Reverend Paul Mizener
January 6, 2020

The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Mizener, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Countryside Lakes Assisted Living Facility, Port Orange, Florida, following a lengthy illness. He had resided at Countryside Lakes since 2014. Father Mizener was one of five children born …

Mrs. Carol Ann Russell
January 6, 2020

Mrs. Carol Ann Russell, 84, passed away in the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, following a lengthy decline in health.  She was the mother of Mrs. Heidi Varley, Assistant Director of our diocesan Office of Vocations and Mrs. Marie Reed, a fifth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, …

Mrs. Mary Lou Goldych
January 6, 2020

Mrs. Mary Lou Goldych, 84, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday, December 15, 2019.  Mrs. Goldych retired from the Diocese on July 2004. She worked as the Secretary of the Catholic Formation and Education Office from November 1995 until her retirement in 2004. She was born on December 20, 1934, in Matawan, New Jersey, to Mary …

Mr. Arogyam Anthony
December 16, 2019

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr. Arogyam Anthony, 79, stepfather of Reverend Edison Bernavas, I.C., Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seffner.   Mr. Anthony passed away on December 10, 2019, in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He is survived by his wife, Elthrow, six children, including Father Bernavas, and eleven grandchildren. …

Clergy Changes, December 9, 2019
December 9, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective November 11, 2019: Upon notification by Very Rev. Timothy Zak, S.D.B., Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco: APPPOINTMENT Rev. John Bosco Lee, S.D.B., appointed as Parochial Vicar, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Tampa. RELIEF Rev. Benjamin Kim, S.D.B., relieved as …

Amy Elizabeth Lounsbury
November 25, 2019

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Mrs. Amy E. Lounsbury on November 19, 2019. Mrs. Lounsbury was former Director of Transfiguration Early Childhood Center, St. Petersburg. She is survived by husband, Douglas, two boys, Nathaniel and Jonathan, parents and sisters. Funeral arrangements have not been made public. Please keep her family …

James J. Potocnak, brother of Most Rev. Joseph Potocnak, SCJ
November 4, 2019

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the death of Mr. James Joseph Potocnak, 76, younger brother of Most Reverend Joseph Potocnak, S.C.J., retired Bishop of De Aar, South Africa and in residence with the Sacred Heart Fathers, Pinellas Park.  Mr. Potocnak was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a retired police officer.  Additional biographical details …

Mrs. Trinidad Chavez Belgica, mother of Rev. Erwin Belgica
November 4, 2019

The Chancellor’s Office has received word that Mrs. Trinidad Chavez Belgica, 80, mother of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on October 31, 2019 in the Philippines. Information on her family and address for expressions of sympathy can be found in the notice at this link. Please …

Clergy Change, November 4, 2019
November 4, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective November 1, 2019: RELIEVINGReverend Carlos J. Borgos [San Cristobal, La Habana, Cuba] as Parochial Vicar of St. Rita Parish, Dade City.  Father Borgos has accepted a position as Parochial Vicar of Holy Child of Jesus Parish, Richmond Hill, NY.

Clergy Changes ~ October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019

As a result of the pending merger of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg with the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Pastoral Mission, Largo, resulting in the newly named Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective October 21, 2019: APPOINTMENT Pastor Reverend Nguyen Vu …

Announcements ~ October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES National Vocation Awareness Week The Office of Vocations invites you to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life during National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9, 2019. The theme for this year is Family: the Foundation for Vocations. Vocation awareness week is an opportunity to promote a culture of vocations across the Diocese. …

Announcements ~ October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICES Religious Jubilee MassOn Sunday, October 13, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the Religious Jubilee of twelve men and women who have reached milestones in their commitment to the Church through their Congregations.  Representing a total of 715 years of consecrated service to the People of God, the religious will renew …

Obituaries ~ July 1, 2019
July 1, 2019

  Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly August 22, 1934 – June 26, 2019 (See complete obituary here.) Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly, age 84, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. His first assignment in the Diocese of St. …

Clergy Changes ~ June 17, 2019
June 17, 2019

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Eric Hunter from Pastor of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Parochial Administrator Monsignor Michael G. Muhr to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, while continuing other assignments. Parochial …

Announcements ~ June 17, 2019
June 17, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy Pornography Recovery Group A confidential support and recovery group is being formed for those that suffer from addiction to pornography, or feel they need help to stop viewing pornography.  Meetings will take place monthly, in the early evening in Brandon, beginning in late June. …

Announcements ~ June 3, 2019
June 3, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office HURRICANE SEASON Please help your community to stay informed and safe during hurricane season. Here is information that can be shared in your bulletin. Hurricane Season English PDF and Spanish PDF Hurricane Season English Word and Spanish Word Preparing for Severe Weather Hurricane season is here and continues …

Obituary ~ June 3, 2019
June 3, 2019

  Funeral Services for Deacon Angelo J. Pignataro, 92, retired, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019. (see obituary published on May 28, 2019 at this link.) The viewing for Deacon Angelo Pignataro will take place on Monday June 10, 2019 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm. The Funeral …

Obituary ~ May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Nicholas DeSanto, 31, son of Deacon Frank and Kathy DeSanto of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.  A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Our …

Announcements ~ May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS “Your Heart’s Desire” Eucharistic Healing Retreat Elisheba House invites everyone to attend our annual summer retreat at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway Hotel in Lutz on June 28-29, 2019 (Friday 7 p.m. – Saturday 5:30 p.m.). Mass will be celebrated, plus inspirational talks and an opportunity for Reconciliation, reflection and …

Obituary ~ May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Paul C. Schneider This past weekend, we received word that Mr. Paul C. Schneider, 62, brother of Rev. Robert Schneider, Pastor of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, passed away peacefully at his home in Salina, Kansas on Friday, May …

Announcements ~ May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019

DIOCESAN OFFICE Let’s Keep Our Children Safe This Summer! All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school …

Clergy Changes ~ May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2019, unless otherwise noted: RELIEVING Reverend Philip D. Gyapong [Donkorkrom, Ghana], from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, effective May 27, 2019.  Father Gyapong will be returning to his home territory in …

Announcements ~ May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Let’s Keep Our Children Safe This Summer! All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at …

Florida Bishops Express Concerns Over New Immigration Enforcement Plan
May 7, 2019

The following is a statement from Michael B. Sheedy, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), executive director, on final passage of SB 168 sponsored by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota):  “Today’s passage of state-level immigration enforcement legislation is disheartening. There are many, including members of the Florida Legislature, who are frustrated that Congress has not enacted …

Obituary ~ May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Brother Peter P. Mahady, SSS Brother Peter Patrick Mahady, SSS, just turning 87, Blessed Sacrament Brother died on April 15, 2019 at Regina Health Center, Richfield, OH, surrounded by the loving staff of Regina and Western Reserve Hospice and members …

Announcements ~ May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019

  DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference Florida State Fairgrounds Join Spirit FM, Fr. Larry Richards, Leah Darrow and Elizabeth Bunbury on Saturday, September 28, 2019 as women from throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg and West Central Florida gather together at the Florida State Fairgrounds to celebrate faith, family, fellowship and …