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 …
Continue reading “USCCB Launches National Civility Effort through 2020 Election”
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 …
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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 …
Bishop Parkes, per the recommendation of the Seminarian Admission Board, has accepted four new seminarians who will begin their seminary studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in August. The new seminarians are as follows: Paul Ciulei – home parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin Phillip Dvorak – home parish: St. John Vianney, St. …
Congratulations to our newly ordained priests! Fr. Kyle Bell will begin his first priestly assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs. Fr. Lou Turcotte will begin his first priestly assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. Fr. Tim Williford will begin his first priestly assignment as …
On Saturday, April 14, 2018 our seminarians Anthony Astrab and Joshua Hare were ordained transitional deacons for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Congratulations Deacon Anthony and Deacon Joshua!
The April 2018 edition of the Cast Your Nets newsletter is now available by clicking here
Since 2014 National Catholic Sisters Week has been celebrated from March 8-14. NCSW is a dedicated celebration of Catholic Sisters intended to raise awareness of their vital contributions, both past and present. National Catholic Sisters Week is intended to broaden awareness of Catholic sisters, whose lives and ministries often remain behind the scenes. The hope …
Are you (or someone you know) seeking a life of Prayer & Community? Maybe it’s a call from God. The Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL offer a TIME FOR SEEKERS –single, Catholic, women in good health, ages of 20 – 50 something, considering a call to religious life. This Time …
Come and See Weekends are held at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami twice a year. These weekends serve to provide opportunities for male high school juniors and older to get a first-hand experience of seminary life and the opportunity to interact with other young men who are discerning a vocation. Our next Come …
The January 2018 edition of the Cast Your Nets Newsletter is available by clicking here
Please join us on Saturday, February 3, 2018 for the Annual Vocation Promotion and Awareness Workshop at the Bethany Center in Lutz. The day will begin with mass at 9:00 am in the St. James Chapel, followed by check-in. The day will conclude at 2:00 pm. Our theme this year is “Celebrating 50 Years of Vocations”. …
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The next meeting of the John 21 Discernment group is Saturday, January 13, 2018 beginning with mass at 8:30 am. This group meets at St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa (5225 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614). John 21 is a discernment group for young men who are reflecting on God’s call in their lives and are considering …
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Our next Holy Hour for Vocations will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Fr. Carl Melchior will preside at this Holy Hour. The February Holy Hour is on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Thank you to the Serra Club for continuing to host our monthly Holy Hours for Vocations. …
The November edition of the Cast Your Nets newsletter is now available here If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, please contact Heidi Varley at hlv@dosp.org to be added to the distribution list.
John 21 is a discernment group for young men who are reflecting on God’s call in their lives and are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life. Just as the disciples gained clarity of their call while eating breakfast with the Lord, so too will we. The group is open to anyone high school …
The 2017 Seminarian Vocation Poster has been distributed to all parishes and schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Each school received 10 posters and each parish received 5 posters. The poster is double sided with English on one side and Spanish on the other. Vocation Poster 2017 If you need more posters, or did not …
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National Vocation Awareness Week is November 5-11, 2017. The theme for this year is Building a Vocation Culture in Today’s Church. Here are some resources for parishes to use, more are available online (see link below). Bulletin Blurbs Prayers of the Faithful Homily Notes There are resources available online through Vianney Vocations. Click here for resources. Catechetical …
During the annual seminarian convocation, new pictures were taken of all our seminarians, as well as a group photograph. We have printed pictures available for you to order for your parish. Or, if you prefer, pictures can be sent to you electronically. There is no cost to you for the printed pictures. To order printed …
INVITE for WOMEN 50 SOMETHING Tucked away in the lovely rolling hills of St. Leo, Florida, you will find the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. We are consecrated religious women and are hosting a very special event for Women 50 Something. Please see flyer attached here If you are free to consider a religious vocation, be …
Congratulations to Reverend Elixavier “Xavy” Castro who was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gregory Parks on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Fr. Castro will begin his first priestly assignment for the Diocese of St. Petersburg as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, Florida. Please continue to keep Fr. Xavy …
This year we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 7, 2017. The theme for this year is Led by the Spirit for Mission. The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his …
On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 am Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain Elixavier “Xavy” Castro to the Priesthood. The ordination will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg) and is open to the public. Following the ordination there will be a reception in the Parish …
Congratulations to our seminarians, Lou Turcotte, Tim Williford and Kyle Bell, who were ordained transitional deacons on April 1, 2017 by Bishop Parkes. God willing, these three men will be ordained priests for the diocese on May 19, 2018 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.
Held at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami twice a year, these weekends serve to provide opportunities for male high school juniors and older to get a first-hand experience of seminary life and the opportunity to interact with other young men who are discerning a vocation. The Diocese will provide transportation and there is …
Continue reading “Come and See Weekend at St. John Vianney College Seminary”
Our annual Focus 11 Vocations Rally for 6th graders will be on February 15-16, 2017 at St. Lawrence Parish, Higgins Hall. Focus 11 is open to all 6th graders in the diocese whether you attend a Catholic School, public school or are homeschooled. Forms are available for an excused absence if your child wants to …
Information for our annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass will be going out later this month to all Pastors and Altar Server Directors. The mass will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 3:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. A light reception will follow in the Parish Center. All are invited to …
