DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Child sexual abuse is a great deal more prevalent than many imagine. In fact, studies tell us that one in ten adult men and one in five adult women say that they were molested before the age of 18. That means that, directly or indirectly, child sexual abuse will …
The Diaconate Offices sadly informs the passing of Deacon Lionel Roberts, 97, of Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Petersburg, on January 31, 2024. “Deacon Lionel,” as he is known, was ordained to the diaconate in 1977 for the Diocese of Brooklyn. During his 47 years of diaconal ministry, he served from 1977 to 1984 in the …
The Chancellor’s Office informs of the passing of James (Jim) A. Sebesta, 88, of St. Petersburg, on January 29, 2024, after a brief battle with dementia. Jim was a former employee of the Pastoral Center. He was born in Pontiac, Illinois and attended Loyola University for his undergraduate degree and then earned an MBA from …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Julie Alvarez, 77, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. She is the wife of Deacon John Alvarez, of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, and former Director of the Diaconate. Her funeral was held on January 18, 2024 at Espiritu Santo Parish. Mrs. Alvarez was born …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Virgilio Diaz, Sr., father of Reverend J. Glenn Diaz, Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa Springs, on January 26, 2024 in the Philippines, following a lengthy battle with kidney cancer. He was 89 years old. Mr. Diaz is survived by his wife, Clotilde, his six …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Divine Renovation Unlocked: St. PetersburgPriests and active parishioners across the Diocese of St. Petersburg want to see their parishes come alive. The problem is that changing the way we “do church” can be intimidating. We get it-prioritizing mission over maintenance can feel scary. This is why you’re invited to DR Unlocked: St. Petersburg …
DIOCESAN OFFICES New Documentary to Premiere: For the Sake of the GospelMore than twenty years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, a group of Franciscan missionaries left their homes in Spain to evangelize and minister to the indigenous people of the south Georgia coast. Between September 14 and September 17, 1597, all but one …
Sister Frances Mary Fitzpatrick, formerly known as Sister John Denise, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 88 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Frances Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Mary (Farrell) …
DIOCESAN OFFICES National Eucharistic CongressA limited number of free tickets are available to attend the National Eucharistic Congress. Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg have the opportunity to receive a free “full pass” ticket to the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. The limited number of free tickets were purchased by Bishop …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Beverly Ann (Mucerino) Tenten, age 87, of Seminole FL, mother of Mrs. Michele Williams, Parish Business Manager of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 30th 2023, at Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg FL. Beverly’s life was a testament to love, kindness, …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office on the unexpected passing of Lynn Ann Lydon, M.D., 70, sister of Reverend Michael Lydon, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at her home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Dr. Lydon served in the medical profession for many years, having worked in Stuart, …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Carole Reitzel, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2023. Mrs. Reitzel is the sister of Reverend Brian McColl, a retired priest of the Diocese of Peterborough, Ontario, with seasonal residence in Prince of Peace Parish, Sun City Center. A Funeral Mass was held on December 28, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Young Adult Ministry Wonder, 6th Annual Tampa Bay Young Adult RetreatJoin us on February 10, 2024 as we seek a deeper sense of Wonder in the infinite and everlasting God. The retreat will be hosted at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd N.E. in St. Pete. It will include morning …
Word reached the Pastoral Center of the passing of Mrs. Patricia N. Licata-Amantia on December 16, 2023. Mrs. Licata-Amantia was the mother of Reverend Damian Amantia, T.O.R., Pastor of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg. She rejoins in heaven her beloved parents Felix and Elizabeth Colecchi Licata; a brother and five sisters, …
It is with deep sadness that we notify you of the unexpected passing of Mrs. Fran Gibson, wife of Deacon Jim Gibson, ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2009. Before moving to the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2019, Jim served at Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater, and later at St. Brendan Parish in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Internet Filter Software Is No Substitute for Parental Monitoring There is a lot of material on the Internet that is inappropriate for children. Parents can use filtering software to protect children from that material, but filters do not guarantee that children will not be exposed; a filter will never be a …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know?Internet Filter Software Is No Substitute for Parental MonitoringThere is a lot of material on the Internet that is inappropriate for children. Parents can use filtering software to protect children from that material, but filters do not guarantee that children will not be exposed; a filter will never be a substitute for …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Sr. Janet Finley, O.S.F., 89 years old, on December 4, 2023. Sister Finley served as principal of St. Paul Catholic School, St. Petersburg, from 1978 to 1990. Sister Finley was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1956 and professed her final vows on August …
DIOCESAN OFFICES “Unwrap the Spirit” with Bishop ParkesBishop Parkes invites all to participate in “Unwrap the Spirit” in preparation for the greatest gift of all time: the birth of Christ. “Unwrap the Spirit” involves a commitment of prayer, penance and sacrifice, and can be done individually, with a group of friends, with the whole family …
The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the death of Reverend Fracilus Petit-Homme, S.M.M., 81, a priest of the Montfort Missionaries and former Administrator of the Immaculate Conception Haitian Mission, Tampa from 2004 to 2007. Father Petit-Homme passed away in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 1, 2023, following a battle with prostate cancer. After leaving …
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The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mrs. Barbara Aubin, 76, sister-in-law of Monsignor Ronald Aubin, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, November 25, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. She was a long-time resident of Miami, where she resided at the time of her death. She was preceded in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection: December 9-10, 2023The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg on the weekend of December 9-10, 2023. In 2022, parishioners from the Diocese of St. Petersburg contributed $220,671.12 to the …
The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the unexpected death of Reverend David R. Engbarth, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, who resided in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since his retirement in 2014. His death was discovered on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home in Largo. Father Engbarth was a …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Way to Pray this Advent!Prepare for the birth of Jesus by reflecting on your faith journey with short inspirational messages sent to you each day via email or text! These messages are written by local Catholics who are eager to share their faith with you! To sign up, visit BeCourageousEachDay.org or …
The Chancellor’s Office received news of the passing of Reverend Jose Cleofe (Joy) Colina, 59, on November 14, 2023, in the Philippines. Father Colina was hospitalized with cancer at the time of his death. Since July 2022, he has been on disability retirement status, due to numerous health issues, after an extended leave of …
The Chancellor’s Office informs that Mr. Donatus Amadi, father of Reverend Cosmas Amadi, Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa, passed away on the Commemoration of All Souls, November 2, 2023, in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Amadi are pending, and all services will take place in Nigeria. Expressions of sympathy may be …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Way to Pray this Advent!Prepare for the birth of Jesus by reflecting on your faith journey with short inspirational messages sent to you each day via email or text! These messages are written by local Catholics who are eager to share their faith with you! To sign up, visit BeCourageousEachDay.org or …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Five Steps to Safer Environments The Diocese of St. Petersburg mandates that all people who work with children and youth in our parishes and schools must undergo child abuse prevention training through our diocesan Safe Environment Program. The training details five steps to prevent child sexual abuse: Know the warning …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Christopher Manko, 64, a longtime resident of Royersford, PA, and brother of Deacon Mark Manko, passed away on October 24, 2023 with his wife and family by his side.. Deacon Mark serves at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa. Christopher is a graduate of Ridley High School …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Prayer Service for Mater Dei Giving Society Members Members of the Mater Dei Giving Society will be receiving an invitation from Bishop Parkes to join him at an afternoon prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on November 19, 2023. A reception will follow the service. Our giving society recognizes …
We sadly announce the passing of Monsignor Thomas Francis Earner, 85, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Wednesday morning, October 18, 2023, at Empath Hospice, in Palm Harbor, following a lengthy period of declining health. Monsignor Earner was born on November 5, 1937, in Headford, County Galway, Ireland. Following graduation from …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Stanislaw Domek, brother of Reverend Kazimierz Domek, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Tampa. Mr. Domek was in his native Poland at the time of his passing. Funeral services will be held in the Domek family’s local parish, in Makowarsko, Poland, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …
The Office of the Chancellor received word of the passing of Ms. Jo Ann Wade Matthews, 93, a native of St. Petersburg, on September 20, 2023 in Hospice Care at Mid Pinellas Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosalie Matthews, five siblings and their spouses; and is survived by …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Loreta Chavarria Tupa, 80 age old, mother of Reverend Allan Tupa, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines. She was surrounded by her family, including her sons, Father Tupa, Brian and Charles Tupa at the time …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the DiaconateThe Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordain Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst (St. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Diaconate The Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordain Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst …
DIOCESAN OFFICES St. Andrew’s Dinner We invite young men, 16th and older, to join us for a casual discernment event on October 25, 2023. Dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at St. Catherine …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mrs. Angela Amodeo, mother of Reverend Donald Amodeo, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. According to Father Amodeo, “[Angela] battled cancer for many years but was happy to see my ordination, and she offered her …
The Diaconate Office has been informed that Deacon Joseph (Joe) P. Reid, 95, from St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, passed away peacefully on the night of September 16, 2023. Deacon Reid was ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of Rockville Center in 1988 and came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES NEW VIDEO: Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to Participate in 40 Days for Life. The 40 Days for Life Campaign, September 27-November 5, 2023, aims to end abortion through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful prayer vigils in front of abortion businesses. Bishop Parkes explains why this campaign is so important and …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. MaryAnn Sirrianna, 80, wife of the late Deacon David Sirrianna, of Sacred Heart-Pinellas Park, on September 13, 2023. A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4661 82nd Avenue North, …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Mark Waggoner on September 06, 2023. He was the twin brother of Mary Jo Waggoner, Director of Faith Formation at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Spring Hill. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Church, …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Salim Joseph, O.F.M., 58, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2023 as a result of a heart attack, while in route to Logan International Airport, in Boston. Father Joseph served as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, from 2018 to 2020, after which he was transferred to …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Provides $100,000 to Catholic Charities for Hurricane Relief On September 6, 2023, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with a donation of $100,000 to help with local needs for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia. This was made possible by donations to the Diocese of …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Robert J. Kroll, former OFM Franciscan priest and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1992 to 2001, on June 23, 2023, from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. His obituary was included in the Tampa Bay Times. To read more, please click here. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Linda Bell, mother of Father Kyle Bell, Director of the Catholic Student Center at U.S.F., on Sunday, September 3, 2023, after a brief hospitalization at Tampa General Hospital. A Funeral Mass for Mrs. Bell will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Sends $100,000 Donation for Maui Wildfire Relief The tragic wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii have left the town of Lahaina, located in the Diocese of Honolulu, mostly devastated. To assist victims, Bishop Gregory Parkes sent a donation of $100,000 to the Diocese of Honolulu on August 18, 2023. This …
The Chancellor’s Office has received word that Mr. Lorenzo Tejada, 63, brother of Reverend Jose (Jojo) Tejada, Parochial Vicar of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in the Philippines, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, three children, siblings, including Father …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective August 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023: APPOINTMENT Very Rev. Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L. as acting Vicar General during the above-mentioned period, and continuing all other duties. During that time, Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris, Vicar General, has been granted a …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life Mother and Daughter Creighton Fertility Appreciation Day Christ The King Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Saturday, September 16, 2023 8:00 am-12:00 pm younger girls (approximately 7-12 yrs.) 12:00 pm-4:00 pm older girls (approximately 12-19 yrs.) A special day to start the conversation and increase communication …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Anne Sifferlin, 100, retired employee of the Pastoral Center, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Seminole, Florida. Anne worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from October 1982 until her retirement in November 2004. She served in the offices of Insurance, Building Commission (Construction), Vocations, and Real …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Sister Mary Kathryn Cliatt, formerly known as Sister Helen Maureen, died on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 88 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Kathryn was born in …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Ms. Kathleen Devine, sister of Monsignor Michael Devine, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on August 3, 2023, in Ireland. All funeral services will take place in Ireland, and Monsignor Devine will be traveling to participate in the services. No other details are available at …