The Catholic Church is pro-life. This means we believe that each human life has dignity, regardless of immigration status. Human dignity exists because each of us is created in the image and likeness of God. We also affirm that sovereign nations have the right to control and restrict their borders, and law enforcement actions to …
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The statement below from Bishop Parkes is an open letter to the Jewish community. As the leader of the Catholic Church in Tampa Bay, I write to express my solidarity with Jewish individuals and communities around the country and world who have faced acts of violence. Antisemitism is a grave sin against God and humanity …
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Today, I rejoice with all people of goodwill in Florida with the news that Amendment 4 was defeated on Tuesday, November 5th. This deceptive and dangerous amendment would have enshrined unregulated abortion into our state constitution. This is an affront to the right to life upon which our nation was founded. Our nation’s Declaration of …
On October 28, 2024, Bishop Gregory Parkes launched a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg called, “A Call to Conversion.” The following is his letter to the faithful about the plan that will guide our diocese for the next five years. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In my prayer, I contemplate …
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray you and your loved ones are safe. Now that Milton has passed and assessments are coming in from across our diocese, we know that millions experienced long-term power and water outages and the stress of fuel shortages, while hundreds of thousands of families have experienced damage and …
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In light of great loss and a long road for recovery, Bishop Parkes has written a message about how our Diocese was impacted by Hurricane Helene and how we can find hope and provide help in the aftermath. October 2, 2024“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” …
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All five counties in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and our neighboring counties were directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. To begin assisting those most affected, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Bishop Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with $100,000 from the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund. Our Disaster Relief …
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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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 …
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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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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The manner in which George Floyd died is an atrocity to the humanity and dignity that each person has as a child of God. As a Church, we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters who demand justice and respect for black individuals who have suffered the effects of racism for generations. As is stated in …
Screenshot courtesy of In Solidarity. On May 13, 2020, the Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy hosted an ecumenical online forum to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the publication of the papal encyclical, Laudato Si, translated “Praise be to you,” subtitled, “On Care for our Common Home.” The dialogue featured a …
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are living through a difficult time. Many of you have concerns about health, finances, family and even your faith. I know, from the depths of my heart, how difficult it is for you to be separated from the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. That’s …
Normally Full Churches will be Empty as Public Gatherings are Restricted to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Holy Week and Easter celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes can be viewed via Livestream, Sunday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12, 2020. These celebrations will be streamed from the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg …
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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 …
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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(Photo above shows Bishop Gregory Parkes greeting Pope Francis in May of 2014 after the Holy Father’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. Bishop Parkes was in Rome with seminary classmates to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.) During the week of February 9-15, 2020, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2019 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-13. News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials will be posted to www.usccb.org/meetings during the general assembly. Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media …
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Printable PDF version: English | Spanish My dear brothers and sister in the Lord, Lent is a time for us to prepare our minds, hearts, and souls to celebrate the great feast of Easter. We do so through the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Each of these in a particular way help …
After nine months of construction, the expanded Christ the King Catholic Church reopened its doors the weekend of January 19 & 20. The parish of over 3,500 families had been using a parish hall as their place of worship since construction began last spring, the day after Easter. (Photo above courtesy of Christ the King …
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg has become aware that people are impersonating Bishop Parkes on Instagram and asking for money via private and direct messaging features. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using the private message feature of Instagram. Please block and report any suspicious activity to Instagram and do not respond. …
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On Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to one lay member from each of our parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving as an usher at Mass, or helping …
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I am heartbroken and saddened by the horrific shooting that occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Please know that the Catholic community stands in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. An attack on one faith community is an attack on all communities of faith. I pray for the victims of this …
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October 4, 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today, as a result of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, the Florida Attorney General announced an investigation into how the Catholic dioceses of Florida have handled allegations of sexual abuse of minors in the past. I welcome this investigation and want to assure the public that …
More than 100 students and staff of Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa surprised Bishop Gregory Parkes with a strong show of support for the new diocesan vision, Courageously Living Gospel. On September 19, Bishop Parkes arrived at the school to celebrate their 60th anniversary Mass and found them all wearing matching blue t-shirts with a call to …
During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement
I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …
As was announced at parishes on June 17, 2018, the new Mutually Shared Vision for the Diocese of St. Petersburg is Courageously Living the Gospel – an invitation for each of us to be bolder in how we live our faith. Our new Vision defines our sacred purpose (also known as a Mission Statement), three …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes (@BishopParkes) is an active tweeter. He uses Twitter and other social media to post about his daily activities, some of which show a more personal side to the pastor in chief of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Now Bishop Gregory Parkes has something new to tweet about. He recently received the award …
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Shortly after Bishop Gregory Parkes was installed as fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on January 4, 2017, people began to ask about his vision for the Diocese. Bishop Parkes set out to learn from the priests, religious, deacons, employees, and parishioners about their hopes and concerns. Through listening sessions, gatherings and online …