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 …
The Office of Stewardship and Development is hosting three FREE ½ day workshops this spring open to anyone looking to make stewardship a way of life in their parish or school. Our focus is “hospitality”, one of the key elements of our diocesan mission, Courageously Living the Gospel, and one of the seven pillars of …
Continue reading “Spring 2020 Stewardship Workshop Series – 1 of 3 Announced!”
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 …
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The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, released a statement on the situation in Iran last night which was shared on social media. Full text of the statement follows: “In the face of the escalating tensions with Iran, we must pray urgently that our world’s leaders will …
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, sent the following message of support to Archbishop Mark Coleridge, BA, DSS, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2020: “Your Excellency: Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I …
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, has issued a statement following the earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the reported aftermath of infrastructure and property damage. Full text of the statement follows: “I wish to express my prayerful solidarity on behalf of the bishops of …
A well-known landmark in downtown St. Petersburg, Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, is turning 100 this year! This parish was the first to be established in St. Petersburg in 1920. Before that, priests from Tampa crossed the bay by boat to celebrate Sunday Mass at a local hotel. “We’re known as the Mother …
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg President, Frank Murphy and the Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Margaret (Maggie) Rogers has been appointed by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes to Executive Director effective December 13, 2019. She has served as Interim Executive Director since September 2018. Maggie joined Catholic Charities in 2013 …
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“So that you can tell your son and grandson.” Life creates history. This is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 54th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on May 24, 2020, the Sunday before Pentecost. The message will be published on January 24, 2020 (memorial of St. Francis of Sales). …
2020 is quickly approaching! A fresh start, a fresh year, a new beginning. Before all of us take that step into the new year, there is still time to make a difference in this one. All gifts given by December 31st count for 2019 and help reduce your tax burden before we start our new …
The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 7-8 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), and proceeds help hundreds of U.S. religious communities to care for aging members. Some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last …
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting this week for their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore have voted on nine action items. The bishops voted to approve the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation for use in the dioceses of the United States with 226 votes in favor, 4 against, and 3 abstentions. The vote …
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 …
Ashley Russell has always been pro-life, but after having a baby she became even more aware of how fragile and beautiful life is in the early stages. “Having my own children and seeing those sonograms at six weeks got me thinking about how can I make a difference and how can I make sure that …
Continue reading ““Unplanned” Movie Inspires New Ministry at Christ the King Parish”
The Catholic bishops of the United States convened their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore this morning. The meeting began with remarks by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops delivered his last address as president of the Conference. The …
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The AfricanMass on Sunday, November 10, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. will be an opportunity to unite the African Community of the Tampa Bay region and to celebrate the faith of local African Catholics The Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, (1203 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa) with prayers and music …
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Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective November 1, 2019: RELIEVINGReverend Carlos J. Borgos [San Cristobal, La Habana, Cuba] as Parochial Vicar of St. Rita Parish, Dade City. Father Borgos has accepted a position as Parochial Vicar of Holy Child of Jesus Parish, Richmond Hill, NY.
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 …
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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 …
Is the Lord inviting you to take a step toward him? The Office of Vocations is offering you the opportunity to visit the minor seminary to experience the life of our seminarians. The weekend will take place November 8-10, 2019. Transportation is provided and there is no cost to you. For more information please contact …
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 …
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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 …
Eight-hundred people attended the Diaconate Ordination Mass and more than 2,000 watched the live video stream on Facebook and dosp.org. Click here to view photos. Eight men stood at the front of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg on October 19, 2019 and committed to serving the Catholic Church with humble …
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As a result of the pending merger of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg with the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Pastoral Mission, Largo, resulting in the newly named Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective October 21, 2019: APPOINTMENT Pastor Reverend Nguyen Vu …
Last week, the National Council on Disabilities (NCD) released a federal study revealing that assisted suicide laws are dangerous to people with disabilities. In its report, “The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws,” NCD provides several policy recommendations including urging states to not legalize any form of assisted suicide or active euthanasia. The NCD is an …
Transfiguration Parish will close on October 21, 2019 and will reopen in 2020 as Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish. When Father Carlos Rojas learned that his parish, Transfiguration, would be closing its doors, he went through a period of mourning, prayer and discernment. He agonized over what would happen to his tiny but mighty community …
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Reverend Jacob Monteleone was announced as the recipient of the 2019 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on Tuesday, October 8, during the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. 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 …
Bishop Gregory Parkes and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2019 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-13. News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials will be posted to www.usccb.org/meetings during the general assembly. Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media …
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All are invited to join us for a day of prayer and reflection on the lives of the six persons of color from the United States who have been presented for sainthood. Many of the saints who came before us courageously lived the Gospel and they can inspire us to do the same! Come and …
On September 25, 2019, Bishop Gregory Parkes issued a check in the amount of $250,000 to provide support to the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. The check was mailed to Archbishop Patrick Pinder of the Archdiocese of Nassau for the specific purpose of relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas following the devastating …
A Reflection for Respect Life Month 2019 From the time we are knit together in our mothers’ wombs until we take our final breaths, each moment of our lives is a gift from God. While every season of life brings its own challenges and trials, each season also gives us new opportunities to grow in …
All are invited to attend October 5, 2019 9:30 am to 2:00 pm St. Patrick Parish 4518 S. Manhattan Ave. Tampa, FL 33611 How to Talks to Kids about Things No One Wants to Talk About– Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will speak on subjects such as abortion, the dealth penalty, human trafficking, illness, and end of …
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The Storyteller’s Catechism by Father Timothy H. Sherwood An increasingly secular world has made our search for God more challenging. But the basic message of this book is that God also searches for us; that the awareness from faith reveals manifestations of the Divine Presence. Parish priests are privileged to have a daily front-row seat …
The Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy is pleased to announce the beginning of our annual grant process for funding hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in the Diocese. Ministries from parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities can apply for up to $1,000.00 to assist with programming and advocacy efforts to eradicate hunger. Twenty-five percent of …
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The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) “Tampa Bay Guild of St. Philomena” invites all physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals to the Annual White Mass and Dinner on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Christ the King Parish in Tampa. The Vigil Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Parkes at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Dinner …
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The BLUE Mass is an Ecumenical and Interfaith event to honor the men and women serving the Tampa Bay region as federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and emergency responders, including Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Sheriff Deputies, Police Officers, Troopers, Special Agents, Security Professionals and 9-1-1 Operators. Family members, friends, and all supporters are …
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Reflection by Deacon Joseph Krzanowski, CAC As a deacon who serves as a chaplain at Tampa International Airport, I am privileged to meet many people who have various needs. I think back, for example, to a woman who was standing near the Traveler’s Aid window. She was with her son who was fast asleep. As we …
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Day of Prayer and Reflection on Saturday, November 9, 2019 Many of the saints who came before us courageously lived the Gospel and they can inspire us to do the same! That’s why the Diocese of St. Petersburg is presenting a Day of Reflection that will focus on the lives of six American candidates for …
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In response to the devastation that has impacted the Bahamas and other areas that have yet to be impacted, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is asking for donations for their Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of these disaster relief funds will benefit people affected by natural disasters. In 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
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In response to the high rate of suicide in the Tampa Bay area and Suicide Prevention Month, three local churches are hosting workshops to educate individuals on how they can help with the prevention of suicide. Topics to be addressed include: How can we encourage family and friends who are struggling with mental illness? What …
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Faithful from throughout the five-county Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg are expected to take part in a day of Praise and Worship featuring prayer, music, liturgy and nationally renowned speakers Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg. According to event co-coordinator Frank Esposito, Jr., of …
Please watch local news for updates about Hurricane Dorian. We will post the latest updates affecting our Diocese on this blog post. Our Diocesan radio station Spirit FM 90.5 will broadcast those updates as well. Should the radio station go off the air, please stay tuned to your television at WFLA Channel 8 for updates. Find helpful …
Gannon University formally opened a new 80,000-square-foot academic building at its Ruskin, Fla. campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. About 220 people attended the Dedication and Blessing Ceremony at the campus, which is south of Tampa. “Today is a monumental step in the development of Gannon University’s effort in Ruskin, Fla. to advance the quality of healthcare delivery …
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Representatives from various Ministries of Mercy initiatives and programs around the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered on August 17, 2019 for the annual Ministries of Mercy Mass and Luncheon at the Bethany Center in Lutz. The purpose of the event is to thank these leaders for their faithful service, update them on diocesan initiatives and …
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In what seemed a crushing blow to the pro-life movement, earlier this year states began to pass laws that permit unrestricted access to abortion. But according to Rose Llauget, there is still reason for hope. “These laws are accelerating the end to abortion because even the staunchest pro-abortion supporter realizes that this is too far,” …
During the week of July 8, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg welcomed a visit from Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, based in Washington D.C. The purpose of the visit was for Deacon Nojadera to learn how the Diocese of St. …
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Move-in Day for New Lions Set for August 15, Classes Begin August 20 There will be many new faces at Saint Leo University as the new academic year kicks off next week. Make that: There will be lots and lots of new faces! The university is expecting 815 new freshmen and 186 transfer students—1,001—when classes …
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The Black Catholic Ministry held its quarterly meeting on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tampa. One of the main topics on the agenda was an update on the diocesan initiative to confront racism, including the recent listening session on racism with Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and …
Today, Bishops from three committees at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed their deep concern about racism and xenophobia that apparently motivated this weekend’s massacre in El Paso and that have motivated numerous other recent mass shootings in the United States. The Chairmen called on our elected officials to exert leadership in …
Move-in Day for New Lions Set for August 15, Classes Begin August 20 There will be many new faces at Saint Leo University as the new academic year kicks off next week. Make that: There will be lots and lots of new faces! The university is expecting 815 new freshmen and 186 transfer students—1,001—when classes …
Continue reading “Saint Leo University Ready to Welcome Record 1,001 New Students”
The Black Catholic Ministry held its quarterly meeting on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tampa. One of the main topics on the agenda was an update on the diocesan initiative to confront racism, including the recent listening session on racism with Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and …
The Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida is having a Welcome Home Weekend for students, parents, alumni, and friends of the CSU. The fun and faith-filled celebration will kick-off the start of a new school. See the list of activities below: Saturday, August 24, 5:00 p.m. – Vigil Mass followed by a relaxing …
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August 8, 2019 – Registration is open for 57th Annual International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Conference scheduled for October 6-9, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, and journeying through our diocesan mutually-shared vision, Courageously Living the Gospel, this year’s ICSC Conference offers us tremendous resources, experiences, and professional testimony on how …
August 8, 2019 – #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. What is #GivingTuesday you might ask? #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Immediately following our national day of thanks (Thanksgiving), retailers get us focused on HUGE sales (Black Friday, Cyber …
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