Announcements ~ March 2, 2026
March 2, 2026

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Ministries of Missionary Discipleship 2026 CRS Rice Bowl Local Grant Awardees The Office of Ministries of Missionary Discipleship is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s local CRS Rice Bowl grants. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for …

Mr. Robert G. Genung
February 23, 2026

The Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mr. Robert G. Genung, 96, on Tuesday,  February 17, 2026 after having suffered a massive stroke on January 31st.  Mr. Genung was the father of Pam Nagle, wife of retired Deacon Richard Nagle.  Funeral Mass was celebrated in private and burial will take place at a later …

Announcements ~ February 23, 2026
February 23, 2026

PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS Concert with Tony Melendez Award-winning vocalist and songwriter, Tony Melendez, visits St. Cecelia Catholic Church, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater, from February 27 through March 1, 2026.  All are welcome to this free event! Free will offerings accepted. For more information please contact Kim P. at 727-447-3494 ext. 124. Promotional flyer at this link:  https://shorturl.at/qwaRL. …

Announcements ~ February 17, 2026
February 17, 2026

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage ConferenceMarried and engaged couples are invited to the third annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz.  This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your spouse …

Mr. Virgilio Cotto ~ Updated
February 17, 2026

The Office of the Chancellor received news about the passing of Mr. VirgiIio Cotto, 84, on Monday, February 16, 2026.  Mr. Cotto was the grandfather of Jasmine Pujol, Administrative Assistant of the Diocesan Office of Vocations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita Colón and Virgilio Cotto; his sister, Judith Cotto; his brother, …

Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Sobiesiak
February 17, 2026

The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Sobiesiak, 80, into eternal life on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while under Hospice care following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.  Monsignor Sobiesiak was a retired priest of the Diocese of Allentown, who relocated to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg in 2016, …

Deacon Greg Kovalesky
February 9, 2026

The Diaconate Office informs with great sadness that Deacon Greg Kovalesky passed away on January 26, 2026.   Deacon Kovalesky was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in June of 1997.  He ministered at St. Paul Parish in Tampa and he and his wife, Jay, were very involved in our Diaconate Formation Program.  They eventually …

Sister Mary Deborah Carlin, SND
February 9, 2026

The Chancellor’s Office received news of the passing of Sister Mary Deborah Carlin, SND, on February 6, 2026.  Sister Carlin served in the St. Petersburg Diocese for 28 years at: 1984-1991 at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, teaching Religion; 1991-2000 at Our Lady of Lourdes School as Director of Catechetical Ministry; and 2000-2012 at Guardian …

Mr. Michael A. Dee
January 26, 2026

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Michael (Mike) A. Dee on January 7, 2026.  Mr. Dee worked for Spirit FM in the late 1990’s into early 2000’s where he served as announcer and producer.  Mike’s wife Maggie, who preceded him in death in 2012, served at St. Patrick Catholic School in …

Dr. Robert P. Iler
January 20, 2026

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. Robert Paul “Bob” Iler on January 16, 2026, one day short of his 95th birthday, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Iler was the husband of Mrs. Sharon Iler, former director of the Diocesan Respect Life Office. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, …

Ms. Susan Thomas
January 5, 2026

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Ms. Susan Thomas on December 19, 2025 after a brief illness.  Born May 28, 1951, in Tampa Florida, Susan was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names.  She furthered her education at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, graduating with a BA in English.  …

Mrs. Daisy David Vazhappilly
January 5, 2026

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Daisy David Vazhappilly, 80, mother of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, FSSE, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in India, following a brief hospitalization and rapid decline in health.  Sister Sherly is the Vicar for Religious of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Sister Sherly will travel to India …

Announcements ~ December 22, 2025
December 22, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend SPEND A WEEKEND EXPLORING a communication technique that could change your good marriage into a GREAT marriage. Apply today to attend the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Experience to be held at the Franciscan Center in Tampa, February 6-8, 2026. Learn about love that isn’t a chance, but a CHOICE—live your best …

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA
December 8, 2025

The Vicar for Religious Office informs of the passing of Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA,  on November 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, surrounded by her Sisters.  She was a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco) for 61 years. Sr. Mary was born to Augustus and …

Reverend Steve Pujdak, S.C.J.
November 17, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Reverend Steve Pujdak, 82, on Wednesday, November 12, in Dunedin. Father Pujdak was residing at the Priests of the Sacred Heart Residence in Pinellas Park. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Fr. Steve professed his first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in 1962.  His …

Mr. Paul J. Friederich ~ Update
November 3, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Paul Joseph Friederich, 92, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home.  Mr. Friederich was the father of Diane Kledzik, Director of Marriage and Family Life at the Pastoral Center, and a parishioner of St. Patrick Parish, Largo for over 62 years. Mr. Friederich is survived by his wife, Janet, of …

Mrs. Halina Gazdowicz
November 2, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office sadly informs the passing of Mrs. Halina Gazdowicz, age 76, on October 31, 2025 in Poland after a short battle with cancer.  Mrs. Gazdowicz is the mother of Rev. Krzysztof Gazdowicz, Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her husband, Józef, their three children: Beata, Father …

Announcements ~ October 27, 2025
October 27, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual White Mass The Annual White Mass for physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals in our Diocese will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Bishop Gregory Parkes will preside at this 4:00 pm Vigil Mass in the Chapel of Christ the King Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. Following the White Mass, there will be …

Mr. Jeffrey Kraus
October 20, 2025

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Kraus, age 75, on October 10, 2025.  Mr. Kraus was the father of Nicole Bubolz, Accounting Manager, Diocese of St. Petersburg.  He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his loving children: Lynn Kraus, Nicole (Ross) Bubolz, …

Mr. La Van Pham
September 15, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Mr. La Van Pham, 74 years old, father of Mr. Hung Pham, Executive Director of Construction and Real Estate, on September 9, 2025. Funeral Services are as follows: Friday, September 26th – Visitation at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, from 4:00 …

Clergy Appointment ~ September 8, 2025
September 8, 2025

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective September 8, 2025: APPOINTMENTReverend Yovanny Calderon Silva [Diocese of El Vigia-San Carlos del Zulia, Venezuela] to Parochial Vicar of St. Rita Parish, Dade City.

Clergy Change ~ September 2, 2025
September 2, 2025

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective September 1, 2025: APPOINTMENTReverend Edwin Palka, from Administrator pro tempore of Epiphany of Our Lord Shrine, Tampa, to the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, serving with permission as Chaplain to the Filiae Laboris Mariae religious congregation in Redfield, Kansas, in the Diocese …

Reverend Raymond Lettre
September 2, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office recently learned that Reverend Raymond Arthur Lettre, 95, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away in the Lord late Friday evening, August 29, 2025, at Sturgill Hospice Care Center, in Brooksville, following a steady decline in health in recent months. Father Lettre was born to Emile and Georgiana …

Announcements ~ September 2, 2025
September 2, 2025

  DIOCESAN OFFICES 2026 Spirit FM Catholic Women’s ConferenceWomen from across the Diocese are invited to a day of faith, fellowship, and renewal at the Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference. The event includes Mass, inspiring speakers, uplifting music, and time for prayer and reflection. Vendors and ministries will also be present.  Breakfast and lunch will …

Clergy Changes ~ August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments, effective August 20, 2025 unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Felipe Gonzalez, J.C.L., from Pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport, to Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City. Very Reverend Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L. will continue as Parochial Administrator until …

Announcements ~ August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES An Invitation from the Office of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute Ask yourself: Could God be calling me to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister in His Church? For anyone interested in attending the LPMI Year of Discernment, the registration form and program information can be found on the LPMI web site at: https://www.dosp.org/lpmi/year-of-discernment/ …