DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Dangers of Cell Phone Cameras Cell phones with photographic capability are a mixed blessing. Forget your camera? Whip out the cell phone, and your toddler’s first step, friend’s goofy mishap, or fenderbender is captured for posterity. But cell phones are also being used in a sinister way—to silently take pictures …
Reverend Francis Brou, S.J., 92, former faculty member of Jesuit High School, Tampa, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 19, 2021, at the infirmary for the Central and Southern Province of the Jesuits, in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Father Brou entered the Society of Jesus 74 years ago and dedicated the past 60 years of his …
Mr. Nelson Darnell, 69, Sales Manager at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 20, 2021, at Morton Plant Hospital, from complications due to COVID-19. Mr. Darnell served at Calvary for over 18 years before falling ill earlier this month. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, and is …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod-It’s a Church Thing The Catholic Church is journeying together to grow in communion, participation and mission as we look towards the future. This process, called for by Pope Francis, is known as the Synod on Synodality. Synod is an ancient word in the Tradition of the Church, whose meaning draws on the …
The Chancellor’s Office has once again received the sad news of the passing of yet another priest. Reverend Roger Labonte, M.Afr., 86, passed away in the Lord on Monday, October 11, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. Since November 2019, Father Labonte was in residence at the Missionaries of Africa Residence, in St. Petersburg, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Third Annual Diocesan African Mass The African Catholics Ministry invites all to celebrate the third annual Diocesan African Mass. The Mass will be presided by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes on November 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg. Come and experience …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Vicente Tomas C. Vera, 56, brother of Reverend Jude Vera, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, in the Philippines. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. Please keep Father Vera and his loved ones in your …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Reverend Michael Rock, O. de M., 62, Vicar Provincial of the Mercedarian Friars, U.S.A., on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Funeral Masses will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in Philadelphia, where he had been serving as Pastor, and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Mass of the Angels The annual Mass of the Angels for children (born or unborn) who have gone to be with the Lord, will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the St. James Chapel at Bethany Center (18150 Bethany Center Drive Lutz). Families are invited to bring a …
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Sherry Nash, mother of Deacon Greg Nash, of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The funeral services will take place in Ohio and a memorial will be planned local at a later date. Expressions of sympathy made be sent to Deacon …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend Roger Bisson, M. Afr., 94, a member of the Missionaries of Africa, on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. Father Bisson was a native of New Hampshire. He attended high school and college in Worcester, MA, and completed his seminary …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to the Opening Mass for the “Synod on Synodality” Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate an opening Mass for the local phase of a worldwide consultation process in the Catholic Church known as the “Synod on Synodality.” The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mrs. Georgina Hernández Serralta, 98, mother of Father Ramón Hernández, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed into the loving arms of God early this morning, Monday, September 27, 2021, while under Hospice care at Costa del Sol Assisted Living Facility, in Tampa. Mrs. Hernández …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Raymond Mann, OFM, 89, a professed friar for 68 years and a priest for 62, died on September 23, 2021 at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, where he had lived for seven years. He had spent his religious life mainly in Massachusetts and Bolivia. Father Mann professed his …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Reverend Antonino (Tony) D’Angelo, S.D.B., 98, a retired member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, in residence at the St. Philip Residence at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at James A. Haley V.A. Hospital, Tampa. Father D’Angelo …
Continue reading “Reverend Antonino (Tony) D’Angelo, S.D.B.”
We informed the sad news that Mrs. Linda Day, 77, grandmother of Reverend Connor Penn, Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021. No funeral arrangements have been made, but a private family service will take place at a later date. Mrs. Day will be buried next to …
We were saddened to receive the news that Mr. Leonard Joseph Mganga, 54, brother of Reverend Claudius Mganga, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, while hospitalized in Tanzania. Mr. Mganga’s death was attributed to pneumonia and COVID-19. Funeral services will take place in Tanzania at …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to the Opening Mass for the “Synod on Synodality” Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate an opening Mass for the local phase of a worldwide consultation process in the Catholic Church known as the “Synod on Synodality.” The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES One Mother One Family Retreat: Unity in Christ through the Blessed Virgin MaryAll are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the One Mother One Family Retreat on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Avenue N.E., Ruskin. This retreat will be a …
We received the sad news from the Spirit FM Radio Station that Mr. James “Jim” Howes, 75, host of the long-running, Sacred Classics program, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Jim was host of Choral Masterpieces and King of Instruments in 1986 in the early days of WBVM Spirit FM. The program morphed into …
DIOCESAN OFFICES One Mother One Family Retreat: Unity in Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the One Mother One Family Retreat on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Avenue N.E., Ruskin. This retreat will be …
We received the sad news that Mr. Stanley J. Berke, 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Mr. Berke was the father of Mr. Chris Berke, Director of Music Ministry of St. Frances X. Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill and Organist/Music Director for our diocesan liturgies. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Friday, September 24, 2021 …
The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers informs that Jeffrey Allen Johnston, 54, passed away in St. Petersburg, on August 25, 2021. He was the husband of Toni Johnston, Administrative Assistant in the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers and the former director of St. Paul’s Children Center, St. Petersburg. Jeffrey was great guy and …
Father Joe Hannon, S.D.B., of the Salesian community at Mary Help of Christians, Tampa, recently informed the Chancellor’s Office of the death of his brother Robert Anthony Hannon, 68, on November 13, 2020, in Bloomington, Indiana, following many years of health struggles. Due to the pandemic, funeral services for Mr. Hannon were delayed, but have …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Francisco Julio Reyes y Márquez, 97, grandfather of Reverend Dayan Machado, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, Tampa, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tampa, with Father Machado presiding, followed by …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Know Your Kids’ School Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for protecting their children from all potential harm. When choosing a nursery, daycare center, or school, parents should inspect the building and grounds to make sure there are no areas where children play or work that are “off limits” …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Reverend Jose Gonzalo González, 93, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Bardmoor Oaks Health and Rehab Center, Largo, following a recent hospitalization. Father González was born to Jose and Josefa (Rubio) González in Havana, Cuba, on …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend Richard Archambault, 80, a member of the Missionaries of Africa, on Saturday, August 14, 2021, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Place, St. Petersburg, following a gradual decline in health. “Father Archie,” as he was fondly known by his confreres and friends, was born …
Reverend John Ullrich, OFM, 73, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. Father Ullrich was a resident of St. Anthony Friary for only about a year prior to his death. He was a professed Franciscan Friar for 48 years and dedicated the last 45 years of his life to …
Reverend Kenneth Bonadies, 88, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford, died on Monday, August 16, 2021 in Connecticut. Father Bonadies came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2004 and provided assistance to several parishes while in retirement, including Sacred Heart, Pinellas Park and St. Patrick, Largo. As his health declined in recent …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Priska Joseph Chikawe, 96, mother of Reverend Hugh Chikawe, Chaplain of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away around noon on Sunday, August 8, 2021, in her native Tanzania. Mrs. Chikawe is survived by two daughters and three sons, including Father Chikawe. She was blessed …
The Chancellor’s Office received information that Ms. Aleyama “Elizabeth” Mathai Veliyamkulathel, sister of Fr. Joseph Olikkara, Chaplain at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 in India. Please keep Father Olikkara and his family in your prayers. +++++ May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in …
Continue reading “Ms. Aleyama “Elizabeth” Mathai Veliyamkulathel “
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Ralph Davis, 57, passed away in Tampa on Thursday, July 29, 2021, due to complications of COVID. Mr. Davis was a former employee at Incarnation Parish, Tampa (September 1989 through December 1999). He is survived by his parents, Franklin (Mickey) and Cathy Davis of Sun City Center, …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Dr. Barbara J. McConville, 75, former Director of Catholic Formation and Education for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1990 to 2003, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021, while under Hospice care at her home in Fort Myers, Florida, after a long battle with cancer. A Funeral Mass …
Ms. Terri Reid, 72, former Pastoral Center volunteer, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021, while under Hospice care in St. Petersburg, following complications from diabetes. Ms. Reid was survived by two daughters, Melody and Lalena, two brothers, one sister, and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A committal service was held on Wednesday, August …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the sudden passing of Bernard Montayre, 54, son of Mrs. Concepcion and the late Deacon Max Montayre, on Saturday, August 14, 2021 due to complications from Covid-19. Funeral Services are as follows: Wednesday August 25, 2021, Rosary at 9:30 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. at St. Paul …
Mr. Bill Freehan, 79, brother-in-law of Father Michael T. O’Brien, Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City, passed away on August 19, 2021 at his home in Walloon Lake, Michigan, while under Hospice care following a long battle with dementia. Mr. Freehan was a native of Detroit, and was best known for his 15 years …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocesan Hispanic Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the annual Diocesan Hispanic Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Presentation of Quinche, patroness of Ecuador. The Mass will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Prior to the Mass, …
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Dolph Santello, 83, brother of Deacon Dick Santello from St. John Vianney Parish in St. Pete Beach, on July 25, 2021 in Connecticut. All services took place in Connecticut. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to St. John Vianney Parish, ATTN: Deacon Dick & Angela Santello, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know?Summertime, Safe TimeAll teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. (Arch)diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school …
The Chancellor’s Office has been made aware of the death of Mr. Vincent J. Garofolo, 69, a former employee in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Mr. Garofolo served as Director of Support Services at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Hudson, from 2000 to 2010, and as Business Manager at St. …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mr. Paul Vincent Koppie, 93, on July 17, 2021. Mr. Koppie is the father of Deacon Paul Koppie, from St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Clearwater. The information on services is not available at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Deacon Paul Koppie …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know?Summertime, Safe TimeAll teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. (Arch)diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school and …
Reverend Jeremiah Joseph Reen, a Salesian priest in the Catholic religious Order of Saint John Bosco, went home to the Lord on July 10, 2021 in Seasons Hospice in Largo, FL . Fr. Jeremiah was a professed Salesian for more than 61 years, and a priest for more than 50 years. Fr. Jeremiah was a …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Program With summer now in full swing, this announcement is very appropriate with children at home. Did You Know? Teach Kids to Protect Themselves at Home We consider our homes to be safe places for our children. But being home alone can pose risks for children. Here are a few tips …
The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed that Mrs. Veronica Fukes, 91, mother of Father Gary Fukes, Chaplain at James A. Haley V.A. Hospital, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at her home in Bridgeport, New York. Obituary information and funeral service details can be found on the following link. Expressions …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Program With summer now in full swing, this announcement is very appropriate with children at home. Did You Know? Teach Kids to Protect Themselves at Home We consider our homes to be safe places for our children. But being home alone can pose risks for children. Here are a few tips …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments, effective July 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Monsignor Robert F. Morris, V.G. to President of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg, continuing other assignments. Reverend John Lipscomb to Director of Diaconal Formation, Diocese of St. Petersburg, continuing other assignments. Deacon James Grevenites from …
Cathryn June Bondar peacefully entered eternal life on June 5, 2021 with her devoted husband by her side. Cathi was born November 30, 1955 in Hanover, New Hampshire to the late John and June Schweitzer. She moved to Florida after graduating college and accepted a position at St. Patrick Church in Largo, Florida, during which …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 40 Sessions Announced for Stewardship Conference in September Interested in gathering, learning and networking with hundreds of Catholics from across the country to explore building active, vibrant parish communities? This year’s 3 day International Catholic Stewardship Conference (ICSC), scheduled for September 12 – 15, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel, is packed …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2021: APPOINTMENT Pastor Upon presentation by Very Reverend Michael Somers, S.V.D., Provincial Superior, Society of the Divine Word, Southern Province of St. Augustine, Reverend Agustinus Seran, S.V.D. as Pastor of St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa.
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Theresa DeSanto, mother of Deacon Frank DeSanto from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The information on services is not available at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Deacon Frank and Kathy DeSanto …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend John P. Kane, 83, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from natural causes. Father Kane was a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, residing in Phoenix, Arizona. Father Kane was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 6, 1937 to Patrick and Mary (Ridge) Kane. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SCAM PREVENTION It has come to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s attention that parishioners have been receiving text messages, emails or direct messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be Bishop Parkes. The bishop or priests might occasionally send an email notifying people about a fundraising campaign and request …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SCAM PREVENTION It has come to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s attention that parishioners have been receiving text messages, emails or direct messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be Bishop Parkes. The bishop or priests might occasionally send an email notifying people about a fundraising campaign and request …