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, …

Rev. Thomas G. Sarnecki
September 16, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Reverend Thomas G. Sarnecki, age 92, retired priest of the Diocese of Scranton, PA, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Bay Pines V.A. Hospital.  He served as Chaplain at Bay Pines VA Hospital from 2008 – 2014, when he retired at age 82, and remained in …

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. …

Mr. Zacharia Weria Kiwale
September 9, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Zacharia Weria Kiwale, 102, passed away in the Lord on August 28, 2024, while hospitalized in his native Moshi, Tanzania.  Mr. Kiwale is the father of Reverend Theobald (Theo) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Elizabeth (101 …

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 …

Mrs. Emilia Amadi
May 13, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has just learned of the sudden death of Mrs. Emilia Amadi, mother of Reverend Cosmas Amadi, Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa.  Mrs. Amadi passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Rev. Cosmas …

Mr. John Welsh
May 13, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word from Reverend Garry Welsh, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio, that his brother, Mr. John Welsh, 61, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  Mr. Welsh resided in Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom and is survived by his wife, Carol, and their four …

Announcements ~ May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry CourageCourage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.  To see our Goals please visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/life/courage-ministry/. This confidential support ministry is sponsored by our …

Dr. John O’Brien ~ Update
May 6, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Dr. John O’Brien, brother of Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, earlier this morning, May 6, 2024, following a lengthy illness. Mr. O’Brien did not live locally. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Thomas …

Mrs. Antonina (Nina) Rosin
May 6, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Nina Rosin,, 85, mother of Reverend Richard Rosin, Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York, after a prolonged illness. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Massapequa Park, New York, on …

Ms. Patricia Landry
April 29, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the passing of Ms. Patricia Anne Landry on April 13, 2024 at the age of 79.  Patricia was first and foremost an educator and life-long learner.  She earned masters degrees in Religious Studies and Educational Leadership. Patricia became a sister in the Adorers of the Blood of Christ …

Announcements ~ April 29, 2024
April 29, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry CourageCourage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.  To see our Goals please visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/life/courage-ministry/. This confidential support ministry is sponsored by our …

Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2024
April 17, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2024, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Paul Kochu, from Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, granted retirement status. Reverend Eric G. Peters, from Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey, granted retirement status. …

Mr. Thomas Washburn
April 15, 2024

We received word from our Vocations Office that Mr. Thomas C. Washburn, 82, of Port Richey, passed away on Friday evening, April 12, 2024. Mr. Washburn is the father of Mr. Vincent Washburn, a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, currently enrolled at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach. He is also …

Announcements ~ April 15, 2024
April 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Youth Minister-Meet UpThe Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry invites all those acting as youth ministers to a Youth Minister Meet-Up on April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Youth Room,  1955 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater.   This event will consist of a short reflection on planning for effective youth ministry …

Announcements ~ April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how you …

Mrs. Alice Flanagan
April 2, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mrs. Alice Flanagan, 96, on March 27, 2024.  Mrs. Flanagan is the mother of Ms. Sheila Osorio,  Receptionist and Bulletin Editor at St. Brendan Catholic Church, Clearwater Beach and of Ms. Kathleen Flanagan, teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Dunedin. The Funeral Mass will …

Announcements ~ April 2, 2024
April 2, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how …

Miss Patricia A. Vigue
April 2, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Miss Patricia A. Vigue, on March 20, 2024. In 2001, Pat prepared a sample obituary for herself. Much of the obituary below was penned by her own hand and heart. Patricia Vigue, long known as Miss Pat to her students and colleagues, passed away on March …

Mercedes Cedeño-Pitre ~ Update
March 25, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Mrs. Mercedes Cedeño, 65, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Mercedes worked at Transfiguration Parish as the Director of Religious Education from 2013 to 2019. In 2019, she was hired as the Administrative Assistant for Intercultural Ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. She completed …