September 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement today applauding initial steps taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to terminate a Food and Drug Administration contract to purchase aborted baby parts …
The annual Respect Life Program is a year-round, nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life. Although sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Respect Life Program is essentially comprised of the efforts of leaders throughout the Church like you—parish priests, staff, …
September 19, 2018 WASHINGTON–The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us …
September 19, 2018 WASHINGTON–The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry for the first time ever. The conference is organized by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and is held every two years to form, inspire and strengthen youth ministers and all who seek to accompany young people as they encounter …
In his letter to the People of God regarding sexual abuse and ecclesial coverup of abuse, Pope Francis stated, “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes’ Statement on Diocesan Wide Prayer and Reparation”
In his letter to the People of God regarding sexual abuse and ecclesial coverup of abuse, Pope Francis stated, “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes’ Statement on Diocesan Wide Prayer and Reparation”
September 13, 2018 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop William E. Lori as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He will remain Archbishop of Baltimore. The Holy Father has additionally instructed Archbishop Lori to …
September 13, 2018 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop William E. Lori as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He will remain Archbishop of Baltimore. The Holy Father has additionally instructed Archbishop Lori to …
September 3, 2018 WASHINGTON—In his 2018 Labor Day statement, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, calls for all persons to work together for just wages, which are necessary for families to flourish. A just wage is one that “not only provides for …
Continue reading “Labor Day Statement Calls for Just Wages for a Flourishing Society”
August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …
Following the tragic and horrific events of Charlottesville, Virginia one year ago, the Bishops of the United States formed a committee to focus on addressing the sin of racism and the urgent need to come together as a society to find solutions. A new diocesan Racial Justice Committee will address the issue of racism through …
Continue reading “Upcoming Opportunities to Discuss Racial Division”
August 23, 2018 WASHINGTON—To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first and only World Youth Day (WYD) in the United States (in Denver, Colorado, in August 1993), the official World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon will make a five-city tour across the United States in August 2018. From August 19 to 27, the WYD …
Continue reading “World Youth Day Cross Now on Historic Tour of U.S.”
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. …
Continue reading “Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People of God”
August 16, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a …
August 14, 2018 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is hosting a series of meetings this week responding to the broader issue of safe environments within the Church. An update will be offered upon their conclusion. In response to today’s Pennsylvania grand jury report, Cardinal DiNardo …
2018 Candidate Questionnaire Project: What’s a Catholic voter to do? Catholic faithful are urged to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest. To help parishioners become informed on where candidates stand on key issues, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has polled those running for U.S. Congress and the …
Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez’ death sentence to a life …
Continue reading “Catholic bishops urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Jose Antonio Jimenez”
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement noting the steps the U.S. Bishops Conference will take in addressing the failures of the Church in protecting the people of God. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The accusations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick …
Seeking to abolish the death penalty around the world because it is an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Pope Francis has revised the catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267. An article in L’Osservatore Romano (a Vatican newspaper) states that: “With the new formulation of n. 2267 of the Catechism, therefore, the …
Continue reading “Pope Francis Updates Catechism Teaching on the Death Penalty”
A group will gather to pray for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to give thanks that a stay of execution has been granted for Jose Antonio Jimenez. All members of the community are also invited to join in prayer. When: Tuesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Where: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, …
Continue reading “Prayer Vigil for an End to the Death Penalty will be held on August 14”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting an all-star lineup for the Family Faith Fest, a free music and faith festival event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park and ALL are invited. Appearing on stage will be faith-filled musical artists: Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. …
Continue reading “Faith Filled Artists to Perform at Unprecedented Free Event: “Family Faith Fest””
Pope Francis has ratified the members elected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to represent the United States at the upcoming XV Ordinary General Assembly: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. The Synod will take place October 3-28. The delegates are: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, President of the United …
The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities is initiating a Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life. This nine-week effort will include prayer and fasting for the intention that a change in the membership of the Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and …
Continue reading “Novena for Protection of Human Life Begins on August 3”
Sean Callahan, presidente y CEO de Catholic Relief Services (CRS), escribió lo siguiente como respuesta a la separación de las familias que ha estado ocurriendo en el borde de Estados Unidos y México. Adjunto hay maneras de ayudar a resolver la problemática de dicha separación. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who …
Continue reading “Reflexión del Presidente de Catholic Relief Services sobre la crisis en el borde…”
Sean Callahan, the President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), wrote the following in response to the family separation happening at the US/Mexico border. Included in his reflection are ways that you can help. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who explained the suffering she and her sons faced as they …
Continue reading “President of Catholic Relief Services Responds to the Border Crisis”
Six Florida bishops and the papal nuncio (the pope’s ambassador to the U.S.) gathered with clergy, religious and nearly one thousand faith-filled Catholics for a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 16, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in honor of the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden jubilee. “Today is a day of …
During his general address on Sunday, June 10, 2018, Pope Francis prayed for the Korean people. The Holy Father also prayed that the upcoming summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea “may contribute to the development of a positive path to assure a future of peace on the Korean peninsula and …
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced Religious Freedom Week 2018 will take place from June 22 to 29. The theme of the week is: “Serving Others in God’s Love.” The Week begins with the Feast of Sts. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, and ends with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, …
Continue reading “Religious Freedom Week to be Held June 22 – 29”
50 Years of Caring for the Community On June 17, 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment. Bishop Gregory Parkes has chosen the theme of “Gratitude, Joy and Hope” for the Diocese’s golden jubilee. He is asking all Catholics to remember the past with gratitude, celebrate the present …
Continue reading “Diocese Documents 50 Year Impact on the Community”
Three men. Three different paths. A Seminole, a Gator and a Bull all received the same call to serve God and his people as priests. On May 19, Bishop Gregory Parkes ordained the three to the priesthood before nearly 1,000 people at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. (Link to the video here.) The …
“Pope Francis-A Man of His Word” will open in theatres nationwide on May 18, 2018. This film is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. Pope Francis made himself available for hours of interviews and taping. The result is a personal and intimate visit with the …
Richard Peete had a family and a successful, middle-class life and he dreamed of a bright future. But things changed drastically in 1998 when his 28-year-old wife and four-year-old child died in a car accident. While still suffering from that trauma and pain, he lost his job because of the recession and housing market collapse. …
Continue reading “Stories of Hope Shared at Breakfast of Mercy with Catholic Charities”
PASTORAL BULLETIN — VOL. 33: NO. 14 ~ April 9, 2018 Announcements for Parish Bulletins DIOCESAN OFFICES ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain Deacons Kyle Bell, Louis Turcotte and Timothy Williford to the priesthood on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. …
New document from Pope Francis! Read the full text of our Holy Father’s new apostolic exhortation, “Guadete Et Exsultate”, which means “Rejoice and Be Glad” in Latin, here. This document is about holiness in everyday life. Check out top five take aways from the new document as presented by Father James Martin, SJ and America The Jesuit Review …
Continue reading “Pope Francis Releases New Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete Et Exsultate””
Hundreds of men, women and children will join the Walk for Life 2018 – On the Bay, along the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail at Ben T. Davis Beach along 1-mile, 2-mile, or 5K courses, on Saturday, April 14. The event creates awareness and helps raise funds for four Foundations of Life Pregnancy Centers (Tampa, St. …
Continue reading “Hundreds to Walk for Life on the Causeway on April 14”
PASTORAL BULLETIN — VOL. 33: NO. 13 ~ April 2, 2018 Announcements for Parish Bulletins DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocations Office ALTAR SERVER APPRECIATION MASS On Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. the Office of Vocations will host the annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 Fifth Ave. N., …
For many years, the USCCB has supported a federal ban on assault weapons, limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines, further criminalizing gun trafficking, certain limitations on the purchase of handguns, and safety measures such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using guns without permission. In the aftermath …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops Urge National Leaders to Address Scourge of Gun Violence”
Gathered in Miami for three days of intense reflection, 300 Catholics, mostly Hispanic, pondered problems and offered solutions to challenges faced by people in their communities. The Diocese of St. Petersburg had 34 delegates representing 20 parishes at the Regional V (fifth) Encuentro, which was the second largest contingency of participants. Bishop Gregory Parkes and …
Before you share a story on social media, what impact does the story have on our community and our world? Could you be spreading fake news or as Pope Francis describes it: “false information based on nonexistent or distorted data meant to deceive and manipulate the reader.” Pope Francis warns about the dangers of fake …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make a …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 (January 1, 2018- December 31, 2018) for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make …
Over 250 couples from over 60 parishes from the Diocese of St. Petersburg celebrating 25, 50 or more years of marriage participated in the Marriage Jubilee Mass on Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of St Jude the Apostle. One couple was celebrating 75 years of marriage. “You were here last year, right?” said Bishop Parkes …
Continue reading “Marriage Covenant Celebrated as a Witness of Life and Love”
In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …
In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …
World Day for Consecrated Life will be Celebrated Friday, February 2 in the Universal Church and in Local parishes on the Weekend of Feb. 3-4 Commenting on the World Day for Consecrated Life, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark and Chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations states: “For …
Continue reading “Thank God for the Gift of Consecrated Life”
In their annual statement marking the January 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, the bishops of Florida lament that a mother’s womb has become a place of vulnerability for the developing child rather than a place of safety and security. The bishops confirm that all life issues are interconnected. …
Continue reading “Florida’s Catholic Bishops Mark 45th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade”
The Season of Lent is observed this year from Feb. 14 – March 29. During this time, Catholics can reflect more deeply on the sacrificial love of Jesus that led to his dying on the Cross on Good Friday for the forgiveness of sins. (To view the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Office of Worship Lent …
Continue reading “Remembering The Sacrificial Love of Jesus”
WASHINGTON— The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has issued the following statement in relation to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In recent years—including last summer in Charlottesville—we have glimpsed an appalling truth that lurks beneath the surface of our …
Continue reading “USCCB President Calls for Courage and Commitment on Martin Luther King Jr. Day”
The 16 members of the Visioning Team of the Diocese of St. Petersburg met on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 for half-day sessions to continue the process of discerning a Mutually Shared Vision and develop a plan of priorities and goals that will guide the Diocese of St. Petersburg into the future with purpose, focus, …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes and the Visioning Team Continue the Discernment Process”
Each January, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the U.S. Bishop’s anti-poverty program, provides resources to help Catholics live in solidarity with the poor. Liturgical and practical resources in both English and Spanish can be found here. These include bulletin announcements, prayers of the faithful, ideas for parish activities, reflections on the readings, and a calendar …
Bios of Visioning Team Members can be Found on These Pages: (click to view: Last Names A-O) Father Justin Paskert, Campus Minister, University of S. Florida/Parochial Vicar Corpus Christi Parish (Tempe Terrace) Father Justin Peter Paskert was ordained a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 18th, 2013 at the age of 32. He …