasting for Ukraine on Ash Wednesday. Click here to read the article. (This webpage was updated on March 3, 2022.) FROM CNS: …
Time for Temperance
Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two have *no* screen time and children under six should have an hour or less of screen time per day. When my children were young, I had no idea what the experts recommended. I did, however, know that Teletubbies on TV mesmerized my …
What’s Mentionable is Manageable
In the book, “Mr. Rogers Talks with Parents,” the famed TV host wrote that “much of what is on TV is at best, a waste of time and at worst, downright destructive.” His book encouraged parents to closely monitor the programs their children watch and to discuss sensitive or difficult topics that their children encounter …
Gospel Reflections for Lent
This Lent, sign up for a daily Gospel reflection delivered to your email or sent via text. In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, our mission is to proclaim the Gospel, invite others into the life of the Church and encounter Jesus. This takes courage! Our daily Scripture reflections help you live this mission. The reflections …
Five Tips for Media-Obsessed Families
If your family is obsessed with media, you’re not alone. My family probably resembles yours in that we struggle to break free of screens and smart speakers that seem ubiquitous at times. Yet, we know that the screens can be harmful to our health, our relationships and our spiritual life. So here are five healthy …
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Know Thy Neighbor
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 …
Journey with CRS Rice Bowl for Lent
CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Applications Each Lent, parishes, schools and campus ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg participate in Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) educational program of prayer, fasting, learning and giving. CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program for families and faith communities in the United States who want …
New Ministry Seeks to Show Foster Families Love and Support
Marcie Lipscomb has a heart for children in foster care and through a ministry she started in 2019, she is able to support foster children and foster parents in a unique way. The ministry is called “Hands Lifting Hearts” and she started it at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. “I felt that I was being …
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U.S. Bishops’ Migration Committee Chairman Expresses Disappointment that Low Refugee Admissions Goal Remains
The Biden Administration announced Friday afternoon that it will not increase the historically low number of refugees who can be resettled in the United States for the current fiscal year. However, it will restore the long-time practice of allocating refugees from every region of the world, thus opening resettlement to some who were not included …
Situation on the U.S.-Mexico Border
The bishops along the border of the United States and Northern Mexico have issued a joint statement on the situation at the border of the two countries. Their joint statement follows: As U.S. and Mexican bishops along the border, we witness daily the dilemma that our migrant sisters and brothers face. For most, the decision …
Racial Justice Dialogue Recording from March 24, 2021
Can America be Multi-Lingual and United? A discussion on how conversion, Gospel values and intentional evangelization can facilitate more unity in the Catholic community. Presented by Fr. Raphael Capo, Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Dean of Theology at St. Thomas University. ¿Pueden los Estados Unidos ser una nación multilingüe y unida? Diálogo sobre …
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Promotional Materials for Consecration to St. Joseph on May 1
Promotional Graphics for May 1st Event Square: English | Spanish Rectangle: English | Spanish Horizontal: English | Spanish No Text Consecration Definition Promotional Text for May 1st EventBishop Gregory Parkes will Consecrate the Diocese of St. Petersburg to St. Joseph on May 1stYou are invited to join Bishop Parkes for the Diocesan St. Joseph Consecration …
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U.S. Bishop Chairman Welcomes Repeal of Death Penalty in Virginia
Following passage of legislation to repeal the death penalty in the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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: “I welcome Virginia’s repeal of the death penalty as a bold step towards a culture …
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2021 Easter Message
From Bishop Gregory Parkes Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Easter is a defining moment because the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ bestows upon us the grace that transforms our lives. The gift of eternal life, the gift of forgiveness, and the gift of hope …
U.S. Bishop Chairmen Say Equality Act Would Discriminate Against People of Faith and Threaten Unborn Life
Five committee chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote a letter to members of Congress opposing the recent reintroduction of the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which is scheduled to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The bishops warned of the threats posed by the proposed legislation to …
Stained Glass Window is Revealed after Hidden for Nearly Half a Century
When parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Tampa walk into the church on Easter morning, they will be celebrating the Risen Christ in more ways than one. Parishioners will see an unobstructed floor-to-ceiling stained glass window of the Risen Christ welcoming all who enter. For years this window went largely unnoticed, partially hidden by …
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February Conversations about Race Recording
In this recording of the monthly “Conversation about Race” online discussion on February 24, 2021, the speaker was Dr. Ansel Augustine, Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. He talked about “Black History Month – Why It’s Important” and what we can do in observance of it in February …
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Proclaiming the Good News in a Digital World
A Free Event for Parish Communication Leaders – We will be following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Lunch, Formation, Fellowship and Faith Thursday, April 29, 2021, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bethany Retreat Center18150 Bethany Center Dr, Lutz 9:30 a.m. Registration & Networking 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Program Click here to …
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Responding to the Challenge of Abortion in Florida on the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Life: A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida
The Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling usurped the proper role of legislators and imposed an extreme abortion regime that has contributed to the polarization that has divided us as a nation and further wounded our society by ending over 61 million lives. Its trauma affects the web of social relationships that form families …
January is Poverty Awareness Month
For the last five decades, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the U.S. Bishop’s anti-poverty program, has empowered communities to tackle the many dimensions and complexities of poverty in the United States. As we begin a new year and Poverty Awareness Month, we invite you to participate in this vitally important work, especially as …
January Communications Roundtable
Advance Registration is Required. Click here to register. Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. What is the most important thing you learned in 2020 that will help you in 2021? The Diocesan Office of Communications invites you …
Cities for Life Virtual Prayer Vigil Recording
The Diocese of St. Petersburg joined cities and dioceses around the world on November 30, for the International day of Cities for Life against the Death Penalty. On this date, cities across the globe mobilize to renounce the death penalty and work for a more civil form of justice. Speakers included Bishop Gregory Parkes, Rev. Robert Schneider, and …
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November Conversations about Race Recording
In this recording of the “Monthly Conversation about Race” discussion on November 19, 2020, the speaker was Dr. Moneque Walker-Pickett, professor at St. Leo University. She talked about “The Result of No Action: Why We Need to Work Together for Justice.” The next Conversations about Race will be held in January – stay tuned to …
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National Collection Assists Elderly Sisters, Brothers, Priests in Religious Orders
The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 12-13. The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last year, the Diocese of St. …
President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on 2020 Presidential Election
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement on the 2020 presidential election: We thank God for the blessings of liberty. The American people have spoken in this election. Now is the time for our leaders to come together in …
Lead the Way on Hunger Webinar Recording
On November 9, 2020, the Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) hosted a webinar about the people experiencing hunger both globally and locally and our Church’s response to their needs. Watch a recording of the webinar below. The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the risk of a severe crisis in areas …
October Conversations about Race Recording
In this recording of the “Monthly Conversation about Race” discussion on October 28, 2020, the speaker was Monsignor Carruthers, parochial administrator of Resurrection Parish in Riverview. He talked about “Racism is a Life Issue.”
“Know Truth, Know Faith” A Series of Courageous Conversations – October 22 Recording
St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Paul Catholic Church, both located in St. Petersburg, are entering into a process to courageously listen and dialogue on race. This will be an opportunity for participants to increase understanding and empathy for one another and to shed light on this important issue. On October 22, 2020, local pastors, Monsignor Robert Gibbons …
White Mass – October 24, 2020
The Annual White Mass for physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals in our diocese.will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Bishop Gregory Parkes will preside at the beautiful “ Chapel of the Holy Cross” located on the campus of Jesuit High School (4701 N. Himes Ave ) in Tampa. We ask that attendees please …
U.S. Bishops’ Virtual Rosary on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary – October 7, 2020
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will host a virtual rosary event on October 7, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB, has called for this moment of prayer with the intention of uniting Catholics across the country at this time when …
Live in Global Solidarity this Advent Make a Gift of Hope in honor of someone that you care about!
During Advent, we are encouraged to meditate on the birth of Jesus into poverty and on how this reflects the reality of many other families around the world today.The Advent Giving Tree gifts below include items that represent actual goods and services provided to people that Catholic Relief Services serves around the world. The gifts themselves are symbolic …
Saint Leo University’s ‘Courageous Conversations’ to Examine Social Justice Issues – in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021
Saint Leo University will present a six-part series, Courageous Conversations, examining social justice issues. This free, virtual discussion will look at topics included in Bryan Stevenson’s book, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, from different perspectives across multiple disciplines. The first session will focus on race and racism and is set for 7 …
34th Annual Culture of Life Conference, Conception to Natural Death – October 24, 2020
The annual Florida Culture of Life Conference, formerly known as the state Respect Life Conference, will be hosted by the Diocese of Palm Beach on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The virtual conference promises to be an informative and uplifting event with speakers on a variety of life topics, including the unborn, theology of the body, …