Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Sister Mary Loyola Mathia, S.C., 103, passed away in the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2025, while in nursing care in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Sister Loyola,” as she was commonly known, was a member of the Sisters of Charity for over 80 years, spending nearly 50 years in the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2024~25 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Recipients The Office of Life, Justice, and Advocacy is pleased to announce the 2024-25 Diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grant recipients. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for diocesan use, over $90,000 has been distributed to …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Sister Yvonne Arcand, CSC (Sister M. Judith Clare) on February 4, 2025, at Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana. Sister Arcand entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross from Brookline, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1953 and made her initial Profession of Vows on August 15, 1956. …
Continue reading “Sister Yvonne Arcand, CSC (Sister M. Judith Clare)”
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2024/25 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Recipients The Office of Life, Justice, and Advocacy is pleased to announce the 2024/25 Diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grant recipients. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for diocesan use, over $90,000 has been distributed to outreach ministries in the Diocese …
The Chancellor’s Office learned of the passing of Monsignor Joseph Francis Xavier McCahon, 81, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain, on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his home in Tampa, Florida. Monsignor McCahon was born to Joseph and Martha (McNichol) McCahon on August 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective February 1, 2025: RELIEVING Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers from Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, to the Pastoral Center with residence at St. Stephen Parish, Riverview.
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of 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 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Support Group for Family, Relatives, and Friends of Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse Most often family members, relatives and friends do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s abuse. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is offering a Zoom Support Group, on the second Monday of each month, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Support Group for Family, Relatives, and Friends of Victims of Clergy Sexual AbuseMost often family members, relatives and friends do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s abuse. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is offering a Zoom Support Group, on the second Monday of each month, from …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Therese Tylus, 97, mother of Dr. Lois T. Locey, D.Min., Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, died peacefully in her sleep in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by her daughters. Mrs. Tylus began her service in the church in …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Rev. John R. Peterson, 88, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025. Father Peterson was a priest from the Episcopal Church and the Father-in-Law of Mrs. Teresa Peterson, Director of Diocesan Information and Communications. Fr. John Peterson is predeceased by his parents John and Marjorie …
The Diaconate sadly informs the passing of Deacon Raymond Dever, 74, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, while under Hospice care in Tampa. Deacon Dever was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 3, 2009 and served at St. Paul Parish, Tampa until 2022. He was subsequently incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES March for Life and Youth Rally The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is leading the Tampa Bay March for Life/Youth Rally on February 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM. The march will begin at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (509 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602) and end at Perry Harvey Sr. Park (1000 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Jubilee Year Webpage is Launched for the Diocese of Saint PetersburgTo help local Catholics plan for and participate in the Jubilee Year of Hope, information has been posted to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg website. Visit dosp.org/jubilee2025 to read about the exciting opportunities that will be offered this year for our …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Mrs. Jeanne Woodke, grandmother of Father Drew Woodke, Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, while under Hospice care. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, on Friday, January …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office to the passing of Mrs. Joyce Morgan, 85, on January 3, 2025, following a recent illness. She is the mother of Father Thomas Morgan, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, and Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg. She is also the mother of Mrs. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Celebrate the Start of the Jubilee Year of Hope on Sunday, January 5, 2025The year 2025 will be a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church with the theme of hope. Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the Opening Mass of the Jubilee on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at the Cathedral of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Annual Marriage Jubilee MassThe Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM. This event honors couples throughout the diocese who will celebrate their 25th or 50th anniversary …
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 …
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Richard Frank Rosin, 62, pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, on Sunday evening, December 1, 2024, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Father Rosin was recently hospitalized at Mease Countryside Hospital, Clearwater, and was later transferred to Oak Manor …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage Conference Married 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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Spirit FM 90.5 Thrill of Hope FundraiserSpirit FM’s Thrill of Hope fundraising celebration is December 3-6. The holiday season is a great reminder that Jesus came to bring freedom. Families tune into Spirit FM 90.5 to find encouragement and hope, with the right song at just the right time. A reoccurring gift of …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Religious Jubilee Mass The celebration of this year’s Religious Jubilee Mass will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, with a reception following the Mass. Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will be the main …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Event with Cardinal Radcliffe In addition to the Priests’ Study Day, to be held on Tuesday, November 19th, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. has graciously offered to provide an evening session on the same day for all members of the faithful in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The title of the evening session …
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, …
Word reach our office that Sister Margaret O’Brien ( also known as Sister Rose Teresita) a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 73 years, died on Saturday, October 19, 2024 under Hospice Care in Tampa. Born in Fort Pierce, FL, she was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names …
Continue reading “Sr. Margaret O’Brien (Sr. Rose Teresita), SNJM”
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Vocations St. Andrew’s Dinner Young men age 16 and older, are invited to join us for a casual dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Gregory Parkes, Father Chuck, Dornquast, Director of Vocations, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at Christ …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information Sessions Amendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme! “We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us …
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 …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Reverend Michael J. Arkins, S.S.S., 79, on September 27, 2024 at Hillcrest Hospital after a week-long stay and health complications. He served in our Diocese as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holiday, from 2009 ~ 2013. Father Arkins professed religious vows on August …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information SessionsAmendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme!“We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …