On July 28, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf issued a memorandum adding limitations to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The memorandum was issued in response to the recent 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down the Trump Administration’s September 2017 attempt to end the DACA program. The …
The United Nations designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in 2013 to raise awareness of the devastating impact human trafficking has on women, men, and children and to promote survivors’ rights and human dignity. The international day is observed annually in the United States and throughout the world. There are nearly 25 …
Continue reading “Migration Chairman Calls for Prayers for Trafficking Survivors”
On July 27, 2020, an online discussion took place called: Why Do They March? Answering the Questions that Divide Us so that Understanding and Love Can Unite Us. A panel of five Tampa Bay area Catholics responded to some challenging questions regarding racism. This was the first in a series of online discussions aimed at promoting greater …
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The mission of the Catholic Church is very different from the mission of political parties. The Church guards the deposit of faith and makes the truth of the Gospel shine forth to lead all people to seek and receive Christ’s love. There is no political party that is aligned to this mission and as a …
The Josephites look with horror and disbelief at the killing once more of a black man by the police in Minneapolis this week. This is but another tragic and sad reminder of the legacy of America’s original sin of slavery and its aftermath, the continued violence against people of color. The words of the Lord …
Continue reading “Statement of the Josephite Society on the Killing of George Floyd”
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB. Archbishop Gomez’s full …
Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc …
Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park is taking to heart the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si – the courageous call to be good stewards of the earth. Father Kevin Yarnell, pastor, shares that “We want to be good stewards in every area of the parish, including our land. Our biggest success to date …
Continue reading “Living out the call of Laudato Si through their parish garden”
Pope Francis’ Vision: Brothers and Sisters All What does Fratelli Tutti, the Encyclical of Pope Francis on fraternity and social friendship, have to say that is relevant for believers today? Our three-part series explored the major themes of the document and gave participants a chance to embrace Pope Francis’ vision for a new and better …
All are invited to attend Rediscovering Fortitude: Courage for Uncertain Times, a Ministry of Mercy online retreat on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. The retreat will be led by Dr. Mary Carter, a pastoral theologian and dedicated teacher. Registration is free and a secure Zoom link will be sent to …
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Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins arts contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “More Than a Roof,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to the …
The bishops of Florida commend our state legislature for passing, with bipartisan support, legislation that ensures a parent provides consent before a minor can terminate her pregnancy. Parental consent is required prior to a minor’s medical treatment in most every instance, this includes simple medical interventions such as taking an aspirin or getting one’s ears …
The local interfaith community, with a shared belief in the dignity of all human life, is asking Governor DeSantis to grant James Dailey clemency, and commute his sentence to life in prison with this letter. We understand that the Clemency Commission under Governor Scott declined to recommend Mr. Dailey’s case for a hearing on clemency …
Continue reading “Florida Faith Leaders Call for Clemency for James Dailey”
9 Days for Life is a multi-faceted novena for the respect and protection of human life. Each day, a different intention is accompanied by a short reflection, suggested actions, and related information. Sign up to receive the novena by email, text message, or an app at www.9daysforlife.com. Additional resources to observe the Day of Prayer for …
Continue reading “9 Days for Life Novena – January 21 – January 29, 2020”
Reproductive Grief Care Training for Clergy and Pregnancy Center Staff/Volunteers: Two separate trainings will be offered on Tuesday February 18 2020. All clergy and pregnancy center staff/volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are invited to a Reproductive Grief Care Training from 9 am until noon at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. Learn how …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, in collaboration with the seven other bishops in Florida, has written the following statement: “January 22, 2020 marks a sad anniversary: the U.S. Supreme Court’s tragic decision legalizing the deliberate taking of unborn human life through elective abortion. Judicial sanction of the termination of life in …
Human trafficking is modern day slavery and it is happening in Pasco County. Engage with local experts from anti-trafficking organizations, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the New Port Richey Police Department to learn how human trafficking is being combatted in Pasco County. All are invited to attend this FREE seminar and learn more about how …
Continue reading “Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar – February 6, 2020”
All are invited to attend a workshop to learn about Restorative Justice on February 8, 2020, at St. Jerome Catholic Church (10895 Hamlin Blvd. Largo, FL 33774). Catholic social teaching leads us to encourage models of restorative justice that seek to address crime in terms of the harm done to victims and communities, not simply …
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For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2020, “Promoting a Church and a World …
Continue reading “National Migration Week: January 5 through January 11, 2020”
This backgrounder from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Migration and Refugee Services provides suggested actions that you can take to support undocumented migrants, in lieu of hosting or providing physical shelter. Included are links to further information, which will assist your effort to launch some of the suggested initiatives. For assistance with any …
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Sponsored byDiocese of St. Petersburg and Diocese of Orlando Courage/EnCourageDay of Recollection in Tampa Bay Area February 15, 2020 A day of spiritual renewal for those who experience same-sex attraction; parents and family members are welcome to attend. Take some time for yourself to deepen your relationship with Christ through prayer, fellowship and formation. For …
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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas, and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the body of bishops at the annual November plenary meeting of bishops about the need for improved pastoral responses to women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies. “The challenges can …
March for Life Saint Augustine is for anyone who is pro-life and believes in the sanctity of all human life. Our event is a chance to be a presence for those who cannot speak for themselves, no matter what your religious affiliation. If you are coming with a group, feel free to bring a banner …
Continue reading “March for Life St. Augustine – January 18, 2020”
Catholic Days at the Capitol January 28-29, 2020 On January 28 and 29, 2020, Catholics from across the seven dioceses in Florida gathered with their bishops in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. Over the two days, participants attended a legislative briefing, met with elected officials and/or their staff, observed lawmaking in …
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One year ahead of the 2020 national elections, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is launching a year-long initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor, and respectful dialogue. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on …
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Legislation calls for dignified treatment of human remains On October 31, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities sent a letter to Members of Congress supporting S. 2590 and HR 4934, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act. In the letter, Archbishop Naumann cited the recent discovery …
Update as of 10/24/19: James Dailey granted stay of execution until Dec. 30 The eight Catholic bishops of Florida have written to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of James Dailey. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence. “While …
All are invited to attend October 5, 2019 9:30 am to 2:00 pm St. Patrick Parish 4518 S. Manhattan Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 How to Talks to Kids about Things No One Wants to Talk About– Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will speak on subjects such as abortion, the dealth penalty, human trafficking, illness, and end of …
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The Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy is pleased to announce the beginning of our annual grant process for funding hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in the Diocese. Ministries from parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities can apply for up to $1,000.00 to assist with programming and advocacy efforts to eradicate hunger. Twenty-five percent of …
Continue reading “Apply Now for 2020 CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grants”
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development has issued a statement on the federal government’s decision to resume the use of the death penalty. The full statement follows: “In his address to Congress during his 2015 Apostolic visit to the …
Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and pro-life supporters from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the Foundations of Life Gala & Silent Auction on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful Higgins Hall (5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa). This extraordinary evening of hope will feature guest speaker Melissa Ohden, an abortion survivor …
Floridians Pray for an End to the Use of the Death Penalty Robert Joseph “Bobby Joe” Long is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. for the 1984 murder of Michelle Sims. Long additionally pled guilty to, and received life sentences for, seven other murders. In a May 20 letter to …
Continue reading “Catholic Bishops Urge Governor DeSantis to Spare the Life of Death Row Inmate”
Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …
Continue reading “Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions”
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration endorsed the “Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act of 2019, S. 874 and the “Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression & Emergency” (SECURE) Act of 2019, S. 879. The DREAM Act of 2019 would provide permanent legal protection and a pathway …
As Christians, we are called to be persons of hope. But how do we do this amid the gloom and doom that sometimes pervades the daily news-and our personal lives? Join us for a spring retreat to explore the nature of hope and its relation to faith and love. Saturday, April 21, 2019 (deadline to …
On April 2, U.S. Representative Steve Scalise filed a discharge petition to force a vote on Representative Ann Wagner’s bill, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. If the petition receives 218 signatures, House members will vote on legislation ensuring that any child born alive following an abortion attempt receives the same degree of care as …
The pro-life movie Unplanned is now out in movie theaters! The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. View the trailer below and learn more about the movie …
Continue reading “Pro-life Movie UNPLANNED in Movie Theaters Now”
After historic devastation and loss of life brought on by Cyclone Idai to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on …
Special screenings for the soon-to-be release movie UNPLANNED are coming to our area. The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. NOTE: Content of this movie is …
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The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an attempted abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her or his life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same …
Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …
Continue reading “Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions”
All are invited to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 26-27, 2019. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of our Catholic values in the public square. The group will be joined by Bishop …
Continue reading “Make the Trip to the Capitol and Make a Difference”
WASHINGTON–Monday night, the Senate failed to advance the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. The …
Following the lead of Pope Francis, Catholic Relief Services invites Catholics across the country to take part in the second year of Share the Journey, a global campaign launched by the pope to raise awareness and inspire action on behalf of migrants and refugees worldwide. This Lent, the Operation Rice Bowl Program has been formatted to …
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The bishops of Florida join with Catholics and others of goodwill in reacting in horror and disgust to the recently passed law in New York State that legalizes abortion essentially for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy?and removes any protection for children born alive after abortion.?Sadly, similar bills were proposed in Virginia and …
Continue reading “Florida Bishops Unite to Rally Pro-Life Floridians”
Click here to view the English PDF. Spanish PDF Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Like many of you, I have been sickened at the legislation that was recently passed in New York, and proposed legislation debated in Virginia. In New York State, The Reproductive Health Act, as it is called, makes it legal …
Sabrina Burton Schultz, Catholic Relief Services’ Diocesan Director for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida is the recipient of the 2019 CRS Rice Bowl award. Schultz is being recognized for her efforts to increase local involvement and generate new funds through CRS Rice Bowl. “This award is actually for the Diocesan Office of Life, …
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The Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) was established on February 1, 1969, as an agency of the Catholic bishops of Florida. The five founding bishops served the four dioceses comprising the Province of Miami at the time: Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll of Miami; Bishop Paul F. Tanner of St. Augustine; Bishop William D. Borders of Orlando; …
March 26-27, 2019 Make the Trip to the Capitol and Make a Difference. I hope that you will consider joining us in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of …
Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …
February 27, 2019 WASHINGTON–Monday night, the Senate failed to advance the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same …
BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved a pastoral letter against racism Nov. 14 during their fall general meeting at Baltimore.The document, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love — A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” passed 241-3 with one abstention. It required a two-thirds vote by all bishops, or 183 votes, for passage. …
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Established 75 years ago as a result of the refugee crisis that unfolded during WWII, Catholic Relief Services, the international relief and development agency of the United States Catholic Church, has since grown into one of the largest humanitarian aid agencies in the world while responding to some of the most devastating modern crises of …
Continue reading “Catholic Aid Agency Looks Back on 75 Years of Service”
Sabrina Burton Schultz, director of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry, has been selected by Catholic Relief Services as the recipient of the 2019 National CRS Diocesan Director Award for CRS Rice Bowl! The award is given to a well deserving and hardworking leader who exemplifies the work of solidarity by promoting …
BALTIMORE, MD, September 30, 2018 — A Catholic Relief Services (CRS) emergency response team is en-route to Palu, the city most affected by the tsunami that struck Indonesia on Friday, following a 7.5 earthquake, and has killed at least 800 people and toppled buildings, shopping malls and mosques. Infrastructure has also been badly damaged, and …
