Virtual Conference August 12-15 for Courageously Living the Gospel
July 22, 2021

Participate in a Free Virtual Conference August 12-15 The Diocese of St. Petersburg is blessed to be joining forces with dioceses across the Southeast U.S. for an inspiring four-day virtual event that is absolutely free! Topics are designed to help us learn best practices for evangelization and passing on the faith within our homes, churches, …

Journeying Together Seen as Opportunity to be Heard, Respected by Church
July 22, 2021

By Christina Lee Knauss Catholic News Service Teresa Rojo Tsosie’s Catholic faith is one of the most important parts of her life, but she has often felt that as a Native American Catholic, her voice wasn’t being considered or heard by the church as a whole. Tsosie, who works for St. Jude Catholic Church in …

How to Observe World Day for Grandparents and Elderly
July 15, 2021

A Time for Small Acts of Kindness (CNS) — Try a little tenderness. That’s basically how Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, 73, summarized Pope Francis’ vision for what older people, their grandchildren and friends should do to change the world after the COVID-19 pandemic. The cardinal, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, …

Ribbon-Cutting Celebrates More Access to Healthcare in Southeast Hillsborough
July 1, 2021

For two years, Jose Posada has relied on services provided by Catholic Charities at the La Esperanza Free Medical Clinic in Wimauma. Without this assistance, he would have had to face his medical condition alone and his health would likely have deteriorated. “My medical condition has been very difficult, but I have hope. Catholic Charities …

“A Dwelling Place of Love” – New Affordable Housing Apartments Blessed by Bishop Parkes
May 25, 2021

Mary Perez has faced many challenges in her life. She is a cancer survivor, disabled and requires the assistance of a mobility scooter because she is unable to walk. She has also been homeless. Despite these and other difficulties, she never lost faith in God. “I always trusted in God,” said Perez. Her life changed …

New Affordable Housing Property Under Construction in Tampa
May 6, 2021

One of Several in the Works Related to Courageously Living the Gospel Bishop Gregory Parkes joined Catholic Charities, as well as city and county leaders on April 28th to bless the construction site of the future Mercy Oaks Apartments, an affordable housing initiative of Courageously Living the Gospel. “We believe as a church that this …

Young Adult Becomes Catholic Before Leaving for Military Service
March 22, 2021

In spite of many obstacles caused by COVID-19, there are hundreds of individuals in the Diocese of St Petersburg who have been moved by the Holy Spirit to say “Yes” to becoming Catholic this year.  Everyone has a unique faith story, including Adam Finley. The 21-year-old was baptized, confirmed and received first Holy Communion on …

“I Needed a Savior”
March 18, 2021

Caption: Joshua, 30, signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election on the 1st Sunday of Lent. With him David Devore, RCIA Coordinator, St, Mark the Evangelist Parish. Joshua Jeffries says he remembers the exact moment he encountered Christ on a chapel floor in Kentucky while participating in a program meant to …

Celebrate the Year of the Family
March 18, 2021

Marking the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), Pope Francis has asked the Church to celebrate the family. The “Year of Amoris Laetitia Family” is meant to be an opportunity for reflection on the important role of families, which has been highlighted during the COVID pandemic. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ …

Welcoming You to Mass
March 3, 2021

The Office of Communications has developed an initiative to welcome people back to Mass. Welcoming You invites each person to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. A priority for Courageously Living the Gospel is to welcome and accompany others like Jesus.   As Catholics, we are called to reach out to those not …

Saint Leo University Holds Courageous Conversations on Justice and Redemption
January 20, 2021

Saint Leo University is presenting a free webinar series, “Courageous Conversations,” a six-part series examining social justice issues from different perspectives across multiple disciplines. The public is invited, and it is not necessary to attend all sessions, but everyone is invited to do so. The series is focusing on social justice issues and topics included …

March for Life Goes Virtual
January 20, 2021

Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the first-ever Diocesan Mass for Life with youth from around the Diocese of St. Petersburg on Friday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. January 22nd is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the U.S. Our youth will not …

Healing Ministry Seeks to Meet Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Needs
January 20, 2021

Throughout almost 50 years of nursing, Robyn Kremer had the desire to combine her work with her faith, to care for the body and the soul. Now she can live out this calling at her parish, Blessed Sacrament in Seminole with the launch of a new ministry, Faith Community Nursing. After her retirement two years …

Priests Minister to the Sick During Pandemic and Offer the Healing Love of Christ
October 23, 2020

(Photo above shows Father Mike Smith of Corpus Christi Parish in the protective gear that priests wear when ministering to the ill during COVID-19.) Being admitted to the hospital for an illness, surgery or procedure can be traumatic, especially during a pandemic when loved ones are prevented or restricted from visiting hospitals and recovery centers. …

“God bless Zoom!” Bible Study Participants Continue to Gather in Spite of Pandemic
October 22, 2020

By the time Yvonne Nellum listens to the Gospel during Mass, it’s the third time she has heard it that week. Yvonne first reads the Gospel on Wednesday, then reads and discusses it during Thursday night Bible Study organized by her parish, St. Peter Claver in Tampa. Finally, she hears the Gospel proclaimed by the …

Bishop Parkes Blesses New Pinellas Hope Medical Respite Facility
October 21, 2020

On October 20th, Bishop Gregory Parkes blessed a new medical facility that helps homeless men and women on the road to recovery. The BayCare Medical Respite Program located at Pinellas Hope of Catholic Charities, provides housing, medications and other health care services to support patients in need of medical care. After being discharged from one …

Catholic Charities Receives Grant to Prevent Homelessness in Tampa Bay Region
September 22, 2020

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg recently received a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant of $2 million dollars to increase its rapid rehousing program assistance offered through Pathways, a lifeline for families and individuals who are either recently homeless or on the verge of homelessness. The program is designed to …

A Unique Approach Encourages Missionary Disciples
September 22, 2020

On July 9, after attending Mass faithfully for the past twenty years, Dustin Johnson was received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Trinity.  During this celebration, he gave a profession of faith, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and then received Holy Communion for the first time.  His …

Christ the King Ministry Guides Men to be Leaders for Christ
September 17, 2020

Christ the King Parish in Tampa is leading men “Into the Breach.” That’s the name of a formational program developed by the Knights of Columbus that urges Catholic men to wholeheartedly embrace masculine virtues in a world in crisis. The program is based on an Apostolic Exhortation written by Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix who …

Saint Leo University Partners with Sacred Heart Parish to Make Youth Ministry a Priority
September 16, 2020

Isabella Jacus is entering her senior year at Saint Leo University. In addition to carrying a full course load as a double major in biology and religion, she is also working 12 hours a week as a science tutor and has leadership roles in the Pre-Med Club, the National Leadership Honor Society and the Biology …

A Journey of Courage and Faith: Two-Year Update From Bishop Gregory Parkes
August 26, 2020

Shortly after Bishop Gregory Parkes was installed as the 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 …

Over 1,000 Subscribe to Parish YouTube Channel in Just One Day as “Stream Team” Keeps Community Connected
August 5, 2020

The ability to livestream at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’ Lakes was no small feat. Prior to the shut-down, they didn’t even own the necessary equipment. It was thanks to a team of dedicated parishioners, the “Stream Team,” that in just over two weeks the parish was unveiling their new YouTube …

St. Raphael Parish Welcomes New Catholics into a Loving Community of Faith
August 4, 2020

On Saturday, July 25, Rosie Burton and two other individuals received the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion) at St. Raphael Parish and became Catholic. It was a joyous event, although the celebration looked different than what was expected. Their special day had been postponed from the Easter Vigil due to the …

Catholic Charities Helps Families Financially Impacted by COVID-19
July 1, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Catholic Charities has expanded its ability to help people in need of rent and utility assistance. Approximately 500 more people will be assisted so they can keep on their lights and air conditioning and stay in their homes. “Our Pathways Program provides rent and utilities assistance. We have various funding sources that …

Homeless Find Housing Thanks to Hillsborough Hope
July 1, 2020

Faced with homelessness after a house fire, Catholic Charities’ homeless shelter in Tampa became a saving grace for Kishada. After living in her car for months, Kishada came to the shelter feeling anxious, but her experience there led her down a positive and restorative path. The 60-day emergency shelter dubbed “Hillsborough Hope” provided housing to …

Family Ministry Grows at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish – Even in the Midst of a Pandemic
June 16, 2020

In the past year, the Sunday Faith Formation program at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish was adding one to two new families each week and nearly 100 women signed up for the Walking with Purpose Bible Study – more than three times the attendance of previous years. There is a growing number of men joining …

Catholic Charities Providing Hope for the Homeless
April 23, 2020

For Joshua, who is unemployed and homeless, Catholic Charities represents the difference between hope and despair. “I feel safe here,” says Joshua, 23, who is a resident of the newly established Catholic Charities Hillsborough Hope homeless shelter, located in Tampa. Before arriving at the shelter, that some call a tent city, Joshua had been living …

In the Midst of a Pandemic, Local Churches Learn to Livestream
April 23, 2020

When asked if she had ever livestreamed before, Mary Chapman, Director of Faith Formation at St. Theresa in Spring Hill, answered with a humble and direct “no.” In recent weeks, churches everywhere have had to learn how to livestream Masses, prayers, and other events. Although she had no previous experience, Mary and her colleague, Bruce …

Locals Make the “Courageous Decision” to Become Catholic
March 5, 2020

More than 1,000 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on March 1 to support friends, family and loved ones who have made the life-changing decision to become Catholic during a 90-minute prayer service known as the Rite of Election. The Church formally recognizes individuals who have been preparing for the Sacraments …

Nourished by the Eucharist, Young Adults Thrive in Faith
March 5, 2020

Every Friday, young adults from around Tampa Bay gather for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to spend time with the Lord. These faith-filled Catholics are members of Apostles of the Eucharist, a ministry based out of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa. They also gather weekly for snacks, faith sharing, fellowship and formation. Most of …