We are looking for photos that show how you and your parish are journeying through the Lenten season. Possible photos to submit might be from your parish’s mission, Stations of the Cross, fish fry, or other Lenten events. Photos of no-meat meals on Friday are welcome as well! We will be adding these photos to …
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective February 9, 2017: Appointment Upon presentation by Very Reverend Johnson Kuruppassery, O.C.D., Provincial Superior, Reverend Vijaya B. Polamarasetty, O.C.D., as Parochial Vicar, St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs.
Married couples of all ages are invited to attend a one-day workshop entitled Married and in Love Most of the Time. The workshop will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at the Bishop Larkin Pastoral Center in St. Petersburg. The cost is $35 per couple and includes continental breakfast, lunch, …
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective February 26, 2017: Appointment Upon presentation by Very Reverend Paul Frechette, S.M., Provincial Superior, Reverend Hector Cruz, S.M., as Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tampa. Relieve Reverend Roland Lajoie, S.M. as Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tampa. Reverend …
Held at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami twice a year, these weekends serve to provide opportunities for male high school juniors and older to get a first-hand experience of seminary life and the opportunity to interact with other young men who are discerning a vocation. The Diocese will provide transportation and there is …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Helen DiVito It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the loss of Helen DiVito, sister of diocesan attorney Joe Divito, who passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017. Joyfully embracing Helen in heaven are her father, John …
Catholic Schools Week 2017 was January 29 through February 4. See how our Catholic Schools and Centers celebrated in the photos below. If you have photos from your school that you would like to be added to the album, please email them to socialmedia@dosp.org. Photos will be added as they are received. Please note that in order …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Cletus Watson, TOR Fr. Cletus M.S. Watson, T.O.R., 78, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died early Saturday, January 28, 2017 at UPMC Altoona after a brief illness. He …
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School’s STREAM Club students have been applying the knowledge and skills learned in their classroom curriculum to assist others with service-based projects designed to meet the needs of their local community. With the use of 3D printing, the students at BMCHS have been designing, modifying, and developing new ways to fulfill …
Our annual Focus 11 Vocations Rally for 6th graders will be on February 15-16, 2017 at St. Lawrence Parish, Higgins Hall. Focus 11 is open to all 6th graders in the diocese whether you attend a Catholic School, public school or are homeschooled. Forms are available for an excused absence if your child wants to …
Information for our annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass will be going out later this month to all Pastors and Altar Server Directors. The mass will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 3:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. A light reception will follow in the Parish Center. All are invited to …
Bishop Gregory Parkes led a Prayer Vigil for Migrants and Refugees on February 1, 2017, at Nativity Parish in Brandon. The prayer vigil was held to show support for our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters who live, work, and make their homes in our community. Bilingual Event Flyer / Prayers and Resources for Parishes and …
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to issue Executive Orders that could that could have devastating impacts on refugee resettlement in the United States and harm Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) youth. According to drafts we have seen, the Executive Order would: Halt the entire refugee admissions program for 120 days to determine additional …
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Urge Congress to support the BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act. It is a bipartisan effort to provide temporary relief from deportation and to sustain employment eligibility for immigrant youth through the DACA (Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. Urge Congress to support this legislation …
On January 3, 2017, H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This important pro-life legislation will place in permanent law a consistent federal policy restricting the funding and promotion of abortion. Since 1976 federal restrictions on abortion funding has enjoyed bi-partisan support and has been embodied …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Sister Margaret Killilea, SSJ Sr. Margaret Killilea, formerly known as Sister Marie Assumpta, was born in County Galway, Ireland, on August 6, 1931 and died on January 16, 2017. Sister ministered primarily as a teacher throughout the state of Florida …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Rev. Msgr. Mercurio Fregapane Monsignor Fregapane passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. Monsignor Fregapane was a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA. Since his retirement in 2002, he assisted at many parishes …
Saddened by yet another anniversary of the January 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, the Catholic bishops of Florida remain steadfast in their commitment to promote the sanctity of life and dignity of the human person in state policy. The bishops reflected upon 2016, noting that they supported the passage of legislation …
Continue reading “Statement on the 44th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision”
We are saddened to announce the death of Mrs. Mary Jo Murphy, long-time diocesan Communications Office employee and Spirit FM 90.5 radio personality, on Friday, January 13, 2017. Mary Jo was also the sister of Father Michael O’Brien, pastor of St. Clement Parish in Plant City. Mary Jo recorded more than 5,600 programs for Spirit …
For the Faithful Departed Memorial Mass ~ Reverend Elmer McDonald St. John Vianney Parish 445 82nd Ave., St. Pete Beach St. John Vianney Parish will be celebrating a Memorial Mass in honor of Fr. Elmer McDonald who was such an important part of their parish and school family for many years. Funeral services were held …
Bishop Gregory Parkes was installed as the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Bishop Parkes’ Homily (PDF) Photos Installation Mass Video Part 1 Installation Mass Video Part 2 Vespers Prayer Service (Tuesday, January 3, 2017) Video
Animae Via is a discernment group for young men high school age and older, who are reflecting on God’s call in their lives and are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life. Our next meeting is on March 15, 2017 at Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg) and …
Curious to learn more about an installation of a new bishop? Check out the frequently asked questions below. Bishop Gregory L. Parkes was installed as the fifth bishop of St. Petersburg on January 4, 2017. Click here to learn more. The Installation Mass was not open to the public and attendance was by invitation only due to limited seating. …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Michael Kosiba Mr. Michael Kosiba, 66, former diocesan chair of the Committee on Catholic Scouting, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, while at Tampa General Hospital. Mike and his wife, Judy were parishioners of Christ …
Mr. Ronald J. Pacana Mr. Ronald J. Pacana, 65, husband of Mrs. Kim Pacana, Secretary at the Tribunal Office, passed away on December 6, 2016. Mr. Pacana is survived by wife, Kim; children, Nicole (Ron), Heather (Steve), Eric (Katie); three grandchildren; loving siblings. Funeral Mass was celebrated on December 16 at Light of Christ …
The Office of Vocations would like to invite all who are interested in promoting vocation awareness to a special workshop on Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 8:00 am until 1:15 pm at the Bethany Center in Lutz. The Church, Mother of Vocations is the theme for this years workshop. Our Keynote speaker will be Rev. Msgr. …
Bishop Gregory L. Parkes will be installed as the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg at 2:00 p.m. on January 4, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The Installation Mass is not open to the public and attendance is by invitation only due to limited seating. See how you can still participate in the …
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The students of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School sorted and bagged supplies for the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Food Drive once again due the the generosity of our school and parish families. This enabled us to provide a turkey dinner to 161 families in our community. We were also able to restock our …
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Reverend Elmer McDonald (1924 – 2016) We recently learned of the passing of Reverend Elmer McDonald, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rochester, on Sunday, December 4, 2016. Father McDonald spent most of his retirement years in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, providing assistance to St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach and serving as …
With great joy we announce that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida. Bishop Parkes succeeds the retiring Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who has served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since his installation in 1996. …
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The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 10-11, 2016, in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), the parish-based appeal benefits nearly 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose communities lack retirement savings. The Diocese of St. Petersburg contributed $215,558.25 to the …
Continue reading “Annual Collection Supports Eldercare Needs of Religious Communities”
Join us in praying for an end to the use of the death penalty in a special interfaith prayer service. The Interfaith Prayer Service for an End to the Use of the Death Penalty will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park (400-498 E Twiggs St., Tampa, …
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Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective November 20, 2016: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial , Reverend David J. Tickerhoof, T.O.R., as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg.
A memorial Mass for Reverend Michael Morris will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church (2405 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor). Priests and deacons wishing to vest, please bring your alb and stole. Father Morris passed away on October 23, 2016. More information can be found at this link.
Did you know there is a cause for the Canonization of the Florida Martyrs including several that died in the Tampa Bay area? All men are invited to learn about these remarkable witnesses of the faith by attending the next Faith & Ale at Christ the King from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mary Ellen Hansma Mrs. Hansma, retired from St. Lawrence Catholic School, Tampa, passed away November 4, 2016 at Melech Hospice House in Tampa. A lifelong educator, Mrs. Hansma and family moved to Tampa in 1969, where she began a 35 …
Reverend Brian J. Miller, T.O.R. Father Miller, 91, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died November 6, 2016 at St. Francis Friary – Mt. Assisi, Loretto, Pennsylvania after an illness. He was born March 4, 1925 in Braddock, PA. In 1992, Fr. Brian transitioned into …
There will be a seminar on annulments at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, in the Parish Center at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. This seminar is a follow up to the “Healing Service for the Divorced, Separated, or Remarried” that was held in September at the Cathedral. Father …
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November 1 was the Solemnity of All Saints, when we celebrate all of the saints in heaven and a reminder that, like the saints, we have a universal call to holiness! See how this day honoring the saints was celebrated at our schools by clicking on the link below. If you have photos from All Saints’ …
The fourth grade Junior Girl Scout Troop at Bishop Larkin Catholic School visited with Ms. Amber Mariano last week. Ms. Mariano, only 21 years old, is a candidate for Florida House District 36. The girls enjoyed listening to Ms. Mariano speak about the government and her Catholic faith.
The UNITED 40 Days for Life Bus Tour is coming to St. Petersburg and Tampa on Thursday, November 3, 2016. Join pro-lifers from around the state to pray, fast, and stand up for life. David Bereit, co-founder of 40 Days for Life, will be speaking at the rally in Tampa. VIGIL STOP: 3:15 p.m. at the Public …
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Wednesday, November 2, 2016, is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls). Many parishes have special Masses scheduled. Please check with your parish for Mass times. You can find a list of parishes in our diocese, searchable by city and zip code, by clicking here. In addition, there are two special All Souls’ Day …
National Vocation Awareness Week November 6-12, 2016 We are the Children of God The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time on the heels of the Feast of All Saints and All Souls marks a moment when Jesus illustrates the limits of our imagination. Jesus proclaims our relationship with God and its possibilities goes beyond our earthly imagination. …
St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases, lost causes, and of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He is the patron of impossible causes because of his Apostolic ministry in the early Church. By visiting and encouraging early Christian communities who endured tremendous hardship, he accomplished the improbable. While early communities despaired and perhaps …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Michael J. Morris, Ch., Lt. Colonel, USAF, retired Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Father Michael Morris, age 54, passed away Sunday , October 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer in Rockwal, Texas, where his brother …
Mrs. Carolyn Lanier We received word that Mrs. Carolyn Lanier, mother of Father Fred McGuire (deceased), passed away peacefully October 14, at a nursing home in Cincinnati, OH. Her funeral is Tuesday, October 18, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Trenton, OH where the family has worshiped for many years. Condolences to Carolyn’s …
The second grade class at Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey enjoyed having Kentrell Martin, award winning author of Shelly’s Outdoor Adventure and Shelly Goes to the Zoo, read to them and teach them a few signs. The 20 volume Shelly Series of books are unique because they tell a story while incorporating ASL. …
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Saint Leo University recently was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2015 for measurable acts of community service by students, faculty, and staff. The honor roll is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service’s strategic commitment to engage millions of college students in service and celebrate the critical …
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The Statewide Death Penalty Tour featuring Sister Helen Prejean that was scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 16 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church has been cancelled due to the illness of Sr. Prejean’s sister. We hope to schedule another event talking about the death penalty soon. Please share this notice and keep Sr. Prejean …
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Bishop Lynch has advanced $250,000 dollars to assist Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with relief efforts in Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean. Many of our pastors have volunteered to ask their parishioners for relief funds in special collections over the next few weeks. Any funds collected in addition to the $250,000 will be used …