Students, faculty, families and supporters gathered on January 14, 2021 for the blessing of St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s newly remodeled, Learning Commons. This major renovation project advances the school’s mission to foster a 21st century teaching and learning environment, with state-of-the-art technology and teaching resources. The project was an extensive remodel of the preexisting […]
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 […]
December 10, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On Tuesday, as our Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a communication was sent from the USCCB announcing that Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence to anyone who celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at home, […]
In 2021, Bishop Emeritus Robert N. Lynch will celebrate the silver anniversary of his episcopal ordination, which was held on January 26, 1996 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, in St. Petersburg. Providing help and hope to those in need was a hallmark of Bishop Lynch’s episcopacy. One such project was the establishment […]
The Catholic Vietnamese community in Tampa celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on November 25, 2020, in gratitude for their new church, located at 5601 Hanley Road, in Tampa. Previously, St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission shared space with Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Tampa, but it now has a church home all its own. Despite being […]
We know that many of our parishioners actively search for ways to invest in their parishes, the greater Catholic Church as well as other organizations that align with our Catholic Values. They look to support good deeds through their generous giving. Because of this, we are proud and excited to announce the launch of the […]
Recently ordained priest Father Connor Penn is hosting a new YouTube series to help younger Catholics fit faith into their crazy busy lives. Would you share this with a YouTuber in your life? In the series, Catholic Planner, Father Penn brings a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church’s comprehensive calendar of celebrations, solemnities, saints’ feast days […]
The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 12-13. The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last year, the Diocese of St. […]
In October 2018, the former Florida Attorney General announced an investigation of the State’s seven Catholic Dioceses to determine how allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy have been handled. We welcomed the State’s investigation and we cooperated fully with the process instituted to research past cases of abuse allegations, dating back prior to […]
In addition to voting on Election Day, Catholics will be praying. We believe in the power of prayer for peace, healing and hope for our future. We pray that God will enlighten all voters and grant peace in our nation and that the virtue of the saints will inspire the actions of those elected to […]
Like the greater Tampa Bay community, Father Tom Anastasia is thrilled that the Rays are in the World Series for the first time since 2008, and only for the second time in the history of the organization. However, he has a special interest in the competition since he has served as the team chaplain since […]
Rosaries from the St. Scholastica Rosary Makers have found their way to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless ministries, army bases, and foreign missions around the world. The ministry, which began nine years ago, hit a major milestone at the beginning of 2020 with the completion of its 55,000th rosary. Ministry founder Ann Downer says that […]
What: Spirit Service Week to Collect Food and Hygiene Items for Local Organizations Why: To Help the Hungry and Homeless When: Monday, October 26- Friday, October 30, 2020, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Each Day Where: Five Locations Listed Below Oct 26th – Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave […]
A small crowd recently gathered for the kickoff to 40 Days for Life at the Knights Women’s Center, a pro-life crisis pregnancy center on Fletcher Avenue in Tampa. The September 24th event brought together those committed to advocating for life and praying for unborn children whose lives are tragically ended by legal abortion that takes […]
Monsignor Dennis Hughes was announced as the recipient of the 2020 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on Tuesday, October 6. This award is given annually to a priest serving in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who best exemplifies selfless and dedicated service to the people of God. The recipient of the award is chosen by his brother priests. This year, the award […]
An independent firm that specializes in investigatory and analytical consulting has found that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York conducted an audit of the Diocese’s Safe Environment policies and procedures on September 8-9, 2020. Based […]
Pope Francis released his third encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, On Fraternity and Social Friendship” on Saturday, October 3, 2020, in Assisi, Italy. An “encyclical” is a letter that is a teaching document by the Holy Father. This letter is addressed to all people who will accept it and reflect on the invitation to dialogue. Click here […]
To help our diocesan family of clergy, religious, staff, parishioners and the entire community stay up-to-date with news and information about our bishop, our faith and our activities, please refer to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s official communication channels listed below. We encourage you to subscribe, follow and stay connected. There are some groups who […]
Thanks to generous donors of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund, Bishop Gregory Parkes is helping victims of Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Louisiana on August 27, 2020 and killed at least 34 people. In early September, Bishop Parkes issued a check in the amount of $50,000 to […]
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 […]
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is remembering the legacy of Monsignor George W. Cummings who passed away in the Lord on August 8, 2020 at the Sturgill Hospice House in Brooksville at the age of 102. He was a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and Pastor Emeritus of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton […]
When Deacon Connor Penn was trying to decide if God was calling him to the priesthood, he asked for a sign. Later that day, a friend told him, “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest, because I think you’d make a great priest.” At that moment and other times throughout his life, Deacon Penn […]
When Deacon Drew Woodke was a third-grader at St. Thomas More Catholic School in Decatur, Georgia, one of the nuns asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Deacon Drew recalls answering, “I want to be a priest when I grow up because girls are gross!” Well, fourth grade arrived and girls […]
Becoming a priest might have been the last thing on Deacon Joshua Bertrand’s mind if you had asked him about it in middle or high school. The only son of Robert and Marguerite Bertrand, Deacon Bertrand attended Catholic school at an early age but most of his education took place in public schools. He was […]
As of July 1, Relevant Radio En Español is broadcasting on 1380 AM in Tampa. The network produces and broadcasts its own original Spanish-language programming 24/7, covering current events and news, marriage and family, faith, and more! Click here for a programming schedule. The network began in 2019 with stations in Texas and has expanded […]
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 […]
Father Kyle Bell of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs said he saw Mass-goers “in tears” as they received Holy Communion on Monday, May 11, 2020. This was the first time they were able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist since parishes ceased public Masses because of the coronavirus pandemic. Parishioners have keenly […]
With millions of Americans out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic, Job Search Ministries at parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are providing important resources and support. “Churches, in particular, have the opportunity and the obligation to help the unemployed because work is so important to the nature of humanity that when the […]
Following the pre-dawn announcement of Bishop Elect David Toups as the 6th bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont on June 9, 2020, reaction from his home Diocese of St Petersburg included both elation and sadness. The 49-year-old Bishop-Elect will be the youngest non-auxiliary, diocesan bishop in the United States. Parishioners, seminarians and co-workers alike have […]
“My life has been completely transformed, 180 degrees. I can’t begin to tell you.” This is what Celina Okpaleke had to say when asked about the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute. LPMI, which has been a pillar in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since 1998, was created to help people who are involved in parish ministry […]
Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection […]
On June 9, 2020, Pope Francis announced that Monsignor David Toups, 49, has been appointed a bishop and his first assignment will be bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas. He currently serves as Rector of the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, a position he’s held since 2012. There will […]
Businesses are navigating the re-opening of the economy following shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemics. To assist those facing challenges and looking for new opportunities, Saint Leo University will a free, four-part webinar series, Business Reimagined: Insights for Small Businesses in the COVID-19 Landscape, for Tampa-area businesses beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20. The […]
The current public health emergency has brought about a lot of fear, anxiety and questions about the celebration of Mass and the other Sacraments. This section on the Office of Worship webpage is intended to provide updates for those with specific questions about the liturgy. Resumption of the Public Celebration of Mass May 19, 2020 […]
On May 20, 2020, Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that parishes could once again resume Sunday Mass with a congregation present starting the weekend of May 30-31, 2020. “We are called to be good stewards of our health and to take practical steps to avoid spreading illness. Therefore, restrictions will be in place since we are […]
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 […]
Initial Plans are to Start with Daily Mass After prayerful and careful consideration of the guidelines and recommendations put forth by local government and health officials, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that the public celebration of Mass will resume in the Diocese of St. Petersburg starting on Monday, May 11, 2020. Initially, parishes are permitted […]
A Message from Bishop Parkes (PDF available in English and Spanish) In light of the governor’s recent announcement to begin the process of reopening Florida, I wanted to share with you an update on when we might gather together again for Mass. Please know that I would like nothing more than to resume gathering publicly […]
On May 6, 2018, when Bishop Gregory Parkes consecrated the Diocese of St. Petersburg to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Cathedral of St. Jude was standing room only, full of the faithful who gathered and joined their voices in prayer. This year, when Bishop Parkes celebrates the Consecration Renewal Mass, the Cathedral pews may […]
In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Program Office, which was established in 2003, oversees a comprehensive program of child abuse prevention that is focused on background checks and training of all adults entrusted with the care, responsibility and/or supervision of minors or vulnerable adults. The office was established in compliance with the […]
During the Covid-19 crisis, many of us are asked to stay home, avoiding large gatherings and crowds, in order to help stop the spread of the virus. Having this time provides an opportunity for you to dive deeper into discernment. Fr. Chuck Dornquast, Director of Vocations, would like to invite you to a unique, weekly […]
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, and after consulting with Deacons Joshua Bertrand, Connor Penn and Drew Woodke, Bishop Parkes has decided to reschedule the date of their Ordination to the Priesthood, which was scheduled to take place on May 16, 2020. The new date will be Saturday, August 15, 2020, the Solemnity of the Assumption […]
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are living through a difficult time. Many of you have concerns about health, finances, family and even your faith. I know, from the depths of my heart, how difficult it is for you to be separated from the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. That’s […]
Normally Full Churches will be Empty as Public Gatherings are Restricted to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Holy Week and Easter celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes can be viewed via Livestream, Sunday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12, 2020. These celebrations will be streamed from the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg […]
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St.Petersburg, in partnership with the City of Tampa, opened a shelter (Hillsborough Hope) for homeless residents of Tampa on vacant land owned by Catholic Charities on March 30, 2020. Due to the risk posed by the coronavirus, city officials decided to relocate homeless residents in order to provide the […]
The Holy Hour for Vocations scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2020 has been cancelled. Our next ABUNDANCE Holy Hour is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020. We hope to resume then, but please check the Vocations website for updates. A copy of the ABUNDANCE flyer can be found here. Please continue to pray for our […]
At the Angelus on Sunday, March 22nd, Pope Francis announced that this coming Friday, March 27th, at 6:00 pm Rome time (1:00 p.m local time), the Pope will preside over a moment of prayer on the sagrata of Saint Peter’s Basilica, before the empty square. He invites everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication. There […]
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I realize that for many of you, Saturday evening and Sunday are times when you would normally go to your local parish for Mass. Unfortunately, as we know, these days are anything but normal. However, as your bishop, I want to assure you of a few things. First, even […]
With the suspension of public Masses and social distancing in place to support community efforts to slow the spread of illness, a reality our parishes face is that basic operational expenses are addressed through active participation in offertory giving. The intent is for our parishes to continue ministering and serving our communities through this time, […]
March 18, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As you are aware, because of the fluid and unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus crisis, our response to the threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States has been to closely monitor the guidance of government leaders and public health officials, and to make […]
We are continuing to follow the guidance from the CDC and public health organizations as we make decisions about how best to move forward with regard to the coronavirus (Covid-19). This memo amends the earlier one sent on Friday, March 13 by extending the closure of Catholic Schools through March 27. After prayerful consideration, Bishop […]
Dear Friends of Catholic Charities: I am reaching out to our clients, our supporters (funders, donors, volunteers), vendors, colleagues and board members, community and government partners, parishioners, and members of the broader community, to share what Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg is doing in response to unprecedented health risk posed by the Corona Virus […]
In an abundance of caution for students, employees and vulnerable populations Bishop Gregory Parkes has directed that all Catholic school and Early Childhood center buildings will be closed to students from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2020. March 16-17 had previously been scheduled as days off for students. Virtual learning will be conducted […]
In general, as a rule of thumb, if the Public Schools are closed, parish Faith Formation programs should be closed as well, but that has always been for weather emergencies; this is a whole new situation without precedent. In the next day or so the Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth & Family Life will be recommending […]