The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Daisy David Vazhappilly, 80, mother of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, FSSE, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in India, following a brief hospitalization and rapid decline in health. Sister Sherly is the Vicar for Religious of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Sister Sherly will travel to India …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Oficinas de Ambiente Seguro y Ministerios Interculturales Misa de Sanación para los Sobrevivientes de Abuso El viernes, 6 de febrero de 2026 se celebrará una Misa de Sanación en español para sobrevivientes de abuso a las 7:00 PM. La misa tendrá lugar en Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. El Padre …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend SPEND A WEEKEND EXPLORING a communication technique that could change your good marriage into a GREAT marriage. Apply today to attend the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Experience to be held at the Franciscan Center in Tampa, February 6-8, 2026. Learn about love that isn’t a chance, but a CHOICE—live your best …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Save the Date: World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Pilgrimage Save the date and start planning for the World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Korea, from July 31 through August 9, 2027. Cost: $5,099 per person. Deposit is due January 15, 2026. For more information and to register, please visit this link: https://shorturl.at/PiOYI. Promotional flyer …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Save the Date: World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Pilgrimage Save the date and start planning for the World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Korea, from July 31 through August 9, 2027. Cost: $5,099 per person. Deposit is due January 15, 2026. For more information and to register, please visit this link: https://shorturl.at/PiOYI. Promotional …
The Vicar for Religious Office informs of the passing of Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, on November 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, surrounded by her Sisters. She was a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco) for 61 years. Sr. Mary was born to Augustus and …
The Chancellor’s Office just received word of the peaceful passing of Monsignor John A. Cippel, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, this afternoon, Monday, December 1, 2025. He was under Hospice care at the St. John XXIII Retirement Residence, in Lutz, following a battle with leukemia. Monsignor Cippel was born in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Days at the Capitol Catholic Days at the Capitol is scheduled for February 10-11, 2026. Each year during the Florida legislative session, Catholics from across the state gather in Tallahassee to bring the light of faith to the public square and live out Church teaching through civic engagement. United with the bishops, Catholic …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Collection Bishop Parkes has asked that a special collection be taken in all parishes of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg on or before the weekend of December 6-7, 2025, for the support of those dioceses impacted by natural disasters, including those adversely affected by this year’s hurricanes. The Diocese of Saint …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Collection Bishop Parkes has asked that a special collection be taken in all parishes of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg on or before the weekend of December 6-7, 2025, for the support of those dioceses impacted by natural disasters, including those adversely affected by this year’s hurricanes. The Diocese of Saint …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Kevin Mackin, O.F.M., 87, a retired priest of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, passed away in the Lord on Saturday morning, November 15, 2025, at Teresian House, in Albany, New York. From 2014 to 2020, Father Mackin served as Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg, …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Reverend Steve Pujdak, 82, on Wednesday, November 12, in Dunedin. Father Pujdak was residing at the Priests of the Sacred Heart Residence in Pinellas Park. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Fr. Steve professed his first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in 1962. His …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Intercultural Ministries Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Congress – Thanksgiving Festival 2025 Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, 4000 43rd St. N., St. Petersburg, invites you to their Annual Thanksgiving Festival, celebrating 50 years of a journey of faith in the U.S. The festival will take place from November 21 to 23, 2025. …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Paul Joseph Friederich, 92, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home. Mr. Friederich was the father of Diane Kledzik, Director of Marriage and Family Life at the Pastoral Center, and a parishioner of St. Patrick Parish, Largo for over 62 years. Mr. Friederich is survived by his wife, Janet, of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection will take place on the weekend of November 15-16, 2025 and will be held in all parishes throughout the Diocese. A brief explanation of the purpose and impact of the CCHD is included in the USCCB resource …
The Chancellor’s Office sadly informs the passing of Mrs. Halina Gazdowicz, age 76, on October 31, 2025 in Poland after a short battle with cancer. Mrs. Gazdowicz is the mother of Rev. Krzysztof Gazdowicz, Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her husband, Józef, their three children: Beata, Father …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual White Mass The Annual White Mass for physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals in our Diocese will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Bishop Gregory Parkes will preside at this 4:00 pm Vigil Mass in the Chapel of Christ the King Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. Following the White Mass, there will be …
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Kraus, age 75, on October 10, 2025. Mr. Kraus was the father of Nicole Bubolz, Accounting Manager, Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his loving children: Lynn Kraus, Nicole (Ross) Bubolz, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES All Souls Day Mass at Calvary Cemetery Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate Mass for the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Avenue North, Clearwater. All are invited to attend. Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member or couple from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it is advocating for the life of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2026 Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference Christ the King Catholic Church – Tampa February 7th 2026 8:30 AM -3:00 PM Women from across the Diocese are invited to a day of faith, fellowship, and renewal at the Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference. The event includes Mass, inspiring speakers, uplifting music, and time for …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Sacramental Records from Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, TampaAs of July 1, 2025, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Tampa has been designated as Epiphany of Our Lord Shrine and is no longer a territorial parish. Given this change in designation, and in order to facilitate record keeping for the staff of the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES National Migration Week 2025, September 22–28, 2025 For 45 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week (NMW). This is an opportunity to reflect on our history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which our country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Mr. La Van Pham, 74 years old, father of Mr. Hung Pham, Executive Director of Construction and Real Estate, on September 9, 2025. Funeral Services are as follows: Friday, September 26th – Visitation at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, from 4:00 …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mr. Louis A. Corona, 99, father of Rev. Dominic Corona, Pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish, Port Richey, on September 12, 2025. Mr. Corona was living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the time of his death. Funeral Mass for Mr. Corona will be held …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From Office of Marriage and Family Life Virtual Conference: A Day of Hope & Healing – Summit 2025 Catholic in Recovery and iThirst invites you to Summit 2025, a national gathering that brings together a Catholic response to addiction. The summit will feature inspiring speakers, powerful testimonies, breakout sessions, prayer, fellowship, and the …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Sister Mary Jerome Leavy, O.S.B., (Dr. Mary Leavy) on September 2, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born in the Bronx, New York, on October 21, 1939 to Virginia and Harold Leavy and moved later to Miami, Florida. She entered the Benedictine Sisters of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2026 Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference Women from across the Diocese are invited to a day of faith, fellowship, and renewal at the Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference. The event includes Mass, inspiring speakers, uplifting music, and time for prayer and reflection. Vendors and ministries will also be present. Breakfast and lunch will …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective September 1, 2025: APPOINTMENTReverend Edwin Palka, from Administrator pro tempore of Epiphany of Our Lord Shrine, Tampa, to the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, serving with permission as Chaplain to the Filiae Laboris Mariae religious congregation in Redfield, Kansas, in the Diocese …
The Chancellor’s Office recently learned that Reverend Raymond Arthur Lettre, 95, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away in the Lord late Friday evening, August 29, 2025, at Sturgill Hospice Care Center, in Brooksville, following a steady decline in health in recent months. Father Lettre was born to Emile and Georgiana …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Elizabeth Zacharia Weria Kiwale, 102, passed away in the Lord earlier today, August 28, 2025, in her home city of Moshi, Tanzania. Mrs. Weria is the mother of Reverend Theobald (Theo) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor. She was preceded in death by her …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2026 Spirit FM Catholic Women’s ConferenceWomen from across the Diocese are invited to a day of faith, fellowship, and renewal at the Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conference. The event includes Mass, inspiring speakers, uplifting music, and time for prayer and reflection. Vendors and ministries will also be present. Breakfast and lunch will …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments, effective August 20, 2025 unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Felipe Gonzalez, J.C.L., from Pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport, to Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City. Very Reverend Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L. will continue as Parochial Administrator until …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the passing of Reverend John James Gordon, I.C., 82, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Vineyard Inn Assisted Living Facility, in Seminole. Father Gordon was a retired priest of the Institute of Charity (Rosminians) and a long-time pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish and School, Seminole. His death …
DIOCESAN OFFICES An Invitation from the Office of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute Ask yourself: Could God be calling me to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister in His Church? For anyone interested in attending the LPMI Year of Discernment, the registration form and program information can be found on the LPMI web site at: https://www.dosp.org/lpmi/year-of-discernment/ …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Br. Michael Madden, OFM, 91, on August 4, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida. For 62 years as a Franciscan friar, he worked as a cook, maintained facilities and cared for sick and elderly friars along the East Coast. Br. Michael was born on Dec. 13, 1933, …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mrs. Maria Nwando Agbata, 92, on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Nigeria. Mrs. Agbata is the mother of Reverend Alexander Agbata, Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Father Agbata is known to several of the Tampa-area priests for having provided weekend assistance in their parishes. Funeral …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Anthony Pandolfo, 91, maternal grandfather of Reverend Anthony Astrab, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Tampa, on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Mr. Pandolfo was born in Sant’Arsenio, Italy, on January 4, 1934. He resided in Palm Harbor upon his passing and is survived …
The Chancellor’s Office has recently learned that Mrs. Diane Brown, 90, founder of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence®, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, August 2, 2025, following a gradual decline in health. Diane and her late husband of 71 years, Herbert (Herb), were long-time residents of Clearwater. Mrs. Brown was born and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SEPARA LA FECHA: Misa Hispana Diocesana Anual Estás invitado a la Misa Hispana Diocesana anual. Este año la misa será en honor a Nuestra Señora del Rosario, patrona de Guatemala y será presidida por Mons. Gregory Parkes, Obispo de Saint Petersburg. Te esperamos el sábado, 11 de octubre de 2025 a las 11:00 …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective September 1, 2025: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Reverend Canon Matthew Talarico, I.C.K.S.P., Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, Reverend Canon John O’Connor, I.C.K.S.P. to Rector of Epiphany of Our Lord Shrine, Tampa. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES APARTA LA FECHA: Misa Hispana Diocesana AnualEstás invitado a la Misa Hispana Diocesana anual. Este año la misa será en honor a Nuestra Señora del Rosario, patrona de Guatemala y será presidida por Mons. Gregory Parkes, Obispo de Saint Petersburg. Te esperamos el sábado, 11 de octubre de 2025 a las 11:00 a.m. …
The Chancellor’s Office received notice of the passing of Reverend Julio Rivero, T.O.R., 96 years old, a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis for 56 years, on July 11, 2025. He was in hospice care at Saint Francis Friary, Loretto, PA. Father Julio served in our Diocese as Parochial Vicar of St. …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Reverend James McAteer, I.C., 89 years old, a member of the Institute of Charity for 61 years, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, where he was currently living. Father McAteer served in our Diocese as Pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Spring Hill, from August 1999 …
The Office of the Diaconate informs the passing of Mr. Hector Rios Casillas in Mexico on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Mr. Rios is the father of Deacon Hector Rios of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Tampa, No further information is available at the moment. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Deacon Hector Rios …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Pastoral Plan and Mercy Challenge News and Updates If you haven’t already begun, now is the perfect time to dive into detailed planning for your Mercy Event. As the date approaches, early preparation will ensure everything runs smoothly, communicates a message of hope, and offers a truly meaningful experience for your community. Last week, …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2025: Appointment: Very Reverend Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L, J.V. to the office of Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, with other assignments continuing. Monsignor Robert F. Morris will continue to hold the office of Vicar General, as …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Gulf Coast Catholic Magazine Reader Appeal Your support for the Gulf Coast Catholic Magazine Reader Appeal makes a difference! Delivered to registered households four times a year, our magazine is a crucial ministry that empowers us to answer the call to missionary discipleship. Help us reach our $100,000 goal together! Your contributions help …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the passing of Mrs. Marykutty Abraham, 83, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in India. Mrs. Abraham is the sister of Reverend Paul Kochu, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and former pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor. A Funeral Mass was held …
The Chancellor’s Office informs that Mr. David Vazhappilly, 90, father of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, F.S.S.E., Vicar for Religious and Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away on June 12, 2025, at his home in India, following a recent illness. Sister Sherly recently traveled to her father’s home and was able …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Gulf Coast Catholic Magazine Reader Appeal Your support for the Gulf Coast Catholic Magazine Reader Appeal makes a difference! Delivered to registered households four times a year, our magazine is a crucial ministry that empowers us to answer the call to missionary discipleship. Help us reach our $100,000 goal together! Your contributions help …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sister Barbara Jean Rosswurm, CSA, former Faith Formation Director at St. Paul Parish, Tampa, passed away on June 5, 2025, at her congregation’s motherhouse, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Barbara Jean was born August 2, 1937, in New Haven, Indiana, the daughter of Glenn and Lucille Krick Rosswurm. …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mrs. Anna Ankrah Adwoa Serwaa Senya, 81, biological mother of Reverend George Gyasi, Parochial Vicar of Resurrection Parish, Riverview. Mrs. Senya passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Poku Transport Memorial Hospital- Asokwa, Kumasi, Ghana. Father Gyasi also suffered the loss of his adoptive mother, …