President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Ordering Worldwide Response to the Evil of Sexual Abuse
May 9, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …

Obituary ~ May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Brother Peter P. Mahady, SSS Brother Peter Patrick Mahady, SSS, just turning 87, Blessed Sacrament Brother died on April 15, 2019 at Regina Health Center, Richfield, OH, surrounded by the loving staff of Regina and Western Reserve Hospice and members …

St. Petersburg Catholic High School Welcomes New President & New Shared Leadership Model
May 6, 2019

A new leadership model has been introduced at St. Petersburg Catholic High School to more intently advance the mission of the school. Effective July 1, 2019, Dr. Daniel Zepp will serve as newly appointed president, while Ross Bubolz will join him in shared leadership ministry continuing as principal of the school. This expanded model was …

Saint Leo University Celebrates More than 1,250 Graduates in Commencement Ceremonies
April 30, 2019

The Saint Leo University community came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2019 with two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, April 27. The university awarded more than 1,250 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees. The festivities kicked off on Friday, April 26, at the main …

Clergy Changes ~ April 29, 2019
April 29, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Dennis Hughes from Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Trinity, granted retirement status. Reverend Eugeniusz Gancarz from Pastor of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend Michael Cormier from …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Statement on Synagogue Shooting in Poway, California
April 29, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement on the deadly shooting that has taken place at Chabad of Poway Synagogue near San Diego.   Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “I, along with my brother bishops, am greatly saddened and deeply concerned over …

Saint Leo University Offering Transfer Students New Scholarships, 50% Tuition
April 22, 2019

   Open House Planned for May 4 for Those Interested in Study Florida Transfer Scholarship Saint Leo University is offering a new scholarship to ease the transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree. The Study Florida Transfer Scholarship, which awards students who have earned an associate degree a 50 percent tuition discount, is …

USF Catholic Alumni Society Launches to Connect the Community
April 22, 2019

On Saturday, April 6, USF graduates from the last 50 years gathered at Bellarmine Hall, the faith-based housing complex on the campus of the Catholic Student Center. The alumni social was an introduction to the newly formed Catholic Bulls Alumni Society, an organization that seeks to strengthen the future of the USF Catholic community by …

Parishes Share New Plans for Catholic Impact Initiatives
April 15, 2019

Our mutually-shared vision of Courageously Living the Gospel calls us to think outside the walls of our churches in pursuit of ministering to families and young people and serving those in need. That’s why Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked parishes to address local community issues and mobilize cross-parish creativity to make a difference! These projects …

Local Parishes Collaborate to Provide Counseling Services to Pinellas County Families
April 15, 2019

One out of every six adults in the U.S. experiences some form of mental illness each year and Florida ranks 44th in the nation for access to mental health treatment, according to the Florida Behavioral Health Association. In light of these and other sobering statistics, ten parishes in Pinellas County are joining forces to increase …

Holy Week Live Streaming at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle
April 15, 2019

The following Holy Week celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle will be live streamed. Tuesday, April 16, Chrism Mass, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 19 Passion of the Lord 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20 Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 p.m.

USCCB Migration Chairman Endorses Proposed Senate Legislation That Gives Permanent Legal Protection to Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
April 11, 2019

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration endorsed the “Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act of 2019, S. 874 and the “Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression & Emergency” (SECURE) Act of 2019, S. 879. The DREAM Act of 2019 would provide permanent legal protection and a pathway …

Chairman of US Bishops Pro Life Committee Issues Statement on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
April 8, 2019

On April 2, U.S. Representative Steve Scalise filed a discharge petition to force a vote on Representative Ann Wagner’s bill, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. If the petition receives 218 signatures, House members will vote on legislation ensuring that any child born alive following an abortion attempt receives the same degree of care as …

Saint Leo University to Hold Summer Robotics Camps for Youths
April 8, 2019

As the United States celebrates National Robotics Week (April 6-14), Saint Leo University is expanding its summer robotics camp programs for youths. The university began offering the popular Girls Can! Robotics Camp in 2015, under the direction of Dr. Monika Kiss, professor of mathematics. Last year, a camp for boys was added to Saint Leo’s …

Pro-life Movie UNPLANNED in Movie Theaters Now
April 2, 2019

The pro-life movie Unplanned is now out in movie theaters! The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. View the trailer below and learn more about the movie …

Catholic Bishops of Florida Honor Raoul G. Cantero, III with Distinguished Catholic Leader Award
April 1, 2019

Raoul G. Cantero, III, former Florida Supreme Court Justice, was honored on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, with the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The award was presented at the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon attended by the Catholic bishops of Florida, current Florida Supreme Court Justices, state lawmakers, and nearly …

Statement Regarding Father George B. Dyer, O.P., a Deceased Priest Who Served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Between 1980-1981
April 1, 2019

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has learned that George B. Dyer, O.P., has been listed in a recent report released by Jeff Anderson & Associates, P.A., as a priest against whom an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in the State of Illinois has been deemed credible. Father Dyer was ordained in 1961 …

Bishop Gregory Parkes to Celebrate Annual Chrism Mass on April 16
April 1, 2019

  Gathering of all Priests, Blessing and Consecration of Holy Oils At this year’s Chrism Mass, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes will be joined by Bishop Emeritus Robert Lynch, Bishop Joseph Potocnak, S.C.J. (retired), Abbot Isaac Comacho, O.S.B, approximately 170 priests and 50 deacons, as well as religious sisters and brothers, seminarians, and other representatives from …

U.S. Bishops’ Chairmen Offer Prayers and Solidarity for Recovery After Deadly Cyclone Hits Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe
March 27, 2019

After historic devastation and loss of life brought on by Cyclone Idai to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on …

Clergy Changes ~ March 25, 2019
March 25, 2019

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes:   APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Reverend Laurence Uhlman, T.O.R . to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg, effective March 22, 2019.   RELIEVING …

Learn More About Protecting Children During National Child Abuse Prevention Month
March 25, 2019

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Office 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. “Our obligation to protect minors and all vulnerable persons and to prevent sexual abuse …

Saint Leo University Offers Scholarships to Florida Catholic High School Students
March 22, 2019

  Prospective students and the community are invited to learn more at an Open House on April 7.  ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has announced it will offer a significant new scholarship to help make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. Available for students beginning in the Fall …

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Offers Prayers for Recovery, After Flooding in the Midwest
March 20, 2019

After historic flooding brought devastation to parts of the Midwest, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed grief over the lives lost and threatened by the floods and offered prayers for recovery. The full statement follows: “We are deeply saddened by …

Obituary ~ March 18, 2019
March 18, 2019

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Emeric Slezak, OFM We were informed of the death of Reverend Emeric Szlezak, O.F.M., 101, a retired priest of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Father Szlezak was a resident of …

Clergy Change ~ March 18, 2019
March 18, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective March 15, 2019: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Thomas R. Bheemareddy, O.C.D., Provincial Superior of the Discalced Carmelite Order, Telangana, India, Reverend Vijaya B. Polamarasetty, O.C.D. to Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park.   Father Polamarasetty formerly served in …

More Than 350 People Are Preparing to Become Catholic This Easter
March 15, 2019

More than 800 people from parishes across the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg for the Rite of Election on Sunday, March 10. The Rite of Election is the ceremony when parishes present their catechumens to the bishop as they begin their final spiritual preparations …

New Members of the Diocesan Hispanic Assembly Meet for First Time
March 15, 2019

The Diocesan Hispanic Assembly 2019-2021 celebrated its first meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in St. Petersburg with 67 members in attendance. The agenda included a presentation about the Rice Bowl from CRS and guest speakers from the FAST and HOPE organizations.  Assembly members learned about the Historical Memory of …

Movie Screenings for the Pro-life Movie UNPLANNED
March 15, 2019

Special screenings for the soon-to-be release movie UNPLANNED are coming to our area. The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. NOTE: Content of this movie is …

Learn How to Navigate Communications in the Digital Age
March 11, 2019

Catholic communicators are invited to attend the Catholic Media Conference at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel June 18-21, 2019. The theme is Navigating Communications and the sessions are designed to provide a roadmap for our rapidly changing media culture. “How people communicate is changing and in order to fulfill the mission of the Church, we …

Celebrating Women Religious During National Catholic Sisters Week
March 8, 2019

National Catholic Sisters Week (NCSW) is an annual celebration that takes place from March 8 through March 14. Created to honor women religious, it is a week to bring greater focus and attention to the lives of these incredible women and to recognize all they have done for their communities, the world, and the Church.  …

Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions
March 6, 2019

Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …

New Saint Leo University Poll Shows Candy, Sweets Top Lenten Sacrifices
March 5, 2019

Christians, Catholics to Take Part in 40-Day Observance, Poll Indicates SAINT LEO, FL –Americans say they will stash the Reese’s Cups and drop their daily Dunkin doughnuts as Lent begins Wednesday (March 6) and they give up candy, sweets, and chocolate for 40 days. A new Saint Leo University Polling Institute survey shows that 29.2 …

A Weekend of Healing and Hope with Immaculée Ilibagiza
March 4, 2019

All are invited to attend the “A Weekend of Healing and Hope with Immaculé Ilibagiza” retreat on Friday, March 8 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The retreat is being hosted by the Magnificat St. Petersburg Florida Chapter. Tickets and itinerary information are available through …

Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Says Senate Rejection of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act should horrify and anger the American people
February 27, 2019

WASHINGTON–Monday night, the Senate failed to advance the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.  The …

Sign Up for New Daily Scripture Reflection from the Diocese of St. Petersburg
February 27, 2019

You are invited to sign up to receive daily Scripture reflections on Courageously Living the Gospel that will provide suggestions and prayers for more boldly living your faith! You can choose to receive the reflections via email or text starting on Wednesday, March 13. Sign up to be courageous, visit www.dosp.org/be-courageous-daily-reflection.

Obituary ~ February 25, 2019
February 25, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Mary (Collofello) Munchalfen Mrs. Mary (Collofello) Munchalfen, 90, mother of Terri Wiles, from the diocesan Accounting Office at the Pastoral Center,  went home to the Lord on February 17, 2019.  Please keep Terri and her family in your …

Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes on the Global “Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church”
February 25, 2019

“The historic Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church enabled the global leadership of the Catholic Church to clearly hear the voices of victims of sexual abuse. Those voices will forever influence our decisions so that no one will again feel the pain of being abused and the additional wounds of being abandoned or …