August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …
Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D., recognized graduates of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program as they become a part of Gannon history and received their diplomas at the University’s inaugural Commencement Ceremony at its Ruskin, Florida Campus. The Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 25 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and featured feature keynote …
Continue reading “Inaugural Commencement Ceremony was Held for Gannon University’s Ruskin Campus”
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective September 5, 2018: APPOINTMENTS Upon presentation by Very Reverend Richard L. Davis, Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Reverend James Morman, T.O.R. to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg.
Hundreds of people will be volunteering at the Family Faith Fest to ensure a great experience for all participants. There are some volunteer positions that still need to be filled and the application process is available online: www.familyfaithfest.org/volunteer-information Volunteers are asked to have a welcoming attitude, the joy of the Lord in their hearts and …
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Following the tragic and horrific events of Charlottesville, Virginia one year ago, the Bishops of the United States formed a committee to focus on addressing the sin of racism and the urgent need to come together as a society to find solutions. A new diocesan Racial Justice Committee will address the issue of racism through …
Continue reading “Upcoming Opportunities to Discuss Racial Division”
August 23, 2018 WASHINGTON—To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first and only World Youth Day (WYD) in the United States (in Denver, Colorado, in August 1993), the official World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon will make a five-city tour across the United States in August 2018. From August 19 to 27, the WYD …
Continue reading “World Youth Day Cross Now on Historic Tour of U.S.”
Representatives from various Ministries of Mercy initiatives and programs around the diocese gathered for the annual Mass and luncheon at the Bethany Center in Lutz on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Ministries of Mercy initiatives around our diocese include various parish ministries, the various programs of Catholic Catholic Charities, various chapters of the Society of St. …
Continue reading “Ministries of Mercy Leaders Gather at the Bethany Center”
Early voting is now underway statewide. Learn more about the candidates by viewing their responses to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops candidate questionnaire online at here.. For information about voting times and locations in your area, check with your county Supervisor of Elections here.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. …
Continue reading “Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People of God”
During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement
During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement
Volunteers, including new president, help make the move-in process easy ST, LEO, FL – Home sweet home: More than 700 new students moved to Saint Leo University’s main campus on Thursday, August 16. They were welcomed by orientation leaders, faculty, staff, administration, student-athletes, and coaches. As a car loaded with back-to-school gear would pull …
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Close to 30 individuals with experience in affordable housing gathered at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on August 14th to discuss how to address an important community need – housing for low-income, working families and individuals. “We believe every person has the right to a decent place to live and a …
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On Thursday evening (8/15/18), the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, issued the following statement regarding the report of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury issued earlier this week in the United States over the sexual abuse of minors. “Regarding the report made public in Pennsylvania this week, there are two words that can …
Continue reading “Vatican responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury abuse report”
August 16, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a …
I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …
I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …
August 14, 2018 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is hosting a series of meetings this week responding to the broader issue of safe environments within the Church. An update will be offered upon their conclusion. In response to today’s Pennsylvania grand jury report, Cardinal DiNardo …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Mulligan Monsignor Edward J. Mulligan, 87, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and founding pastor of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg and St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater Beach, passed away in the Lord at Suncoast …
On Monday, August 27 from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm all are invited to the Cathedral of St. Jude for ADORE, an evening of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer accompanied by contemporary praise and worship music. “ADORE is a time of adoration, prayer, praise, and worship intended not only for our parish community but for all people within …
Continue reading “The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Announces First-Ever ADORE Event”
Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez’ death sentence to a life …
Continue reading “Catholic bishops urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Jose Antonio Jimenez”
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement noting the steps the U.S. Bishops Conference will take in addressing the failures of the Church in protecting the people of God. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The accusations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick …
Seeking to abolish the death penalty around the world because it is an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Pope Francis has revised the catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267. An article in L’Osservatore Romano (a Vatican newspaper) states that: “With the new formulation of n. 2267 of the Catechism, therefore, the …
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A group will gather to pray for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to give thanks that a stay of execution has been granted for Jose Antonio Jimenez. All members of the community are also invited to join in prayer. When: Tuesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Where: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, …
Continue reading “Prayer Vigil for an End to the Death Penalty will be held on August 14”
As was announced at parishes on June 17, 2018, the new Mutually Shared Vision for the Diocese of St. Petersburg is Courageously Living the Gospel – an invitation for each of us to be bolder in how we live our faith. Our new Vision defines our sacred purpose (also known as a Mission Statement), three …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes Announces Implementation Plan for Courageously Living the Gospel”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting an all-star lineup for the Family Faith Fest, a free music and faith festival event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park and ALL are invited. Appearing on stage will be faith-filled musical artists: Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. …
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Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese Creating Plans for National, International Growth Jeffrey D. Senese was elected as president of Saint Leo University on July 26 by the Board of Trustees. Senese is the university’s 10th president. He has served as the acting president of the university since the retirement of William J. Lennox Jr. on April …
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As Catholics, we are called to carry the values of the Gospel and the teachings of our Church into the public square. As citizens of the United States, we have a duty to participate in the framing and the debate of public issues and in the selection of those who occupy positions of civic leadership. These …
Continue reading “2018 Election & Political Activities Guide is Available”
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. William Joseph Stuart The Chancellor’s Office received word that William Joseph Stuart, 90, stepfather of John Morris, Station Manager of Spirit FM, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, while in the care of Hospice. Mr. Stuart was a …
Pope Francis has ratified the members elected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to represent the United States at the upcoming XV Ordinary General Assembly: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. The Synod will take place October 3-28. The delegates are: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, President of the United …
Local Worldwide Marriage Encounter leaders are planning a Marriage Anniversary Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the founding of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. The gala will be held at Higgins Hall in Tampa on November 10, 2018, in partnership with Spirit FM. The theme of their …
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The Family Faith Fest is an unprecedented free music and faith festival that will provide a day of fun, fellowship and exciting activities for people of all ages. It will also seek to fill an important need in our community—food for the hungry. Our faith calls us to love and care for our neighbors which …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest is Collecting Food for the Hungry”
The only vaccines readily available in the United States for some contagious diseases (e.g., rubella and Hepatitis A) have been manufactured using fetal tissue from induced abortions. However, the FDA recently approved a new shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) that does not use aborted fetal cell lines, and has given it a preferential recommendation over the only …
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The figures on the table appear to be typical wooden dolls that fit perfectly into the hands of a child for a wonderful game of make believe. But these dolls are praying and they are gathered around a tiny altar. The altar is draped with a linen cloth. A miniature chalice and ciborium fit perfectly …
Continue reading “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Lets Children Explore and Discover Christ”
The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities is initiating a Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life. This nine-week effort will include prayer and fasting for the intention that a change in the membership of the Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and …
Continue reading “Novena for Protection of Human Life Begins on August 3”
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Joan Velott The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing on Monday July 2, 2018 of Mrs. Joan Velott, wife of Deacon Pete Velott from All Saint’s Parish in Clearwater; she was 86. The Funeral Mass was held …
July 25, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, a papal encyclical written by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1968 that provides beautiful and clear teaching about God’s plan for married love and the transmission of life. In Humanae Vitae, Blessed Pope Paul VI reflects upon how God designed the nature of married love. …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes (@BishopParkes) is an active tweeter. He uses Twitter and other social media to post about his daily activities, some of which show a more personal side to the pastor in chief of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Now Bishop Gregory Parkes has something new to tweet about. He recently received the award …
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Teens from around Tampa Bay are choosing to spend part of their summer vacation serving others as part of the Good Samaritan Project organized by the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Office of Youth Ministry. “The Good Samaritan Project is a way for me to strengthen my faith in God and to serve others and …
Continue reading “Good Samaritan Teens are Making a Difference During Summer Break”
Through the Family Faith Fest, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will not only offer excellent entertainment and activities free of charge, we will also showcase and bring to light the ministries, people and values that guide our mission as Disciples of Christ in our Education, Ministry and Market Villages. Applications are now being accepted for …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest Seeks Vendors/Exhibitors”
Apostles of the Eucharist Young Adult group is hosting our 3rd annual retreat from July 20 – July 21 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa. Young adults ages 18 – 25 are invited to an amazing weekend to grow in their faith, foster new friendships and take time away from hectic schedules to relax …
Continue reading ““Mounting the Summit” Young Adult Retreat will be held July 20-21″
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2018: APPOINTMENT With the consent of Most Reverend Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, S.V.D., Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom, Ghana, Reverend Philip D. Gyapong to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’Lakes.
Sean Callahan, presidente y CEO de Catholic Relief Services (CRS), escribió lo siguiente como respuesta a la separación de las familias que ha estado ocurriendo en el borde de Estados Unidos y México. Adjunto hay maneras de ayudar a resolver la problemática de dicha separación. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who …
Continue reading “Reflexión del Presidente de Catholic Relief Services sobre la crisis en el borde…”
Teens from around Tampa Bay have chosen to spend part of their summer vacation serving others as part of the Good Samaritan Project (GSP), a week-long service retreat located in our diocese. During GSP, middle and high school teens from around the Diocese work, pray, and have fun together for the betterment of the community and …
Continue reading “Teens Make a Difference During Week One of the Good Samaritan Project”
Sean Callahan, the President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), wrote the following in response to the family separation happening at the US/Mexico border. Included in his reflection are ways that you can help. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who explained the suffering she and her sons faced as they …
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Studies have shown that a strong faith can help you to enjoy a long, healthy life. If you have met Monsignor George Cummings, you would be convinced that this is true! On June 21st, the retired priest gathered with 150 of his closest friends, brother priests and Bishop Gregory Parkes to celebrate his 100th birthday. …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg was recently recognized by the Pinellas County Commission and the Hillsborough County Commission for service to the community during the last 50 years. Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long and County Administrator Mark Woodward presented a proclamation to Bishop Gregory Parkes designating June 17, 2018 as Diocese of St. Petersburg Day. …
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Reverend Carl A. Last September 8, 1942 – June 30, 2018 We sadly report the passing of Reverend Carl A. Last, age 75, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Pepin Heart Institute, Tampa. (more…) (Posted June 26, 2018) Updated July 5, 2018 Reverend Kevin …
Who: Bishop Gregory Parkes, Hispanic Catholics and clergy What: Annual Hispanic Mass, to be celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Carmel of the Maipú, the patroness of Chile. When: Saturday, October 14, 4:00 p.m. Where: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg Why: The annual Hispanic Mass is …
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Bishop Parkes, per the recommendation of the Seminarian Admission Board, has accepted four new seminarians who will begin their seminary studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in August. The new seminarians are as follows: Paul Ciulei – home parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin Phillip Dvorak – home parish: St. John Vianney, St. …
Bishop Gregory Parkes will lead a prayer vigil for an end to the separation of families at the U.S./Mexico Border and to lift up the hearts of those families who have already been separated. When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 8:30 p.m. (World Refugee Day) Where: San Jose Mission, 3204 San Diego Lane, Dover, …
The ongoing practice of separating children from their parents has already, as of May, left nearly 2000 children separated from their parents. As Bishop Parkes reminds us, as a nation and people of faith, we can and must do better. FIVE WAYS TO HELP STOP FAMILY SEPARATION Pray: You can find a prayer for migrant children here. On Wednesday, June …
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Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2018: APPOINTMENTS Upon presentation by Very Reverend Paul Kahan, S.V.D., Provincial Superior of the Society of the Divine Word, Reverend Chien Dinh, S.V.D. to Administrator of St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission, Tampa. RELIEVING Reverend Ryan Boyle, J.C.L., from Parochial …