Announcements – December 2, 2024
December 2, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage ConferenceMarried and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, FL. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your spouse and discover God’s plan for …

Announcements ~ November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Retirement Fund for Religious Collection December 7-8, 2024 Donations to this collection, will provide for the essential care, medicine, and daily needs of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have served for decades—usually for little to no pay.  Show your appreciation by supporting those who have given a lifetime. Donate to …

Clergy Changes ~ November 4, 2024
November 4, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Peter Okojie, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, as Chaplain for the African and Black Catholic Community in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective October 29, 2024, while continuing all other assignments. Deacon John Carter, from the …

Mr. Daniel T. Wright
October 28, 2024

We received word that Mr. Daniel T. Wright, of Gerald, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, after a long battle with liver disease and cancer. He is the brother of Mr. David Wright, Planning and Research Consultant for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Daniel is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon, …

Mr. Jairo Restrepo
October 21, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has recently learned of the death of Mr. Jairo Restrepo, on October 16, 2024, in Medellin, Colombia.  Mr. Restrepo is the brother of Reverend Nelson Restrepo, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Tampa. Funeral services took place on, October 17, 2024, in Colombia. Please keep Father Restrepo in your prayers as he travels …

Announcements ~ October 15, 2024
October 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Financial Contributions The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is an ongoing fund offering assistance to people impacted by natural disasters as they occur: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Since 2017, this fund has provided nearly $2 million dollars in disaster relief. Disasters occur quickly and unexpectedly, and our fund allows …

Announcements ~ October 7, 2024
October 4, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES FCCB General Election Resources A series of helpful election materials and guidelines from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) may be found at this link.: https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines.  Voter Guides in English and Spanish are included on the link. To view a voter guidance video from Bishop Parkes, please click here: https://shorturl.at/tD8s6. A Gulf …

Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock
September 30, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock, 82, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024.  Mrs. Cheslock is the mother of Sue Huertas, former Administrative Coordinator for the Offices of the Diaconate and Prison Ministry, and mother-in-law of Deacon Wil Huertas, Business Administrator of St. Cecelia Parish. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cheslock are …

Deacon Stephen F. Sablone
September 30, 2024

The Diaconate Office received word that Deacon Stephen F. Sablone, 79, a retired deacon of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord in Monday, September 23, 2024, while under Hospice care in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Deacon Sablone was ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and …

Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC
September 30, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC, 69, retired, long-time Catholic Charities employee, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2024.  Sr. Pam was the long-time leader of our Elderly Housing program and opened Mercy House (transitional housing for HIV/AIDS positive women) in 1997. Locally,  there will be a Mass of Resurrection, on …

Mr. Jose Attias
September 23, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jose Attias, 75, on September 16, 2024, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was the father of Mrs. Elena Attias, Administrative Assistant for Finance and Human Resources Offices at the Pastoral Center.  Mr. Attias was an Accountant and Lawyer in the Dominican Republic. The funeral …

Mr. Raymond E. Bassett
September 16, 2024

  The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mr. Raymond Eugene Bassett, age 80, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.   A master photographer, he was well known and trusted by families and companies in the Tampa Bay Area for more than 60 years.  Ray photographed bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, business portraits, passport photos, …

Mrs. Rita Conlin
September 16, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Rita M. Conlin, 61, on Sunday, September 15, 2024 after a battle with cancer.  She served as secretary at St. Rita Catholic Church, Dade City for many years.  Mrs. Conlin is survived by her husband, David, and other family members. All funeral services will take …

Announcements ~ September 16, 2024
September 16, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …

Clergy Appointment ~ September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment: Very Rev. Dermot J. Dunne, V.F. as Administrator pro tempore of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, effective September 14, 2024, continuing with all other assignments.

Deacon Michael J. Solomon
September 9, 2024

The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Deacon Michael Joseph Solomon, 86, on September 3, 2024.   He was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and served at Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa, from 1997 to 2008.  He was incardinated into the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, in January of 2010. …

Announcements ~ September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …

Dr. George L. Bondar
September 3, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. George L. Bondar, D.O., 70, husband of the late Cathryn (Cathi) Bondar (d. 6/5/2021), long-time employee of St. Patrick Parish, Largo and bookkeeper/financial consultant to many parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Dr. Bondar died suddenly on Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was …

Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong
September 3, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong, father of Reverend Anthony Nyong, C.M., Chaplain at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg and in residence at St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg.   Mr. Nyong passed away in the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements have …

Announcements ~ September 3, 2024
September 3, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Together in Holiness Formation Series – Married CouplesThe Together in Holiness Formation series is a year-round marriage enrichment, specifically designed for those in their early years of marriage or with children in the home. If you’re looking to be a part of a small community of couples where you receive formation, support, and tools not …

Rev. Rafael E. Martos ~ Update
August 19, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Rafael Eduardo Martos Nimer, 64, Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Advent Health Hospital, Tampa, following a months-long battle with cancer. Father Martos was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and was ordained to the priesthood …

Mrs. Norma Signore
August 19, 2024

We have received word that Mrs. Norma Signore, 106, mother of Pastoral Center’s retired employee Phil Signore, passed away  on July 31 2024. She was a life-long Roman Catholic, a member of Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater, for 42 years, and a member of St. Michael The Archangel Parish, Clearwater, since 2023.  She was an …

Clergy Changes ~ Incardination
August 19, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardinations: Reverend Rafael Martos, [formerly of Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba], Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective August 15, 2024. Reverend Jesús Martínez, [formerly Diocese of Santa Clara, Cuba], Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia …

Mrs. Katharina Chacko
August 19, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Katharina Chacko, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in India. Mrs. Chacko is the mother of Reverend Saji James, M.S.T., Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her seven children and other extended family members. …

Mrs. Sheryl Boyle
August 19, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Sheryl Boyle, 73, mother of Reverend Ryan Boyle, J.C.L., a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on loan to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. Mrs. Boyle passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Mrs. Boyle is survived by her spouse of …

Ms. Rowena G. Wilkinson
August 6, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Ms. Rowena G. Wilkinson, 70, passed away on June 5, 2024, after an extended illness.  Ms. Wilkinson worked as a music director at several Catholic parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) Program, earning her Foundational Pastoral Ministry Leadership certificate. Early …

Announcements ~ August 6, 2024
August 6, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Homeless Clients of Catholic Charities and others are Impacted by Hurricane Debby While spared a direct hit, some of our local families, individuals, charities, parishes, and schools are trying to recover from flooding and storm damage. Hurricane Debby has caused significant damage at two homeless shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese …

Ms. Crystal Dunn
July 22, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Ms. Crystal Dunn, 73, of Treasure Island, on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Tampa General Hospital.  She was a long time organist and vocalist at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach, and also worked as Music Director at Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, and …

Reverend Denis Kitenge
July 22, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Denis Kitenge, 60, passed away in the Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief hospitalization for complications due to melanoma. Father Kitenge was a priest of the Diocese of Tshumbe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, who served in residence at Our Lady …

Announcements ~ July 22, 2024
July 22, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Community Impact Grant Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2024 cycle of the Community Impact Grant Program. This program, funded through donations to the annual End of Year Giving Challenge and administered by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, will provide awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to …

Clergy Changes ~ July 22, 2024
July 22, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2024: APPOINTMENT Reverend Allan C. Tupa to Vicar Forane of the East Central Deanery, continuing all other assignments.

Announcements – July 8, 2024
July 8, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Atrévete Retreat for Spanish-speaking Young Adults Pastoral Juvenil Hispana of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, is offering the Atrévete Retreat in Spanish for Hispanic young adults between 18-35 years old. The retreat will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 10110 N. Central Avenue, Tampa, from October 25 …

Mrs. Ruth Stentz
June 24, 2024

We received news of the passing of Mrs. Ruth Stentz, 97, grandmother of Brittany DeHaan, Communications Coordinator, Diocesan Office of Communications, on June 17, 2024. She lived a long life as a faithful Catholic. She was preceded in death by her husband Milton and is survived by her two children (Jane and MaryAnne), three of …

Mrs. Many Blaney
June 24, 2024

The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Blaney, wife of the late Deacon Jim Blaney, St. Luke the Evangelist, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at age 95. She was a long-time member of Our Holy Redeemer Parish, New York, where she worked in the school for many years, and of St. Luke’s, Palm …

Summer Schedule
June 5, 2024

Pastoral Bulletin Summer Schedule Beginning on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and throughout the summer months, the Pastoral Bulletin will be published every two weeks.  The summer schedule is as follows: June 10 and 24; July 8 and 22; August 5 and 19. The weekly schedule will resume on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. May you have …

Announcements ~ May 28, 2024
May 28, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES New Parish Resources Available for Effort to Defeat Amendment Four A new video from Bishop Gregory Parkes titled, “Four Reasons to Vote No on Amendment 4” and other resources to educate Catholics about Amendment 4 are now available on the Diocese of St. Petersburg website. Visit, www.dosp.org/voteno to view these materials and to …