Resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Committee of Migration regarding policy and advocacy for immigrants. Please follow the links below. Policy and Advocacy | USCCB Immigration Enforcement and Protected Areas (Sensitive Locations) | USCCB Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform | USCCB Migration & Catholic- Social Teaching | USCCB Papal Teaching and …
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is committed to accountability. Some ways we demonstrate this to our 125,000 registered households and 24,000+ donors are: In addition, the Diocese and the Foundation prepare annual reports to share how gifts are being utilized to impact lives for Christ. A printed version of the 2023 Annual Report and the …
Online Event- Monday, May 9th at 7:00 P.M. Can we learn to communicate with compassion and justice, even when we disagree? Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will explore listening skills, communication techniques and reflective exercises that will help us to open our hearts and minds to richer and more compassionate dialogue. Register to receive Zoom link. http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=p8pcb9dab&oeidk=a07ej5ywuxpd1fc0a48 …
Each year, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is blessed with gifts of time, talent and treasure from our faith family across the five counties that make up our diocese. As Bishop Parkes explains in his introductory note, “The generosity that you have shown through your support of our ministry and services here in the Diocese …
Parish leaders have spent months planning and diligently working to complete recommended activities and run a successful and positive Catholic Ministry Appeal active phase. And now, the first parish has officially exceeded its goal for our new Catholic Ministry Appeal. Congratulations St. Brendan Parish Family for surpassing goal in record time! “This accomplishment has little …
Throughout January, parishes and missions began sharing information about the new Catholic Ministry Appeal through the bulletin, from the pulpit, on their websites and via social media channels. In addition, parishioners received a mailing from Bishop Parkes and a follow-up communication from their pastor. All of this laid the groundwork for pastors to ask parishioners …
Don’t just give up chocolate for Lent this year! Make a change that will have a lasting impact.Join therapist, Paige Cargioli, to learn some techniques that will help you to better connect with others and stay emotionally healthy. Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:00 P.M. on Zoom REGISTER HERE Paige Cargioli is a holistic therapist practicing …
CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Applications Each Lent, parishes, schools and campus ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg participate in Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) educational program of prayer, fasting, learning and giving. CRS Rice Bowl is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program for families and faith communities in the United States who want …
Marcie Lipscomb has a heart for children in foster care and through a ministry she started in 2019, she is able to support foster children and foster parents in a unique way. The ministry is called “Hands Lifting Hearts” and she started it at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. “I felt that I was being …
Continue reading “New Ministry Seeks to Show Foster Families Love and Support”
The Biden Administration announced Friday afternoon that it will not increase the historically low number of refugees who can be resettled in the United States for the current fiscal year. However, it will restore the long-time practice of allocating refugees from every region of the world, thus opening resettlement to some who were not included …
Can America be Multi-Lingual and United? A discussion on how conversion, Gospel values and intentional evangelization can facilitate more unity in the Catholic community. Presented by Fr. Raphael Capo, Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Dean of Theology at St. Thomas University. ¿Pueden los Estados Unidos ser una nación multilingüe y unida? Diálogo sobre …
Continue reading “Racial Justice Dialogue Recording from March 24, 2021”
Following passage of legislation to repeal the death penalty in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued the following statement: “I welcome Virginia’s repeal of the death penalty as a bold step towards a culture …
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Five committee chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote a letter to members of Congress opposing the recent reintroduction of the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which is scheduled to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The bishops warned of the threats posed by the proposed legislation to …
In this recording of the monthly “Conversation about Race” online discussion on February 24, 2021, the speaker was Dr. Ansel Augustine, Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. He talked about “Black History Month – Why It’s Important” and what we can do in observance of it in February …
Continue reading “February Conversations about Race Recording”
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 …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has partnered with the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to encourage all parishes and Catholic schools to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking by becoming “Trafficking-Free Zones.” The goal is to end modern-day slavery and protect children and youth. Participating …
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For the last five decades, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the U.S. Bishop’s anti-poverty program, has empowered communities to tackle the many dimensions and complexities of poverty in the United States. As we begin a new year and Poverty Awareness Month, we invite you to participate in this vitally important work, especially as …
With more federal executions scheduled in December and January, two bishop chairmen call on the Administration to recall God’s mercy during Advent. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, …
Continue reading “Recalling the Meaning of Advent, U.S. Bishop Chairmen Call for End to Executions”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg joined cities and dioceses around the world on November 30, for the International day of Cities for Life against the Death Penalty. On this date, cities across the globe mobilize to renounce the death penalty and work for a more civil form of justice. Speakers included Bishop Gregory Parkes, Rev. Robert Schneider, and …
Continue reading “Cities for Life Virtual Prayer Vigil Recording”
The Solemnity of Christ the King is Sunday, November 22, 2020. Here is a reflection from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI with the encyclical Quas primas. The Holy Father speaks directly to the problem of what he referred to as “anti-clericalism,” …
Continue reading “Acknowledging the importance of religious freedom on Christ the King Sunday”
In this recording of the “Monthly Conversation about Race” discussion on November 19, 2020, the speaker was Dr. Moneque Walker-Pickett, professor at St. Leo University. She talked about “The Result of No Action: Why We Need to Work Together for Justice.” The next Conversations about Race will be held in January – stay tuned to …
Continue reading “November Conversations about Race Recording”
In the wake of more federal executions scheduled in coming weeks, two bishop chairmen have issued a statement calling on the Administration to act as a witness to the dignity of all human life. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishop Chairmen Renew Call to Stop Executions”
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement on the 2020 presidential election: We thank God for the blessings of liberty. The American people have spoken in this election. Now is the time for our leaders to come together in …
On November 9, 2020, the Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) hosted a webinar about the people experiencing hunger both globally and locally and our Church’s response to their needs. Watch a recording of the webinar below. The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the risk of a severe crisis in areas …
St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Paul Catholic Church, both located in St. Petersburg, are entering into a process to courageously listen and dialogue on race. This will be an opportunity for participants to increase understanding and empathy for one another and to shed light on this important issue. On October 22, 2020, local pastors, Monsignor Robert Gibbons …
During Advent, we are encouraged to meditate on the birth of Jesus into poverty and on how this reflects the reality of many other families around the world today.The Advent Giving Tree gifts below include items that represent actual goods and services provided to people that Catholic Relief Services serves around the world. The gifts themselves are symbolic …
The FDA recently approved Sanofi Pasteur’s request to switch from using an aborted fetal cell line (MRC-5) to using an ethical animal cell line to produce its polio combination vaccines Pentacel and Quadracel. The drug company has also chosen to discontinue production of its stand-alone polio vaccine, Poliovax, which also used MRC-5 for its production, …
There are several non-Church affiliated, political advocacy groups (such as CatholicVote, Priests for Life, Catholics United, My Faith Votes, League of Women Voters, etc.), which seek to mobilize and educate Catholic voters. These non-Church affiliated groups may endorse (or oppose) candidates for elective office, as well as provide candidates with direct financial support, which does …
On July 28, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf issued a memorandum adding limitations to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The memorandum was issued in response to the recent 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down the Trump Administration’s September 2017 attempt to end the DACA program. The …
The United Nations designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in 2013 to raise awareness of the devastating impact human trafficking has on women, men, and children and to promote survivors’ rights and human dignity. The international day is observed annually in the United States and throughout the world. There are nearly 25 …
Continue reading “Migration Chairman Calls for Prayers for Trafficking Survivors”
On July 27, 2020, an online discussion took place called: Why Do They March? Answering the Questions that Divide Us so that Understanding and Love Can Unite Us. A panel of five Tampa Bay area Catholics responded to some challenging questions regarding racism. This was the first in a series of online discussions aimed at promoting greater …
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The mission of the Catholic Church is very different from the mission of political parties. The Church guards the deposit of faith and makes the truth of the Gospel shine forth to lead all people to seek and receive Christ’s love. There is no political party that is aligned to this mission and as a …
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, SB 404, a bill that requires parental consent before a minor has an abortion. This common-sense measure simply holds abortion to the same consent requirements as most every other medical decision involving a child, including simple …
With another election cycle in full swing, we are faced with the difficult question of what it means to love our neighbors in the midst of such a divisive climate. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because …
The horrific killing of George Floyd has reminded us that racism is a contemporary problem–on the streets, in our workplaces, in our schools, and in our churches. Though peaceful protests are often a necessary means to social change, coming together to build consensus and a clear path forward is also crucial. In order to assist …
More than 300 people participated in a Holy Hour at the Cathedral of St Jude the Apostle on Sunday, June 7, 2020, to pray for peace, healing and change following the brutal death of George Floyd and the national protests that have erupted. Bishop Gregory Parkes led the solemn prayer service inside, and a group …
Continue reading “Outpouring of support at the Prayer Vigil for Peace, Healing and Change”
“Dear brothers and sisters in the United States, I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend …
Continue reading “Pope Francis’ Statement on the Tragic Death of George Floyd”
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 …
The Josephites look with horror and disbelief at the killing once more of a black man by the police in Minneapolis this week. This is but another tragic and sad reminder of the legacy of America’s original sin of slavery and its aftermath, the continued violence against people of color. The words of the Lord …
Continue reading “Statement of the Josephite Society on the Killing of George Floyd”
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB. Archbishop Gomez’s full …
Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc …
Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park is taking to heart the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si – the courageous call to be good stewards of the earth. Father Kevin Yarnell, pastor, shares that “We want to be good stewards in every area of the parish, including our land. Our biggest success to date …
Continue reading “Living out the call of Laudato Si through their parish garden”
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 …
Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes Joined Ecumenical Dialogue on Caring for Our Common Home”
Pope Francis’ Vision: Brothers and Sisters All What does Fratelli Tutti, the Encyclical of Pope Francis on fraternity and social friendship, have to say that is relevant for believers today? Our three-part series explored the major themes of the document and gave participants a chance to embrace Pope Francis’ vision for a new and better …
Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins arts 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, “More Than a Roof,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to the …
The bishops of Florida commend our state legislature for passing, with bipartisan support, legislation that ensures a parent provides consent before a minor can terminate her pregnancy. Parental consent is required prior to a minor’s medical treatment in most every instance, this includes simple medical interventions such as taking an aspirin or getting one’s ears …
The local interfaith community, with a shared belief in the dignity of all human life, is asking Governor DeSantis to grant James Dailey clemency, and commute his sentence to life in prison with this letter. We understand that the Clemency Commission under Governor Scott declined to recommend Mr. Dailey’s case for a hearing on clemency …
Continue reading “Florida Faith Leaders Call for Clemency for James Dailey”
The mission of the Catholic Church is very different from the mission of political parties. The Church guards the deposit of faith and makes the truth of the Gospel shine forth to lead all people to seek and receive Christ’s love. There is no political party that is aligned to this mission and as a …
Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, in collaboration with the seven other bishops in Florida, has written the following statement: “January 22, 2020 marks a sad anniversary: the U.S. Supreme Court’s tragic decision legalizing the deliberate taking of unborn human life through elective abortion. Judicial sanction of the termination of life in …
This backgrounder from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Migration and Refugee Services provides suggested actions that you can take to support undocumented migrants, in lieu of hosting or providing physical shelter. Included are links to further information, which will assist your effort to launch some of the suggested initiatives. For assistance with any …
Continue reading “Ten Things You Can Do to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants”
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas, and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the body of bishops at the annual November plenary meeting of bishops about the need for improved pastoral responses to women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies. “The challenges can …
Ashley Russell has always been pro-life, but after having a baby she became even more aware of how fragile and beautiful life is in the early stages. “Having my own children and seeing those sonograms at six weeks got me thinking about how can I make a difference and how can I make sure that …
Continue reading ““Unplanned” Movie Inspires New Ministry at Christ the King Parish”
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 …
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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 …