“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 …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement on the final day of a four-day meeting attended by Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences from across the globe. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The Lord is near to all who call …
The “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting concludes with a Press Briefing in the Vatican and the announcement of concrete commitments and initiatives to protect children and to combat abuse. By Vatican News There have been four Press Conferences, coinciding with the four days of the Meeting. Each one has provided a synthesis of the …
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Over 900 sixth graders from Catholic schools across the five counties of the Diocese of St. Petersburg participated in the annual Focus 11 program February 12 -13 at St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa. A major part of this vocations awareness retreat is hearing from men and women who have said yes to God’s call to …
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In a major address on Sunday, Pope Francis contextualizes the “scourge” of abuse, and appeals for an “all-out battle against the abuse of minors, both sexually and in other areas.” By Vatican News “The time has come, then, to work together to eradicate the evil” of child abuse, Pope Francis said, in a speech delivered …
Following the lead of Pope Francis, Catholic Relief Services invites Catholics across the country to take part in the second year of Share the Journey, a global campaign launched by the pope to raise awareness and inspire action on behalf of migrants and refugees worldwide. This Lent, the Operation Rice Bowl Program has been formatted to …
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On February 13, 2019, volunteers from St. Anne Parish in Ruskin packed up their refrigerated trailer and headed to nearby Hillsborough Community College (HCC) to offer free food for the first time, serving a population that is sometimes overlooked. There is a need among students and staff who are “barely getting by,” according to Paul …
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A Press Conference at the Holy See Press Office presents the “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting, which will take place in the Vatican, between 21 and 24 February 2019. By Barbara Castelli Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna is Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a member of the …
A Press Conference at the Holy See Press Office presents the “Protection of Minors in the Church” Meeting, which will take place in the Vatican, between 21 and 24 February 2019. By Barbara Castelli Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna is Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a member of the …
The Holy See announces sanctions against former American Cardinal, Theodore Edgar McCarrick, including dismissal from the clerical state. By Vatican News The Holy Press Office has published a statement from the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, concerning the case of Theodore Edgar McCarrick. The Congresso of the CDF, which investigated the accusations, …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Rev. Msgr. James C. Lara Monsignor James Carreras Lara, 84, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019, from a sudden heart attack while in the hospital near his home in Spain. Monsignor “Jaime” Lara was ordained for the Diocese of …
February 16, 2019 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding Theodore McCarrick. Cardinal DiNardo’s Full Statement Follows: “The Holy See’s announcement regarding Theodore McCarrick is a clear signal that abuse …
Parish leaders are meeting throughout the month of February to review the results of a survey that provides insight into how they are fulfilling the mission of the Church that Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Last Fall, 30 parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg participated in …
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Over 280 couples from 57 parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg celebrated milestone anniversaries by renewing their vows and receiving a special blessing on Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Paul and Janet Friederich of St. Patrick Parish in Largo have attended the Marriage Jubilee Mass 11 …
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Sold Out Event Raised Over $350,000 for Tuition Assistance More than 600 individuals representing parishes, schools and local businesses gathered together at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on February 2 for the Catholic Foundation’s 15th Annual Gala in support of Catholic education and tuition assistance programs. “It is our privilege to help hundreds of students …
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On February 11, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg received notice that Father Roman Gromala has been listed by the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut as a priest with a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor. Before relocating to Florida, Father Gromala was ordained in 1950 and served in the Diocese of Norwich …
The bishops of Florida join with Catholics and others of goodwill in reacting in horror and disgust to the recently passed law in New York State that legalizes abortion essentially for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy?and removes any protection for children born alive after abortion.?Sadly, similar bills were proposed in Virginia and …
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The Holy Season of Lent will be observed starting March 6, Ash Wednesday and continues until the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer, service and charity, and sacrifice through fasting. For ideas on celebrating Lent …
Click here to view the English PDF. Spanish PDF Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Like many of you, I have been sickened at the legislation that was recently passed in New York, and proposed legislation debated in Virginia. In New York State, The Reproductive Health Act, as it is called, makes it legal …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Deacon Anthony “Tony” Kijonka Deacon Anthony “Tony” Kijonka, 89, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife, Imogene, in 2000. Deacon Tony was ordained for the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey on October 15, …
Sabrina Burton Schultz, Catholic Relief Services’ Diocesan Director for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida is the recipient of the 2019 CRS Rice Bowl award. Schultz is being recognized for her efforts to increase local involvement and generate new funds through CRS Rice Bowl. “This award is actually for the Diocesan Office of Life, …
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More than 100 representatives from parishes across the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered for training workshops on January 15 & 16 to gain more insight into developing Parish Action Plans that align to Courageously Living the Gospel. “The workshop was a helpful experience – especially hearing about other parish’s challenges and how they are brainstorming …
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The Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) was established on February 1, 1969, as an agency of the Catholic bishops of Florida. The five founding bishops served the four dioceses comprising the Province of Miami at the time: Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll of Miami; Bishop Paul F. Tanner of St. Augustine; Bishop William D. Borders of Orlando; …
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, KS and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities has issued the following statement in response to the introduction of a bill in the Virginia legislature that would allow a baby to be aborted at nine months. Although the bill was defeated there, a similar bill …
The Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy in the Diocese of St. Petersburg has heard from concerned parishioners regarding the extreme abortion law in New York which will end the lives of more unborn children and scar women and families. The faithful are shocked and heartbroken. “We have received emails and phone calls and people are wondering what we …
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Commitment to Student-Veterans, Active Duty Military, Families Recognized ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University recently was named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2019-2020 in the category of private institutions offering doctoral degrees. Saint Leo is ranked seventh in the nation as a Military Friendly® School. Now in its 10th …
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Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services USA and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, have issued the following statement in response to the January 27 bombings in and around the Cathedral of …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops Condemn Philippine Cathedral Bombings as “Act of Terrorism” “
On Saturday, January 26, the first Catholic Church in Cuba to be built in 60 years was dedicated. St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa helped make it all possible. In 2010, St. Lawrence initiated a fundraising campaign for the church with parishioners and Cubans from throughout Tampa and the country contributing. They raised $95,000, most of …
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On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, eight students from Corpus Christi Catholic School in Temple Terrace participated in STEMpalooza, a STEM competition sponsored by the Hillsborough County Association of Elementary Science Teachers. The 2nd and 3rd grade team competed in the Robot Maze and Obstacle Course and earned gold medals! The 4th and 5th grade team …
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There are 48 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to more than 12,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. These students shine year-round but one week each year is devoted to highlighting what makes Catholic schools so special. National Catholic …
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After nine months of construction, the expanded Christ the King Catholic Church reopened its doors the weekend of January 19 & 20. The parish of over 3,500 families had been using a parish hall as their place of worship since construction began last spring, the day after Easter. (Photo above courtesy of Christ the King …
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Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released January 16. Saint Leo ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor’s degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota, …
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March 26-27, 2019 Make the Trip to the Capitol and Make a Difference. I hope that you will consider joining us in Tallahassee to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of …
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 …
Clergy Appointment Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective January 15, 2019: RELIEVING Upon notification by Very Reverend Michael Rock, O. de M., Provincial Superior of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (Mercedarian Order), Reverend Michael Donovan, O. de M., from Parochial Vicar pro tempore …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Anne E. Morris The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mrs. Anne E. Morris, 86, on Sunday, January 13, 2019, while under Hospice care. Mrs. Morris is the mother of Monsignor Robert Morris, Vicar General and Pastor …
The bishops of Florida recently released a statement in advance of this year’s Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Tuesday, January 22nd. Click for English PDF or Spanish PDF. “So great is the value of a human life, and so inalienable the right to life of an innocent child growing in …
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential, non-judgmental help is available from Project Rachel, a ministry that fosters forgiveness, hope and healing through a loving relationship with God. For more information, contact Catholic Charities at 813-924-4173 or via email to projectrachel@ccdosp.org. Catholic Charities in the Diocese of St. Petersburg oversees the …
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Youth and young adults from the Tampa Bay area are about to experience a life-changing event: World Youth Day in Panama, January 22-27. This encounter with the pope, Jesus and thousands of other Catholics is a time of deep and spiritual renewal. More than 200,000 participants from 155 countries are expected at this year’s World …
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More than 300 students and chaperones are heading to Washington D.C. for the 46th national March for Life that will take place Friday, January 18. Speakers include Abby Johnson, a pro-life activist who formerly worked for Planned Parenthood and Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The March for …
Bishop Joseph Vásquez, of Austin, Texas, Chairman of the Committee on Migration issued the following statement calling for the President and Congressional leaders to create a border solution and end the government shut-down. Bishop Vasquez’s full statement follows: “Secure borders and humane treatment of those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life are not mutually exclusive. …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Deacon Robert “Bob” Simpson Deacom Simpson passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peg” of 63 years. Deacon Bob was ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre on June 9, 1979. He …
Now in its ninth season, the 2019 WINTER CONCERT SERIES at Saint Mary, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Saint Petersburg will begin on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm. The opening concert will feature the Lumina Voce Youth Choirs, a Tampa-based ensemble with an offering of music for the post-Christmas and winter …
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Baptism calls us to lead others to new or increased faith in Jesus Christ and often this takes courage. This is true for all people and especially our catechists, those parishioners who have a desire in their heart to teach the Catholic faith to young people enrolled in a parish faith formation program. The Diocese …
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A major focus of our mutually-shared vision is to accompany youth and young adults to help them be courageous in their faith. Ryan Phelan, the Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is tasked with helping parishes understand this process of accompaniment that is highlighted in the Vision. Pope Francis has often spoken about …
In an effort to align with the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Vision of Courageously Living the Gospel, a re-structured Office of Marriage and Family Life has been established to help parishes provide more effective evangelization and family ministry strategies, one of the goals set forth by the vision’s action plan. This new emphasis on marriage …
It has been nearly six months since Bishop Gregory Parkes announced the mutually-shared vision of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Courageously Living the Gospel. Parish, schools and diocesan leaders have been learning about the priorities and goals of the vision and prayerfully discerning how they can contribute to the vision, renew their faith and boldly …
Continue reading “New Year, New Training Opportunities for Parish Leaders”
Father Justin Paskert is often seen on the campus of USF sitting on a bench waiting to hear confessions and offer God’s healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. When “business” is slow, he passes the time by praying for the students who are strolling the campus. This idea of praying for random students led him to spearhead …
Continue reading ““Pray for USF Students” Campaign Garners Thousands of Prayers”
As we await the birth of our Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, we strive to remember the true meaning of the season. As there are many people in our community who will be going without Christmas gifts or even basic everyday necessities, many of our parish and school communities have taken to heart those words …
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg has become aware that people are impersonating Bishop Parkes on Instagram and asking for money via private and direct messaging features. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using the private message feature of Instagram. Please block and report any suspicious activity to Instagram and do not respond. …
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Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective January 1, 2019: RELIEVING Upon notification by Very Reverend Joseph O’Reilly, I.C., Provincial Superior of the Institute of Charity (Rosminian Order), Reverend Christopher Fuse, I.C., from Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole. Father Fuse has been appointed as Provincial Superior …
On October 8, 2018, Hurricane Michael slammed into the panhandle of Florida, leaving widespread devastation in its path. In the weeks that followed, the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg generously responded by giving over $300,000 for disaster relief. These funds went directly to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida to help with recovery efforts. …
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Terry Oliver will be celebrating Christmas at his Homosassa home this year, after one-year away. Last October, he and his daughter were displaced from his house because of damage sustained from Hurricane Irma. His house was fixed thanks to the partnership between Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS) and …
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