Proclamation Coincides with Historic Event at Benchmark International Arena In an effort to honor the past and to celebrate the Catholic roots of this area that date back nearly 500 years, the City of Tampa has agreed to make September 20, 2025, Bay of the Holy Spirit Day. That is also the day that 12,000 …
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Three Months Ahead of Deadline The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg has met and exceeded its ambitious goal of completing 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy (kindness) in 2025. Remarkably, this is three months early since the deadline to complete the 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge is December 15th. Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that the goal had …
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Event in Tampa will bring together 12,000 Catholics. What: Eucharistic Encounter, the Largest Gathering of Catholics in the History of the Tampa Bay area When: Saturday, September 20, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 12 noon) Where: Benchmark International Arena (formerly known as Amalie Arena), 401 Channelside, Dr. Tampa Photo Caption: Michael and Marissa Guarino met …
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WHEN: Friday, September 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon WHERE: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 600 58th Street North, St. Petersburg WHAT: Mass for the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, a holy day in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg that commemorates the anniversary of the dedication …
Bishop Gregory Parkes issued this statement on August 27, 2025, in response to the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we are confronted with a heartbreaking act of evil and violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact …
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The collection will help Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas. Bishop Gregory Parkes is asking all 74 parishes, five missions, and one shrine in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg to hold a special collection before September 30th for vital humanitarian relief for the sick, malnourished, and wounded in Gaza …
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Creating Toiletry Bags for the Homeless As part of the Cathedral’s commitment to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” the parish community is participating in extra acts of kindness and mercy this year. The church is collecting donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, and other items for people in need. …
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To help individuals affected by abuse find strength, support, and healing, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is holding their fifth annual Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. All are welcome, including people of …
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Today, over 13,000 students are enrolled in 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. These schools, located in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, will welcome back students on August 11th. The Diocese of Saint Petersburg ranks as the 39th largest diocese (out of 196) for Catholic school …
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Creating Floral Bouquets for the Infirmed As part of Christ the King’s commitment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” the Tampa parish is participating in extra acts of kindness and mercy this year. The Media are invited to cover this event that will provide great visuals of individuals creating floral …
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Families of all ages and stages are invited to participate in a special event where they can create cards of kindness and compassion. As part of Sacred Heart’s commitment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” the downtown parish is excited to share messages of mercy and hope that honor military …
What: Official groundbreaking for a new Catholic school. The event includes prayers for the protection of construction workers and the successful completion of the project, as well as a blessing of the grounds with holy water. When: Friday, June 13, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. Where: Property is on the campus of …
Who: Bishop Gregory Parkes, local clergy, and hundreds of worshipers What: Outdoor Mass in observance of Memorial Day Where: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater When: Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. More than 500 people are expected at this annual Memorial Day tradition led by Bishop Gregory Parkes and priests of the Diocese …
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg has launched a new type of outreach program known as “Street Ministry” that brings love and friendship into the lives of people on the streets in an effort to transform lives. Who: Young adults from around the country are here to lead this initiative and volunteers from our area will …
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As the academic year draws to a close, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is proud to announce the commencement of the 2025 high school graduation season. This year’s ceremonies will honor the remarkable achievements and resilience of students, who have navigated a year filled with many challenges, including the hurricane season of 2024 that impacted …
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Who: Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Clergy, Religious, Catholics from across the area What: Mass of Thanksgiving for the Election of Pope Leo XIV When: Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg The public is invited to …
Preparing for a New Pope As the College of Cardinals prepares for the Papal Conclave that will begin on May 7th, Bishop Gregory Parkes is inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to pray that God may guide the cardinals in choosing a holy pope who will lead the Church with wisdom and grace while …
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During an Eagle Court of Honor in Tampa on April 30th, five young men received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Award. The five award recipients are all part of Troop #329 based at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa. Four of the Eagle Award recipients are seniors at Jesuit High School. Having five Scouts from the …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26th where he will join the global community in praying for Pope Francis and paying his respects to the leader of the universal Catholic Church. Bishop Parkes studied in Rome from 1996 to 2000. He studied at the Pontifical North American College (a …
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With profound sorrow, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Catholic community is united in grief and gratitude as we remember the life and legacy of a beloved spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. In honor of Pope Francis, …
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In honor of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, local Catholics, especially fellow millennials, are preparing to celebrate a historic saint in the Catholic Church. Teens, young adults, and families will gather for a local celebration on April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., at St. Timothy Catholic Church, in Lutz. This event will …
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A grassroots effort to renew the Catholic church is gaining momentum. In less than one month since registration opened, more than 9,000 seats for the Eucharistic Encounter event on September 20, 2025, at the Amalie Arena have been reserved. The dash for tickets shows the hunger people have to discover more about the Catholic faith …
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Over 100,000 Acts of Mercy Have Been Recorded to Date The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is excited to announce a new initiative challenging the Catholic community and others to collectively complete 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy, in 2025. This ambitious goal is in response to the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. In his document …
Holy Week is a Time of Transformation Who: Approximately 500,000 Catholics in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida What: Holy Week and Easter Celebrations When: April 13-20 Where: This year, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is making it easier for families to find a Church to celebrate Easter by pointing them to a helpful …
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A Special Event in St. Petersburg on March 28th with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Pope’s Representative to the U.S. The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is hosting “Encounter Tampa Bay: Hope in the Midst of Suffering,” with Cardinal Christophe Pierre. (Click to view promotional flyer and promotional graphic.) Who: Cardinal Christophe Pierre, U.S. Ambassador to the VaticanBishop …
Over Two Million Meals Distributed in One YearHopes to Expand to Meet the Rising Demand Nativity Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in our community, is proud to announce a significant milestone in providing food to those in need: the distribution of 2 million meals in 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a nearly …
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The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is excited to announce Fish Fry events are back in the Tampa Bay area. This beloved community tradition, held every Friday during Lent (March 7-April 11), offers a delicious way for residents to observe the season while enjoying great food and fellowship. Additional Information: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days …
March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, a six-week period of penance and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. Bishop Gregory Parkes shares a Lenten message and invitation to all Catholics. The bishop’s message can be shared as a video or text via the links below: …
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Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Dade City to Lead Prayer Service for Pope Francis What: In solidarity with people around the world, Sacred Heart Catholic Church will hold a prayer service today for Pope Francis as he continues to be hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia. When: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: …
Who: Parishes and Schools of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and other Christian communities What: Observance of Ash Wednesday, the first day of LentWhen: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Noteworthy: In 2025, Bishop Gregory Parkes is challenging Catholics to complete 1,000,000 Acts of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of …
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What: Soaring Eagle Award DinnerWhen: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 5 p.m.Where: College of Central Florida, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto BACKGROUND The Withlacoochee District of Scouting America presents the annual Soaring Eagle Award to local leaders for their unwavering support of the community, especially youth. In addition to Bishop Gregory Parkes, Justice John Couriel of Florida’s …
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Teresa Peterson, Director of Diocesan Information and Communications, recently participated in a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year. She reflects on this experience below. My pilgrimage led me to places of incredible beauty that are sacred and significant I participated in the opening Mass of the Jubilee for Communicators at the Basilica of St. …
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Media Alert: Contact: Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org, 727-374-0217 Who: The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is hosting its first-ever Tampa March for Life with young people leading the way. More than 600 people are expected, including people of various cultural and faith backgrounds. What: Half-Mile March for Life and Rally for Life When: Saturday, February 1st …
Approximately five hundred stuffed animals will be collected for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to provide comfort to children who are present when law enforcement responds to a crisis. These stuffed animals will bring joy and a welcome distraction to children who are experiencing trauma. Video/Photo Opportunities Sunday, January 26, 2025, 11:30 a.m.Blessed Sacrament Catholic …
Special Event on Saturday, January 25th Represents the Local Opening of Jubilee Year All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the local opening of the Jubilee Year called for by Pope Francis with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” A Jubilee Year is held every 25 years in the Catholic Church to promote reconciliation …
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Students will Visit 19 Locations to Help Out Local Charities The media are invited to preview and cover this event. St. Petersburg Catholic High School is pleased to announce its third annual Day of Service on Friday, January 31, 2025, in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Day of Service involves over 450 students in grades …
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Christmas is one of the holiest days of the Church year because it is the day that Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people who have been away from Church participate in the celebration of Mass at Christmas and parishes welcome them, preparing for their arrival with additional Mass times. Mass, the …
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Churches across the Tampa Bay area invite the public to join in vibrant and joyful events surrounding the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe observed each year on December 12th. This year’s celebrations will be held locally on Wednesday, December 11th, and Thursday, December 12th. Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the titles …
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Churches across the United States will ring their bells in honor of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Churches have been invited to ring or peal the bells in unison this Saturday, December 7th at 2 p.m., Eastern Time. This will coincide with the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, …
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund will provide a generous donation to help local residents struggling to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A check for $300,000 will be presented to Catholic Charities to provide aid to those who have been impacted by the two hurricanes that hit our area just a few …
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At a meeting with impacted parents on November 13, 2024, it was announced that St. John Vianney Catholic School in St. Pete Beach will permanently close at the end of this school year due to extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The school building has been closed to students since Hurricane Helene brought …
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Help is on the Way for Homeowners Father Carlos Rojas, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church, has already spent several days going door-to-door with a team of volunteers trimming fallen trees and removing debris. Now he is organizing an event to bring even more relief to people in need in Pasco County. Just in time …
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As We Approach Thanksgiving There is Much to Be Grateful For What: 100th Anniversary of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, in ClearwaterWhen: Several Celebrations Planned in NovemberWhere: St. Cecelia Parish, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater One hundred years since its founding, the community of St. Cecelia Parish is giving thanks for the faith and the perseverance that …
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The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of Saint Petersburg the weekend of Dec. 7-8. In 2023, parishioners contributed $203,675.16 to the collection. From this collection, the Sisters of St. Clare received a total of $31,875.03 in financial support made possible …
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News Release All are welcome at this Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater. Catholics around the world take part in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 2nd. This is a time for the faithful …
A Tent is their Worship Space after Church Building was Severely Damaged Hurricane Helene brought record amounts of storm surge to so many communities around Tampa Bay. St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School in St. Pete Beach were among the hardest hit, with widespread water intrusion and devastation of buildings. Many members of the …
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Honorees Include Retired Assistant Principal, Mrs. Virginia Blenke (Photo caption: Mrs. Virginia Blenke is pictured with Principal, Robert Hernandez and Pastor, Fr. Victor Amorose at St. John Vianney Catholic School.) The St. John Vianney Catholic School community will have something to celebrate this Sunday, as one of their own is presented with the prestigious St. …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that the Andrew P. Caneza Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund to assist in post-hurricane recovery efforts. Andrew Caneza was a man of faith and family. He and his wife Ann belonged to Annunciation Parish, in the Diocese of Orlando, for 40 years. They …
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Students, faculty and families of St. Anthony Catholic School, in Lakeland are donating items to Tampa Hope to benefit people in our community who have suffered losses during Hurricane Helene and Milton. *News Release* When: Friday, October 18, 2024Time: 9:30 a.m.Location: Tampa Hope 3704 E. 3rd Avenue, TampaContact: Lou Ricardo, lricardo@ccdosp.org | (727) 270- 0318 Visuals/Elements:Teacher …
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According to Catholic teaching, a new altar is not to be used until it has been consecrated by a bishop. Location:Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly HillsDate: Sunday, October 20, 2024Time: 10:30 a.m. Bishop Gregory Parkes will dedicate and bless a newly constructed altar at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. To …
Conference Room to Become a Classroom for Hurricane Impacted Students in St. Petersburg The effort to relocate hundreds of students in only one week since the storm has been an amazing demonstration of collaboration, compassion, and faith! What: A large conference room at the offices of Bishop Gregory Parkes and the Diocese of Saint Petersburg …
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