Learning to Listen Across the Division
April 29, 2022

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 …

2021 Annual Report
April 5, 2022

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 …

Congratulations St. Brendan Parish!
March 7, 2022

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 …

Successful Commitment Weekends!
February 4, 2022

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 …

How Not to Argue: Connect with Friends and Family with Whom You Disagree! Register Here for Webinar
September 27, 2021

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 …

U.S. Bishops’ Migration Committee Chairman Expresses Disappointment that Low Refugee Admissions Goal Remains
April 19, 2021

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 …

Racial Justice Dialogue Recording from March 24, 2021
March 29, 2021

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 …

U.S. Bishop Chairman Welcomes Repeal of Death Penalty in Virginia
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 …

U.S. Bishop Chairmen Say Equality Act Would Discriminate Against People of Faith and Threaten Unborn Life
March 8, 2021

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 …

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 …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Urges Parishes to Spread Awareness of Human Trafficking
January 8, 2021

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 …

Recalling the Meaning of Advent, U.S. Bishop Chairmen Call for End to Executions
December 7, 2020

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, …

Cities for Life Virtual Prayer Vigil Recording
December 3, 2020

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 …

Acknowledging the importance of religious freedom on Christ the King Sunday
November 20, 2020

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,” …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on 2020 Presidential Election
November 9, 2020

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 …

October Conversations about Race Recording
October 28, 2020

In this recording of the “Monthly Conversation about Race” discussion on October 28, 2020, the speaker was Monsignor Carruthers, parochial administrator of Resurrection Parish in Riverview. He talked about “Racism is a Life Issue.”

“Know Truth, Know Faith” A Series of Courageous Conversations – October 22 Recording
October 13, 2020

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 …

Live in Global Solidarity this Advent Make a Gift of Hope in honor of someone that you care about!
September 28, 2020

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 …

Some Groups that Use the Name Catholic are Not Affiliated with the Catholic Church
September 8, 2020

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 …

U.S. Bishops’ President Joins Migration Chairman Urging Trump Administration to Reinstate Full DACA Program; Calls for Congressional Action
July 30, 2020

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 …

Migration Chairman Calls for Prayers for Trafficking Survivors
July 29, 2020

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 …

Statement on Requiring Parental Consent Prior to a Minor’s Abortion Signed into Law by Governor DeSantis
July 1, 2020

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 …

St. Joseph Parish Holds a Community Forum on Race and Police Brutality in St. Pete
June 17, 2020

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 …

Outpouring of support at the Prayer Vigil for Peace, Healing and Change
June 8, 2020

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 …

Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes on the Death of George Floyd and Subsequent Protests
June 1, 2020

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 …

Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
June 1, 2020

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 …

Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests
May 29, 2020

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 …

Bishop Gregory Parkes Joined Ecumenical Dialogue on Caring for Our Common Home
May 14, 2020

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 …

CCHD Art Contest
March 13, 2020

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 …

New Legislation is Approved Requiring Parental Consent Prior to a Minor’s Abortion
February 22, 2020

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 …

Florida Faith Leaders Call for Clemency for James Dailey
February 21, 2020

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 …

Renewed Call to a Culture of Life on the Tragic 47th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade: A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida
January 10, 2020

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 …

Ten Things You Can Do to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants
January 8, 2020

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 …

Pro Life Committee Chairman Invites Bishops to Join Initiative Serving Pregnant and Parenting Mothers in Need
November 11, 2019

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 …

USCCB Launches National Civility Effort through 2020 Election
November 1, 2019

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 …

USCCB Pro-Life Chairman Urges Congress to Support Dignity for Aborted Children Act
November 1, 2019

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 …

James Dailey granted stay of execution until Dec. 30
October 29, 2019

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has granted a temporary stay of execution to allow Mr. Dailey’s newly appointed federal counsel time to present his substantial claims of innocence. Dailey was scheduled to be executed on Nov. 7 for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio. The eight Catholic bishops of Florida …

Catholic bishops plead to Governor DeSantis to stay execution of James Dailey, a veteran with evidence of innocence
October 23, 2019

Update as of 10/24/19: James Dailey granted stay of execution until Dec. 30 The eight Catholic bishops of Florida have written to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of James Dailey. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence. “While …