DIOCESAN OFFICES From Ministries of Missionary Discipleship Courage “These men and women testify to the power of grace, the nobility and resilience of the human heart.” – Cardinal Robert Sarah Courage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who strive to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support. For more …
The Chancellor’s Office received word today that Mr. Alberto C. Bueno, 91, father of Reverend Alberto Bueno, T.O.R., Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa, passed away on May 11, 2023, while in Hospice care in Arlington, Virginia. According to Father Bueno, his father died “peacefully” after experiencing declining health in recent days. Funeral arrangements …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Reach 250,000 People With Your Message This September, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is launching a new magazine to lead people closer to Christ and His Church. Gulf Coast Catholic will be mailed into 100,000 homes reaching a readership of 250,000 in West Central Florida. We are currently inviting business and ministries to …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Reverend Cosmas O. Amadi [Archdiocese of Owerri, Nigeria], to Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa. Since August 2021, Father Amadi has been in residence at St. Mark the Evangelist while completing his graduate courses …
The Chancellor’s Office sadly announces the passing of Reverend Joseph M. Vanderholt, S.J., 85 years old, who has been serving at Jesuit High School since January of 2021, on Saturday, May 6, 2023 in an acute care facility in Land O’Lakes. Born in Texas in 1937, Fr. Vanderholt entered the Society of Jesus in 1955 …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Reverend Amaro Vasquez Ortiz [Diocese of Chimbote, Peru], to Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park, also assisting with Hispanic Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater. Father Ortiz is currently working in the Archdiocese …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Christian A. Galvan. Deacon Galvan will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. The …
Word reached our office of the passing of Sister Kathleen Therese McCann, baptized Mary Helen McCann, April 4, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 97 years of age and in the 75th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Kathleen Therese ministered for more than 25 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Christian A. Galvan. Deacon Galvan will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. The …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Prison Ministry Invitation I was in prison and you visited me…(Mt 25:36). Have you ever considered ministry to the incarcerated? Spreading the Good News of a loving and forgiving Father can make all the difference in the world to someone search for the path to salvation or who feels alone and forgotten. If …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2023, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend James B. Johnson, from Pastor of St. Scholastica Parish, Lecanto, granted retirement status. Very Reverend John F. McEvoy, V.F. from Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ruskin, and Vicar Forane of the Southeast …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Ms. Joanne M. Tomassi, 67 years, long-time Parish Office Manager of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach, passed away in the Lord today, Monday, April 17, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. In addition to her work for the parish, Ms. Tomassi was highly involved with the …
Word has been received of the death of Rev. Ronald Stark, OFM, a Franciscan priest for 57 years, on Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was born in Pleasant Mount, PA to Philip and Lillian (Byron) Stark. Survivors include a brother, Nealon Stark and a sister Linda Fox. The funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, …
We inform the passing of Mr. Jaime Pujol Rodriguez, 90 years, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, in Hudson, Fl. Mr. Pujol was the grandfather of Ms. Jasmine Pujol, Administrative Assistant of the Office of Vocations. He is survived by two sisters Antonia and Mildred. Three children Jaime Pujol (Aida Rodriguez), Ana del Carmen Pujol, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Us for the 2023 Marian Congress on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the fifth annual Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress to be held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg). The theme this year is ‘Mary and the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Us for the 2023 Marian Congress on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the fifth annual Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress to be held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg). The theme this year is ‘Mary and the …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Mary King, 99, mother of Reverend Bruce King, I.C., Pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Spring Hill, passed away in the Lord on Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023, while under palliative care in Naples, Florida. Mrs. King was just months shy of her 100th birthday. Funeral Service for Mrs. …
We are sad to announce that on March 25, 2023, at the age of 75, Charlene Vassalli, passed away. Charlene was the Director of Religious Education for St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holiday. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. She is survived …
We were saddened to learn that Mrs. Gloria Temmer, 93 years, mother of Faith Eschenfelder, retired Benefits Coordinator, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 under the care of Hospice. She is survived by sons Mitchell of Chicago, IL and Patrick of St. Petersburg, FL as well as daughters Gloriane of St Petersburg, FL and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Us for the 2023 Marian Congress on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the fifth annual Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress to be held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg). The theme this year is ‘Mary and the Eucharist.” …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Very Reverend Arthur J. Proulx, V.F., from Rector of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg and Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery to Director of Ministry to Priests for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Deacon Rich Spiro, age 81, a retired deacon from St. Paul Parish, Tampa, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Deacon Spiro was ordained for the Diocese of Venice on June 4, 2005 and came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Coleen, …
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Joan W. Edgerton, age 87, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, joined her recently deceased husband, Deacon John, in the arms of her Lord Jesus on March 13, 2023. She is survived by her children, Michael, Daniel, Janice and Carl; five granddaughters; and two …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Mary Tibbetts, age 96, wife of Deacon Bert Tibbets of St. Cecilia Parish, Clearwater, on March 7, 2023. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her half-brother. Mary is survived by her four children, Mary Jean (Bob Kitzmiller) Tibbets, Albert (Claudia) Tibbetts, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Vocations Discernment Opportunity, Consider the Call The Benedictine Sisters of Florida are welcoming single women who are practicing Roman Catholics to spend some time with us to learn more about religious life. You will have the opportunity to worship with us, pray with us, relax with us. You will also be …
. Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the tragic passing of Mr. William Romaniello, age 74, during a hiking trip in Utah on March 11, 2023. He was the Head Athletic Trainer at Jesuit High School, Tampa. He began the sports medicine program with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in 2014 and joined the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Save the Date for “Mary and the Eucharist” on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the fifth annual Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress! The theme this year is “Mary and the Eucharist.” The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and we encounter the risen Christ …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Safe Environment Program Office Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Once again, a Mass of Healing will be held for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass …
Mr. Arthur C. Jewett, 83, grandfather of Reverend Jonathan Emery, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Largo, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was a resident of Clearwater, Florida. Mr. Jewett was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ann, and is survived by his sister, Pat, two children, Robin, and …
We have been informed by the Salesian Province for Canada and the U.S.A. that Reverend Paul Chuong Nguyen, S.D.B., age 64, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in his room at the Salesian Youth Renewal Center, in Rosemead, California, as the result of a heart attack. While in formation as a novice with the …
Word reached our office that Miss Carol Jean Poehler, 82 years, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on March 4, 2023 in Tampa. She was born on January 8, 1941 in Paterson City, NJ State. Carol graduated from Florida Southern College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She received a Master of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know? The Prevalence of Abuse in Society In surveys of adults, one out of five women and one out of ten men reported that they were sexually molested before they were 18 years old. This means that an estimated 40 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse are …
Word reached our Office of the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Barnes, 63, uncle of Angie Schaefer, Manager of the Internal Services Administration Office at the Pastoral Center, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Kentucky. His death was the result of a motorcycle crash. Mr. Barnes was retired from the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know? The Prevalence of Abuse in Society In surveys of adults, one out of five women and one out of ten men reported that they were sexually molested before they were 18 years old. This means that an estimated 40 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse are …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments: Appointments Reverend Daniel D. Bot [Abuja, Nigeria], to Parochial Vicar of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, effective February 14, 2023. Reverend Raju Chebattina [Chalottetown, PE, Canada], to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’Lakes, effective February 20, 2023. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry SUMMIT: Adoration, Confession, Mass for Tampa Bay Young Adults SUMMIT is a monthly gathering of those in their 20’s and 30’s to worship and let their hearts be transformed by our Lord! SUMMIT is held on the second Thursday of the month at Our Lady of …
The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed by Reverend William Swengros, Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, that his aunt, Ms. Mary Blakely, passed away late last week in Virginia. A Funeral Mass will be held this Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church, in South Chesterfield, Virginia. Father Swengros will …
The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mr. Henry Brown, 92 years old, uncle of Ms. Dale Brown, Director of Lay Ministry Formation, on January 29, 2023 in New Orleans. This is the second family member that Dale lost within the same week. (Her mother passed away on January 25th in Texas). A celebration of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry SUMMIT: Adoration, Confession, Mass for Tampa Bay Young Adults SUMMIT is a monthly gathering of those in their 20’s and 30’s to worship and let their hearts be transformed by our Lord! SUMMIT is held on the second Thursday of the month at Our Lady of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Receive a Daily Reflection to Help You Be Courageous Join over three thousand other Catholics who receive a daily “Be Courageous” reflection from the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel and invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This takes courage! Our daily Scripture reflections written by …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Aliyamma Joseph, 82, passed away in the Lord early Monday morning, February 6, 2023, in India. Mrs. Joseph is the mother of Father Joseph Kalarickal, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, New Port Richey. A Funeral Mass will take place at Lourdematha Forane Church, …
We were saddened to learn that Mrs. Teresa Brown, 100 years old, mother of Ms. Dale Brown, Director of Lay Ministry Formation, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Legend Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Greenville, Texas. Teresa married George Brown on July 18, 1953. That marriage, of over 50 years, produced four children– George …
DIOCESAN OFFICES CRS Rice Bowl ~ Prepare to bring Lent to Life! Each Lent, parishes and schools participate in Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) educational program of prayer, fasting, and giving. 75% of the collection is sent to CRS headquarters to fund projects that help to prevent hunger and poverty around the world. …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Colette Welsh, 85, stepmother of Reverend Garry Welsh, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, San Antonio, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She was a resident of Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland. A Funeral Mass will be held today, Monday, January 23, 2023, at St. Senan’s Church, …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon John Edgerton from St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, Tarpon Springs. He passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was 91. Deacon John was a loving and beloved husband to Joan. Together, they shared their love with their four children, Michael, Daniel, Janice and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Get Involved in Parish Safety Programs Parents and guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people. Parents and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events will be in the best position to protect their own children as well as all the children …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Get Involved in Parish Safety Programs Parents and guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people. Parents and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events will be in the best position to protect their own children as well as all the children …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following diocesan appointment: APPOINTING Reverend Victor Amorose to Director of the Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective January 1, 2023, while continuing all other assignments. Father Amorose will oversee the responsibilities formerly handled by Mr. Douglas J. Reatini, who served in the Office …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Announcement for January 15, 2023: Dive Deeper into God’s Word To celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God” on January 22nd, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared a series of videos in English and Spanish by renowned Catholic biblical scholars. The videos will address the Bible’s authorship, the canon of …
Mr. Ronald W. Fleming, 70, husband of Mrs. Laurie Fleming, Hospitality and Support Assistant for the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, at his home in St. Petersburg. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, along with his daughters and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending. Expressions of sympathy may …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following change in clergy appointment: RELIEVING Reverend James B. Johnson from Director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp, Floral City, effective January 1, 2023, while continuing all other assignments. After 26 years of faithful service to the Camp, Father Johnson has been succeeded as …
Sister Dianne Wansley, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, passed into her eternal life on Friday, December 30, 2022. Born to Howard and Clara (Vann) Wansley on November 22, 1950, Sister was a native of Plant City, FL, the second of three children. Sister Dianne is also survived by her brother Ivan …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Parish/School Plans for the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI How is your parish or school observing the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI? Please let the diocesan Office of Communications know of your plans. Please send details and photos to Keishla Espinal as soon as possible so we may …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Let the Children Come To Me Pre-k and kindergarten students recently visited with Bishop Gregory Parkes to share their thoughts about Christmas during Take Five with Bishop Parkes. These young children are learning about the true meaning of Christmas and all of the joy that Christmas brings. This five-minute conversation can be seen …