Nativity scenes have been a popular Advent and Christmas decoration for centuries and are cherished by people of all ages. Now, there is an opportunity to see 300 nativity scenes on display in one room. Saint Clement Catholic Church (1104 North Alexander Street, Plant City) is presenting “Nativities Around the World.” These artistic and unique …
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Starting the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year Advent begins on Sunday, December 3. Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary …
Men: Take Your Faith Life to the Next Level Women: Give a Faith Filled Christmas Gift to the Men in Your Life Whether you are married or single, a retiree or a high school student, a faith warrior or just starting your faith journey – the Tampa Bay Men’s Conference is your opportunity to take …
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Our next Holy Hour for Vocations will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Fr. Carl Melchior will preside at this Holy Hour. The February Holy Hour is on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Thank you to the Serra Club for continuing to host our monthly Holy Hours for Vocations. …
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 …
PINELLAS HOPE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HELPING THE HOMELESS Bishop Gregory Parkes invites the community to the 10th-anniversary celebration of Pinellas Hope on Friday, Dec. 1 from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. The shelter camp for up to 300 Pinellas County homeless adults opened on December 1, 2007 on 10 acres of land provided by …
Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will have the opportunity to “give to those who have given a lifetime” as part of the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious, to be held in parishes Dec. 9-10. Coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., the annual appeal benefits 32,000 elderly …
Congratulations to all of the 2017 recipients of the St. Jude Medal Award! On Sunday, Nov. 19, Bishop Parkes honored one lay member from each of our parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s running the food pantry at their parish or visiting the sick, these men and women share the love of …
Bishop Parkes visited a family who lives at the San Jose Mission in Dover. He listened to their story. The family’s oldest daughter is a DACA recipient and is afraid she will lose that status if Congress fails to act. After meeting with the family, Bishop Parkes celebrated Mass for all residents of San Jose …
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John 21 is a discernment group for young men who are reflecting on God’s call in their lives and are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life. Just as the disciples gained clarity of their call while eating breakfast with the Lord, so too will we. The group is open to anyone high school …
Patrick Hannon is scheduled to be executed Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1991 murders of Brandon Snider and Robert Carter. In a November 6 letter on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to Governor Scott to commute Hannon’s death sentence to a life sentence without parole. “The victims, …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: — Reverend Robert G. Young, O.F.M. — Reverend Michael McDonnell, O.F.M. Please click here for Memo from the Chancellor’s Office with their information. Rev. Robert G. Young (Update November 13, 2017. The Funeral arrangements were not included in the obituary …
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement in response to today’s mass shooting during a church service in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “Earlier today, we heard of the mass shooting at the Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, …
Volunteers from across the nation, including those from Saint Leo University, observed Make A Difference Day on October 28. University Campus hosted a day of community service with volunteer opportunities offered on campus and off. “Saint Leo University participates in Make A Difference Day to demonstrate our core values of community and responsible stewardship,” said …
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The 2017 Seminarian Vocation Poster has been distributed to all parishes and schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Each school received 10 posters and each parish received 5 posters. The poster is double sided with English on one side and Spanish on the other. Vocation Poster 2017 If you need more posters, or did not …
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During the past 10 months, Bishop Gregory Parkes has been listening to many people in an effort to learn about the people, parishes and schools entrusted to his care. Shortly after his installation as fifth Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, he began inviting the community to listening sessions. He took part in nine …
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October 31, 2017 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement in response to this afternoon’s deadly attack on innocent people in Manhattan that has left at least eight people dead. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “This afternoon we heard of what …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: — Rev. Roderic Petrie, OFM — Rev. Jean-Pierre Mulinbi, cousin of Father Emery Longanga, Parochial Administrator of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, …
On Oct. 24, the Florida Hospital Association recognized Baycare with a Community Benefit Achievement Award for their Medical Respite Program located at Pinellas Hope. If a homeless patient is ready to be discharged from one of four BayCare hospitals, but still needs medical assistance, the patient can stay at the Medical Respite Center of Pinellas …
More than 900 people from over 18 parishes gathered at St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral on October 14 for the closing celebration of the V Diocesan Encuentro. The word Encuentro is Spanish for encounter and it refers to the process of meeting people in a friendly way to learn about their struggles and accompany them …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Joseph A. Pastick Rev. Joseph A. Pastick, 94, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Southern Pines Healthcare Center, New Port Richey. Father Pastick served in our diocese for 16 years after his retirement from the Archdiocese of …
On Thursday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate Mass in observance of All Souls’ Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery (5233 118th Avenue N. Clearwater). Catholics around the world take part in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), a time to pause, reflect and pray for our dearly …
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Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Tampa Bay area on September 10, 2017 as a category 1 storm. While this area was spared a direct hit, residents here have experienced loss and financial struggles because of the fierce winds and torrential rains that battered homes and businesses. Residents are also dealing with the difficulties resulting …
The Diocese of St. Augustine invites you to a Memorial Mass on October 30 to celebrate the life of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, the sixth bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (38 Cathedral Place) beginning with a 5:00 p.m. talk by Archbishop Thomas …
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By joining the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN) you can help promote laws that are consistent with Catholic teachings on respect for life, concern for the environment and social justice. Here’s what you need to know! What is the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network? An online community that exists to connect, educate, and mobilize Catholics …
National Vocation Awareness Week is November 5-11, 2017. The theme for this year is Building a Vocation Culture in Today’s Church. Here are some resources for parishes to use, more are available online (see link below). Bulletin Blurbs Prayers of the Faithful Homily Notes There are resources available online through Vianney Vocations. Click here for resources. Catechetical …
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, their mission is to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching. …
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To prepare for next year’s international Synod on “Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment,” the Holy Father wants online feedback from all youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, from around the world, regardless of how active they are in the practice of the faith. Youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, …
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Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardination: Reverend Francis Lubowa Mutesaasira, J.C.L., [formerly of Kampala, Africa], Parochial Vicar, Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective October 2, 2017.
Bishop Parkes ordained eight men to the permanent diaconate on October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Congratulations to Deacon Eugene Beil, Deacon John Carter, Deacon Ronald Fly, Deacon M. Scott Huang, Deacon Paul Koppie, Deacon Edward LaRose, Deacon John Schaefer and Deacon John Ustick. Learn more about our new deacons here. Ordination Photos | Ordination Video
You Are Invited to Celebrate with Religious Jubilarians On Sunday, October 29, 2017, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the religious Jubilees of fourteen men and women who have reached milestones in their commitment to the Church and to their Congregations. Representing a total of 910 years of consecrated service to the Church and the …
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October 3, 2017 – Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino became the 21st recipient of the Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award at the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. He was selected by his peers to receive the award in recognition of his dedicated ministry and service to the faithful and community of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino …
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After over three decades on death row, Michael Lambrix is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Lambrix received two death sentences for the 1983 murders of Clarence Moore and Aleisha Bryant. In a September 28 letter on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, Florida Conference of …
Bishop Parkes will ordain Eugene Beil, John Carter, Ronald Fly, M. Scott Huang, Paul Koppie, Edward LaRose, John Schaefer and John Ustick to the permanent diaconate at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. All are invited to attend! Please note that seating is limited. The ordination will be live streamed …
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All are invited to the annual Hispanic Mass to gather with Bishop Parkes to celebrate the beauty of our faith and to celebrate the many contributions of the Hispanic Catholic community to building up the local Church in the five counties of West Central Florida. This is the first Hispanic Mass with Bishop Parkes in …
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Meet the eight candidates who will be ordained to the diaconate at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The ordination will be broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5 (listen online at http://www.spiritfm905.com/). Our prayers are with them as they prepare to embark on this next step of their spiritual journey. Eugene …
A global campaign to be in solidarity with immigrants and refugees is now underway and support for this campaign comes from all the way at the top. Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience on Sept. 27, Pope Francis urged governments and all men and women of goodwill …
For nine years, Sandy Ferreira has participated in the 40 Days for Life campaign in Tampa Bay. Even when the heat is sweltering or the rain is falling or she is tired, she will keep her commitment to stand outside an abortion clinic in downtown St. Petersburg and pray for an end to abortion. She …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: — Reverend John P. Lynch, M. Afr. (click here for information) — Ms. Geri Lynn Morgan, sister of Rev. Thomas T. Morgan, Pastor of St. Jerome Parish, Largo. (click here for information) May their souls and the souls of all …
An emergency relief effort for Puerto Rico is underway and your help is needed! The devastation by Hurricane Maria has left many families without a home, food, water and basic supplies. Donations should be dropped off at: Location: Homeland Intelligence Technologies, 4916 S Lois Ave., Tampa Items: Batteries, baby wipes, flashlights, lanterns, first aid supplies, …
All are invited to the blessing and dedication of the brand new Bellarmine Newman Hall at USF, which opened for students in the fall semester of 2017. The ceremony will include tours of the modern new residences, a reception and remarks from the president of the Newman Student Housing Fund, the USF Campus Minister and …
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During the annual seminarian convocation, new pictures were taken of all our seminarians, as well as a group photograph. We have printed pictures available for you to order for your parish. Or, if you prefer, pictures can be sent to you electronically. There is no cost to you for the printed pictures. To order printed …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Monsignor Patrick Caverly We were informed that Monsignor Patrick Caverly, brother of Monsignor Bernard Caverly, Pastor Emeritus of St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday afternoon, September 14, 2017. He was a priest of …
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments, effective August 1, 2017: Appointment Reverend Jonathan I. Loverita [Catarman, Philippines] as Parochial Vicar, Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa. Reverend George Gyasi [Kumasi, Ghana] as Parochial Vicar, St. Anne Parish, Ruskin.
100% of funds raised goes directly to relief and recovery efforts Sister Donna Markham, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) was at Pinellas Hope in Clearwater on Tuesday, September 19 to present $2 million to local Florida Catholic Charities agencies to assist those impacted by Hurricane Irma. Generous people across the country donated to …
The Tampa Bay area was blessed to be spared the full force of Hurricane Irma, but other areas have been severely impacted by natural disasters. Your donations and prayers are greatly needed to provide humanitarian and pastoral support to our brothers and sisters who were directly in the path of Irma and other natural disasters …
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Announcements The following announcements, presented by the Diocese of St. Petersburg, are in relation to Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017. Updates (9/14/17-4pm) An early assessment of the 81 parishes and missions and 48 schools and early learning centers shows that only a few buildings sustained minor damage. Most parishes …
September 12, 2017 – 2pm – Most Rev. Gregory Parkes has made the following revisions to the re-opening of the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg: The Pastoral Center is still experiencing power and telephone outages, as well as other issues due to Hurricane Irma. Executive Directors are asked to report to the …
September 11, 2017 – 5:14pm – As we all recover from Hurricane Irma and begin reestablishing our routines, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is making plans for re-opening our Catholic schools and the Pastoral Center. For information regarding the re-opening of parishes in your area, please contact the parishes directly. Catholic Schools – Most Rev. Gregory …
September 9, 2017 – 9pm – The Office of Catholic Schools, in consultation with Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, announce all diocesan Catholic schools will be closed through Tuesday, September 12, 2017. All Catholic school families are encouraged to check back on this site for further information after the storm …