We are saddened to announce the passing of Deacon Joe Polcari on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He was a retired deacon from St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater. His wife Teresa passed in 2014. Deacon Joe was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 2, 1982. He moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
We are saddened to share this notice from Saint Leo Abbey: “Early this morning [June 10, 2020], our confrere, Father Robert Velten, OSB, died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Father Robert was born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1926. Before joining our monastic community in 1948, he bravely …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2020: APPOINTMENTS School Pastor Reverend Kyle Bell as Pastor of Guardian Angels Interparochial Catholic School, Clearwater, continuing with other assignments. Dean/Vicar Forane Very Reverend Arthur J. Proulx as Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery, continuing with other assignments. RELIEVE Rev. Msgr. …
We received the sad news that Mrs. Claire E. Norman, 96, mother of Laurie Fleming, from Internal Services Administration of the Pastoral Center, passed away this weekend. Private services will be at Memorial Park, St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Expressions of condolence to Laurie and family can be send to her at Diocese …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the TopIn the June 3, 2020 edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes addresses the return to Sunday Mass, the civil unrest stemming from the George Floyd death, communication censorship and overcoming fear to courageously carry out God’s mission for you. Follow the following link to listen …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In the May 20, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes announces the resuming of Sunday Masses at Pentecost, discusses the recent video roundtable on the document Laudato Si, the diocesan and parish finances during the pandemic and his encounters with Saint Pope John Paul …
We have been informed that Mrs. Mary C. Wartenbe, 94, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Mary worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1978 to 1994, having served as Secretary in the Stewardship Office and as diocesan Archivist. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Griffin. Funeral services will …
The Chancellor’s Office received the sad news that Mr. John Wiles, husband of Mrs. Terri Wiles, passed away on May 17, 2020. Terri works in the Finance Office of the Pastoral Center. Mr. Wiles was diagnosed with double pneumonia late last week and was admitted to the hospital. For the past few months, he endured …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective August 1, 2020: Upon presentation by the Very Reverend Joseph J. Lehman, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Reverend Alberto Bueno, T.O.R., as Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa.
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Frances Ortiz, 84, wife of Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz, retired from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, on May 4, 2020. She is pre deceased by her son, David Ortiz; she is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Augie …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top Podcast In the May 6, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about resuming daily Masses at diocesan parishes, Mother’s Day and moms, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Listen to the podcast at this link: https://bit.ly/2LhXeUK. PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Saint …
PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Saint Leo University Offering Free Online Enrichment Courses During Pandemic Saint Leo University is offering free enrichment courses to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Faculty representing many degree programs will teach 10 self-paced courses on topics ranging from budget baking and backyard birding to quarantine spirituality for the family. The …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2020: Upon conferral with Very Reverend Pasala Jojappa, A.L.C.P., Provincial Superior of the Apostolic Life Community of Priests, India Province, Reverend Mathew K. Abraham, A.L.C.P., from Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills. Father Abraham is being transferred to …
Reverend Gerald Dolan, O.F.M., 89, who resided at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg from 2009 to February 2020, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 after testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. Father Dolan was a professed member of the Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province for 68 years and a priest for over 63 years. …
Mrs. Patricia Ann (Sullivan) Kayajan, 86, mother of Reverend Daniel Kayajan, C.S.C., Pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, passed away on April 30, 2020, in New Hampshire. Mrs. Kayajan was a resident of Middleboro, Massachusetts. Private funeral services took place on Saturday, May 2, 2020 with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Middleboro, Massachusetts. More …
Monsignor John Vargas, 83, former Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Troy, Michigan. He was a priest of the Diocese of Virac, Philippines, and was ordained in 1966. He served at Incarnation from 2002 to 2006, and also assisted while in residence in 2007 …
Mrs. Annie Sebastian, 78, mother of Reverend Henry K. Sebastian, I.C., Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, passed away suddenly on May 3, 2020, due to a heart attack. Mrs. Sebastian lived in Ezhupunna, India, at the time of her death. She was the wife of Konnoth Sebastian and is survived by one daughter, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Fraudulent Social Media Activity We have become aware that at least one person was contacted by someone using Instagram pretending to be Bishop Gregory Parkes. Please be advised that Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media. If you become aware of any suspicious activity of this type, …
This past weekend, the Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Midili) Plazewski, 87, mother of Very Reverend Leonard Plazewski, V.F., Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2020, in Zephyrhills. Mrs. Plazewski was born in San Antonio, Florida in 1932 and was a lifelong …
On Thursday, April 23, 2020, we learned of the death of Reverend Arcangelo Manzi, O. de M., 81, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, due to complications from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Father Manzi resided with the Mercedarian community at the St. Peter Nolasco Residence and served as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral Parish of St. Jude …
DIOCESAN OFFICES OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Protection from the Pandemic – Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us Bishop Gregory Parkes invites all to gather together via Livestream on Saturday, May 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for prayer and devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As one Church, we will place …
Sister Caroline J. Cerveny, SSJ-TOSF, 76, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. She lived in Clearwater and was a member of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor. She was a long-time member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Sister Cerveny …
The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Jose Belgica, 88, father of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in his native Philippines. Mr. Belgica was preceded in death by his wife, Trinidad, who passed away last October. Mr. Belgica is survived by his …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2020, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend John J. Blum, from Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach and Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery to Pastor of St. Timothy Parish, Lutz. Reverend Timothy Sherwood, from …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Easter Message from Bishop Gregory ParkesTo view the bishop’s Easter Video Message and to view all of the Holy Week liturgies with Bishop Gregory Parkes, follow this link https://bit.ly/2V5MfDW. A View from the Top PodcastIn the April 10, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes shares his thoughts on the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES CRS Rice Bowl As Masses are being suspended and schools closed, the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and sacrifice offer support on our journey. CRS Rice Bowl offers a variety of resources in both English and Spanish at crsricebowl.org or crsplatodearroz.org that can be done safely in the home with families accessing …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Theresa (Terry) Pellegrino, 100, mother of Monsignor Joseph Pellegrino, Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, passed away in the Lord on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, while under Hospice care in Palm Harbor. Mrs. Pellegrino is preceded in death by her loving husband Henry …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A VIEW FROM THE TOP In the March 26, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes addresses the many challenges and opportunities our parishes and faithful encounter in dealing with the Corona Virus. He addresses questions on Holy Week, alternatives to Mass attendance and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SEND US YOUR SACRED TRIDUUM AND EASTER SUNDAY PHOTOSWe are looking for photos that show how your parish celebrated the Sacred Triduum and Easter Sunday. Possible photos to submit might be from your parish’s Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, from reenacting the Living Stations, photos from the Easter Vigil Mass, or from …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Hispanic Office POSPUESTOS ~ Talleres para el “Desarrollo de la competencia intercultural de los ministros” (BICM, siglas en inglés) Para salvaguardar el bienestar de nuestros feligreses, estudiantes y empleados y de apoyar a los funcionarios de la salud pública en su labor para reducir la propagación del nuevo coronavirus, los dos …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Harry McAteer, brother of retired priest Rev. James McAteer, passed away on March 10, 2020, in Ireland. He died peacefully with his family, including Father McAteer, with him. Beloved husband of Catherine and dear father of Bernard, John, Martin and James. He will be sadly missed by …
Marjorie Ann Ridenour, 98, mother of David Ridenour, Tribunal Coordinator, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Annandale, Virginia, following a brief illness. Mrs. Ridenour was a long-time member of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach. A Funeral Mass is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 27, 2020 at St. Ambrose, Annandale, …
We received the news of the passing of Sister Barbara Joseph, OSF, on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Wake will be Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at St Elizabeth Convent, 3000 N Perry Ave, in Tampa, followed by a funeral Mass. + May her soul and the souls …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Rodney Kissinger, S.J., 104, a retired member of the Society of Jesus, Central and Southern Province, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Father Kissinger was born on June 14, 1915 and enjoyed 66 years of priestly ministry and nearly 78 years as a member of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 3ra Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “ABRAMOS NUESTROS CORAZONES” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 18 de abril, 2020 en el salón social de la parroquia de Nativity, Brandon. Conferenciantes invitados: Padre Domingo Rodríguez y el Sr. Javier Maldonado. La Santa Misa será presidida por monseñor Gregory L. Parkes. Los boletos incluyen el almuerzo y el estacionamiento. Boletos individuales: $35. Combo de padre/hijo: $20 cada uno. En la puerta (si quedaran): $40. Para obtener boletos y más información visita: http://suncoastcatholicministries.com/espanol. // …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 3ra Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “ABRAMOS NUESTROS CORAZONES” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 18 de abril, 2020 en el salón social de la parroquia de Nativity, Brandon. Conferenciantes invitados: Padre Domingo Rodríguez y el Sr. Javier Maldonado. La Santa Misa será presidida por monseñor Gregory L. Parkes. Los boletos incluyen el almuerzo y el estacionamiento. Boletos individuales: $35. Combo de padre/hijo: $20 cada uno. En la puerta (si quedaran): $40. Para obtener boletos y más información visita: http://suncoastcatholicministries.com/espanol. …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Joyce Louise Brown, 88, mother of Reverend Stephan Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early Friday morning, February 28, 2020, at her home in Atlanta, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are as follows: A Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will …
December 21, 1927 – February 27, 2020 Reverend Nino G. Viviano, a retired priest of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at his long-time residence in Clearwater. Father Viviano was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Alexandria …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective March 9, 2020: MEDICAL LEAVE Reverend Dayan Machado, Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Dade City, granted temporary medical leave. APPOINTMENTS Reverend Pedro Zapata, from Parochial Vicar of St. Clement Parish, Plant City to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Rita Parish, …
March 30, 1937 – February 21, 2020Reverend Francis (Frank) Burshnick, S.C.J., 82, a retired member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, February 21, 2020, at the Sacred Heart Residence, in Pinellas Park, where he has resided since October 2007.During his 12-plus years in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, …
Continue reading “Reverend Francis J. (Frank) Burshnick, S.C.J.”
DIOCESAN OFFICES Sunday Gospel Reflection by Bishop Gregory Parkes Now Available for Bulletins Invitation to Worship, the bishop’s Sunday Gospel reflection that airs on Spirit FM 90.5 is now available to be published in your church’s bulletin starting March 1, 2020. Parishes can receive the reflection via email (about 250 words) as a Word document …
Mr. Bernard P. (Bernie) Schneider, 83, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020. Mr. Schneider was a teacher at Bishop Barry High School, St. Petersburg from 1964 to 1973. He also served in the Stewardship Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1972 to 1983, after which he served in the same capacity in …
Mrs. Carol Ann Young, 65, wife of Mr. Terry Young, Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020. Mrs. Young is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Terry, along with four children, ten grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters and extended family members. A memorial service …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers (BICM) Workshops Presented by the Multicultural Ministry and Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute offices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. BICM is an initiative from the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church designed to introduce ministry leaders to a basic awareness and proficiency in the area of …
Birth: March 27, 1936 Religious Profession: September 8, 1957 Death: February 10, 2020 We sadly announce to all of you the passing of Brother Joseph V. Tortorici, SDB in the early morning of Monday, February 10, 2020. Visitation will be held at Mary Help of Christians Church in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 …
January 1, 1943 – February 3, 2020Monsignor Gerard M. (“Father Gerry”) Finegan, 77, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice, passed away in the Lord on February 3, 2020, surrounded by his sisters and close friends. Prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Venice in 1984, Monsignor Finegan assisted in the Diocese of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers (BICM) Workshops Presented by the Multicultural Ministry and Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute offices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. BICM is an initiative from the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church designed to introduce ministry leaders to a basic awareness and proficiency in the area of …
We sadly inform the passing of Mr. Paul D. Ortelli, Jr., 58, brother of Mrs. Tammie Laurito, Payroll Manager at the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg. He passed away at home on Monday, January 27, 2020. Mr. Ortelli is survived by his loving wife Brenda, daughters Jessica Velez (Rey), Stephanie Dangerfield (Gary) and Shannen Walker (Derrick), …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SEND US YOUR ASH WEDNESDAY PHOTOS Ash Wednesday is “the day when a smudge on the forehead, for those who understand it, means I’ll try to do better. I’ll do what Lent asks: more prayer, more sacrifice, more almsgiving” – Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, RSM. Share you Ash Wednesday photos with us as …
The Chancellor’s Office has been notified of the death of Mrs. Mary Carruthers, 95, mother of Monsignor Michael Carruthers, Parochial Administrator of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, late Monday evening, January 27, 2020, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Place, St. Petersburg. She had experienced a rapid decline in health since last August. Mrs. Carruthers was …
November 30, 1922 – January 23, 2020 The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the death of Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, 97, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, on Thursday January 23, 2020, while under nursing care in New Canaan, Connecticut. He resided in the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1979 to 2007, during …
Deacon Julio Vazquez, 72, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of 33 years. Deacon Vazquez was ordained for the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut, on June 13, 1992 and moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March, 1999. He was assigned to Incarnation Parish in Tampa until …
We are sad to announce that Deacon Rudolph “Rudi” Fernandes, 70, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Queenie, of 38 years. Deacon Fernandes was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 19, 2013 and assigned to St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs. In September 2014, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Lenten Prayer Opportunity: Receive “Be Courageous Daily Reflections” Sign up for the Be Courageous Daily Reflection! These reflections examine the Scripture of the day, including a question to think about in relation to your own life and a prayer intention for the day. The reflections feature a variety of writers from around the Diocese of …