Parishioners throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg were invited to send in their pet’s name and a photo to be included in a special photo album with a prayer for animals in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. See the photos. See a listing of pet blessings around the diocese on our …
Rosalind Hoffman, mother of Debbie Sosnicki, Office Manager, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Mrs. Hoffman passed away on September 23, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 30th. Visitation is from 11:00 AM – to 12:45 PM in the Chapel at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, and the funeral Mass is at 1:00 …
From September 17 to September 24, the Catholic schools and centers of our diocese partnered with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay for Carefest 2016. Students joined thousands of volunteers across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties to help the local community during this week of service. Photos
Do you have a dog, cat, fish, hamster or horse? We are putting together a photo album of your pets to post on the diocesan website & social media along with a special prayer for animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4. Please email a photo of your pet, living …
Divorced? Remarried? Got questions? The Church is here for you. Christ extends his abundant and generous mercy to you through his Church in ways you may never have expected! Join others who may be experiencing the pain of a divorce or separation for a free mini-retreat at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at the Cathedral of St. …
Continue reading “Healing Service for the Divorced, Separated or Remarried on 9/18/16”
Saint Leo University was named as one of the best regional universities and best values in higher education in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, which was released on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Saint Leo ranked 62nd among regional universities in the South, which marks a rise from its previous ranking of …
We received word of the passing of Sister Marie Celeste Sullivan, OSF, 87, on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, while receiving care at the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York. Sister Sullivan enjoyed a long history in hospital administration, having served as CEO of St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Her story is detailed in …
Continue reading “Sr. Marie Celeste Sullivan, OSF – May She Rest in Peace”
We would like to welcome six new men studying as seminarians for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All six men began their studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in early August after attending the annual seminarian convocation. The convocation gave them the opportunity to meet their brother seminarians over the course of …
September 4, 2016 – Sister Regina Ozuzu, H.H.C.J., principal of Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey, proudly represented the Bishop Larkin Catholic School family and our diocese in Rome as Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa of Kolkata a saint. Sister Regina joined an estimated 120,000 people from around the world in St. Peter’s Square for the Canonization …
Continue reading “Witnessing the Canonization of Mother Teresa”
May 27 was Bishop Lynch’s seventy-fifth birthday. On that day, he signed and sent a letter to the Holy Father asking to retire after having reached the mandatory “age limit” for bishops. Our diocese is now in a waiting period to hear from the Vatican who our new bishop will be. Bishop Lynch will still be in office until we …
“Some of you said: this system can no longer be endured. We must change it; we must put human dignity again at the center and on that pillar build the alternative social structures we need. It must be done with courage, but also with intelligence, with tenacity but without fanaticism, with passion but without violence. …
Bishop Lynch has determined that the Diocese of St. Petersburg will send a check in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Diocese of Baton Rouge, specifically for assistance to victims of the recent floods in that area. If you wish to donate in addition to what our diocese has given, please visit the website for Catholic Charities …
Continue reading “Contribution made to Louisiana flooding victims”
We sadly report the passing of Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins at his rectory home under hospice care, Wednesday, August 24th, 2016, approaching his 88th birthday. Monsignor Higgins was born September 3, 1928 in Magherafelt, County Derry, Northern Ireland to John and Philomena Higgins. He was the third oldest of eight children – Eoin, Mary, Ruaidhri, …
Continue reading “Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins – May He Rest in Peace”
Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: Appointment Rev. Francisco Hernandez, Diocese of Caguas, Puerto Rico, as Parochial Vicar, Incarnation Parish, Tampa, effective August 1, 2016. Relieve Reverend Joseph H. Chong, S.D.B. as Parochial Vicar of Mary, Help of Christians Parish, Tampa, effective July 5, 2016. Father Chong …
More than 70 pilgrims from our diocese attended the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland. Some of the participating parishes include St. Timothy Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Nativity Parish, Resurrection Parish, and Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park. WORLD YOUTH DAY PHOTOS Our pilgrims shared photos from …
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NABCA Press Release – July 18, 2016 Birmingham, AL, July 18, 2016– The National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA) strongly condemns the continuing disproportionate use of excessive and deadly force against Black men and women by law enforcement and any attacks on law enforcement officers in the United States. Racial bias in law enforcement …
Continue reading “Statement by the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators”
Praise be to God! Former Spirit FM 90.5 intern Father Desinord Jean was ordained and installed as Bishop of Hinche, Haiti on July 2. Bishop Jean interned at Spirit FM 90.5 in 2002 while living at Christ the King Parish in Tampa.During his time in our diocese, he inspired many to support humanitarian efforts in …
Continue reading “Former Spirit FM 90.5 Intern Ordained and Installed as Bishop of Hinche, Haiti”
Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: RELIEVE AND OTHER CHANGES Rev. Victor Amorose, from Parochial Vicar of Nativity, Brandon, and assigned to the Pastoral Center, effective July 1, 2016. Father Amorose will be studying in Rome. Rev. Jairo L. Atehortua, C.M., from Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, …
The June 21, 2016 ruling by the HHS Office of Civil Rights, which allowed California to continue forcing health plans to cover abortions, has prompted the U.S. Catholic Bishops to call for an immediate federal remedy. That remedy is the Conscience Protection Act of 2016 (CPA) which will protect healthcare providers from being forced to …
The diocesan special collection for our seminarians, “Help Us Continue Forming Men of Mercy,” took place in all parishes and missions of the Diocese of St. Petersburg this past May. Early results are in, and we are pleased to announce the special collection was a huge success with almost $500,000 raised through the generosity of parishioners in our 81 …
Continue reading “Update on Seminarian Special Collection!!”
June 22, 2016 – The Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) and the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) commissioned 19 lay ministers during an evening prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Fifteen people from the LPMI and four from SEPI Level 2 were commissioned. In addition, …
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Please continue to keep our hurting brothers and sisters in the Orlando community in your prayers. Read Bishop Lynch’s statement on the tragedy by clicking here. Prayer for Orlando All life is sacred as each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God. We cherish each person as a child of …
Mrs. Linda Holtfreter We received word of the recent passing of Mrs. Linda Holtfreter, 69, sister of Father David Engbarth, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, residing and assisting in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. A Memorial Mass for Mrs. Holtfreter was held today, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, …
Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: APPOINTMENT Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers [Archdiocese of Miami] as Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia, Clearwater, effective July 1, 2016. Rev. Stephan Brown, S.V.D. as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul, Tampa, effective August 1, 2016. Upon presentation by …
Bishop Lynch ordained Reverend Felipe Gonzalez, Revered Alex Padilla, Reverend Bradley Reed, Reverend Jonathan Stephanz, and Reverend Kevin Yarnell to the priesthood at Saturday, May 21 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Photos (more will be posted in the coming week, so please continue to check back). If your parish would like free digital copies of any of …
Bishop Lynch will ordain Deacon Felipe Gonzalez, Deacon Alex Padilla, Deacon Bradley Reed, Deacon Jonathan Stephanz, and Deacon Kevin Yarnell to the priesthood at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. All are invited to attend, but please note that seating is limited. The ordination will be live video streamed …
Continue reading “Ordinations to the Priesthood on May 21, 2016”
Two members of the Diocesan religious community fulfilled the seemingly unusual request recently of serving as guest speakers for a Saint Leo University class on the history of the Vietnam War. Rev. Timothy Corcoran of St. Mary Parish in Tampa, and Sister Annie Dougherty, president and chief executive of The Franciscan Center in Tampa, visited …
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Thursday, May 5, is the 40th day after Easter, when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension – when Jesus ascended bodily into heaven in the sight of the apostles. Since the year 2000 in our diocese and the province of Florida, this holy day of obligation is transferred to the Seventh Sunday of …
Brian J. Sweeney, Calvary Cemetery Mr. Sweeney, 73, bookkeeper at Calvary, passed April 21, 2016. He is survived by children, Tim and Maureen Nelson of St. Pete Beach, Christopher Sweeney of Archdale, NC, and Marc and Kathleen Hoefler of Beavercreek, OH, and other relatives. Funeral Services –Visitation on April 25, at Brett Funeral Home, …
On Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00 am, Bishop Robert Lynch ordained five men to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. From left to right: Fr. Jonathan Stephanz; Fr. Felipe Gonzalez; Bishop Lynch; Fr. Alex Padilla; Fr. Brad Reed and Fr. Kevin Yarnell. The newly ordained priests began their first assignments …
Continue reading “Five Priests Ordained for Diocese of St. Petersburg”
Deacon Winston McDonald Word reached the Office of the Diaconate that Deacon Winston McDonald, from St. Justin Martyr Parish in Seminole, passed away last night, April 17, 2016. The Funeral Services are as follows: Wake Service: Sunday, April 24th, 2016 from 2 pm – 7 pm, Vigil Service at 6:30 pm at Serenity Gardens, 13401 …
Guardian Angels Catholic School was, once again, awarded the title of overall school champions for the speech and forensics competition. They have won that title each year since the inception of the diocesan competition. The competition was held at St. Patrick Catholic School on April 7, 2016. Eight Catholic Schools participated in this event.
Plans are underway for special collection for our seminarians, which will take place in all parishes and missions of the Diocese of St. Petersburg in May 2016. The theme for the collection is “Help Us Continue Forming Men of Mercy,” which ties into the Extraordinary Year of Mercy and overall theme of our diocesan vocations promotions for this …
Mrs. Rosa Varkey, mother of Rev. George P. Varkey, M.S.T. We were recently informed that Mrs. Rosa Varkey, 93, passed away in the Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in India. She is the mother of Father George Varkey, MST, Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey. Please pray for a safe journey …
Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2016, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT Rev. Msgr. Avelino Garcia, from Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, granted retirement status. Rev. Gregory Andrews, from Pastoral Center [assisting parishes], granted retirement status. Rev. Ralph Argentino, from Director, Catholic …
Continue reading “Clergy Changes ~ April 11, 2016 (Updated)”
Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, was released to the public today, April 8, 2016. According to a news release by the Vatican News Service, this Apostolic Exhortation harvests the fruits of the two Synods on the family held in Rome in 2014 and 2015. …
April 2, 2016 – Despite inclement weather, the dedication of a bronze statue to recognize Father Marion Bowman, OSB, former president of Saint Leo College and its predecessor institution, Saint Leo College Preparatory School, and former Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey, was held inside his namesake athletic facility at Saint Leo University, the Marion Bowman …
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World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016. The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that …
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the papal honors of Chaplain to His Holiness, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and Benerementi. The recipients were honored during a private ceremony in April 2016 at the Bethany Center. The following priests have been named Chaplains to His Holiness: Rev. Monsignor Ronald Aubin Rev. Monsignor Dennis Hughes Rev. Monsignor Joseph Pellegrino …
Rev. Angelus Migliore, T.O.R. Pastor Emeritus, St. Patrick Parish, Tampa Word has reached the Chancellor’s Officce that Rev. Angelus Migliore, T.O.R., Pastor Emeritus of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa, has passed away very peacefully today, Monday, March 28, 2016. More details here. The funeral arrangements are as follows: Thursday, March 31 at St. Patrick Parish, 4520 S. …
The Chrism Mass was held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The Mass of Chrism usually takes place on Holy Thursday, but since the Diocese of St. Petersburg is so large and the priests and other people have to travel so far, it is held on Tuesday in …
March 6, 2016 – Three hundred and thirty-eight couples representing 16,919 years of marriage gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle to celebrate the annual diocesan Marriage Jubilee Mass. Six couples are celebrating 70 and 71 years of marriage, 81 couples are celebrating 60-69 years of marriage, 82 couples are celebrating 51 to …
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Richard (Dick) Klein Mr. Klein passed on Saturday, March 5, 2016 in Seminole Florida. Dick was an active member of St. Justin, Martyr Parish, and a past recipient of the St Jude Award. He is survived by his family, including his sister, Sister Suzanne (Sue) Klein, O.P. of St Petersburg. Funeral arrangements, under the Direction of …
February 19, 2016 – We are pleased to announce the recipients of the papal honors of Chaplain to His Holiness, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and Benerementi. The recipients will be honored during a private ceremony in April at the Bethany Center. The following priests have been named Chaplains to His Holiness: Rev. Monsignor Ronald Aubin Rev. Monsignor …
The Chrism Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The Mass will be live video streamed (see link below) and also broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5 (listen online here). The Mass of Chrism usually takes place on Holy Thursday, but since the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
Reverend Raymond Vega, S.C.J. We received word that Father Raymond Vega, SCJ, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at the retirement community house of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, in Pinellas Park. Father Vega was ordained for the Sacred Heart Fathers in 1973. He served as Associate Director of the community’s retirement …
Information for our annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass will be going out this week to all Pastors and Altar Server Directors. The mass will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 3:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. A light reception will follow in the Parish Center. All are invited to attend. …
Bishop Lynch will be leading eleven communal penance services around the diocese during Lent. The dates and locations are listed below. For more information about receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please read the brochure “A Short Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation” in English or Spanish. 10 Reasons to Go to Confession – USCCB blog post “My Side …
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St. Cecelia Catholic School had two teams participate in a First Lego League Robotics Tournament on Saturday, January 23rd. This year’s challenge was Trash Trek, which has three parts: the Robot Game, the Project, and the Core Values. Teams of up to ten children, with at least one adult coach, participate in the Challenge by …
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February 16 and 17, 2016 – Thirty-eight Catholics represented the Diocese of St. Petersburg at Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee. See photos from the event here. Catholic Days at the Capitol is a two-day event for Catholics from around the state to gather and discuss human life and dignity issues with elected officials. Participants attend …
Continue reading “38 Represent Diocese at Catholic Days at the Capitol”
February 14, 2016 – The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates for Full Communion took place during two prayer services, which were held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. There were 236 catechumens in attendance at the 1:30 p.m. service and 196 catechumens in attendance at the 4:00 …