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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Pope Francis Invites us to Put the Eucharist at the Center of Our Lives Pope Francis begins the July 2023, Pope Video saying, “If you are the same at the end of Mass as you were at the beginning, something is wrong.” In his July prayer intention, which he entrusts to the entire …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 24, 2023: RELIEVING Upon notification by Very Reverend Joseph O’Reilly, I.C., Provincial Superior, Institute of Charity (Rosminian Fathers), Reverend Henry K. Sebastian, I.C. from Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole.
We are saddened to learn that Mrs. Sue Carol Rudis, 84, of Boynton Beach, FL passed away at home on July 1, 2023. She was the mother-in-law of Mrs. Patty Rudis, Human Resources Manager of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Sue Carol was born on January 27, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, and lived there until …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Pope Francis Invites us to Put the Eucharist at the Center of Our Lives Pope Francis begins the July 2023, Pope Video saying, “If you are the same at the end of Mass as you were at the beginning, something is wrong.” In his July prayer intention, which he entrusts to the entire …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Summertime, Safe Time All teachers, staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who work with children must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. (Arch)diocesan guidelines and abuse prevention training programs currently in use emphasize the importance of parents’ knowing who has access to their children at school and …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Alba Lugo, age 73, wife of Deacon Gregorio Lugo of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, who passed on June 29, 2023. She is survived by her two sons, Gregorio Lugo Jr. (Iniabett); and Nelson Sr. (Susan) and her grandchildren, Natasha, Tyson James, …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Mary Ann Sokol, 81, of Indiana, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023 at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Ms. Sokol was the mother of Margaret Ann “Maggie” Rogers, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg. Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 59 years, John J. …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023: APPOINTMENT Reverend Rafael E. Martos, from Parochial Vicar of St. Clement Parish, Plant City to Administrator of the newly established San Juan Diego Mission, Dover.
We informed the passing of Mr. Tommy Schaefer, 91, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Mr. Schaefer was the father-in-law of Angie Schaefer, Director of Internal Services Administration for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Please keep Angie, family members and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy might be sent to …
The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mr. Chris Tottle, 63, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Largo, FL, due to heart complications. He was the brother of Reverend Gregg Tottle, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the uncle of Mr. Mark DeSio, Seminarian of our Diocese. Mr. Tottle is survived by …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Bonnie Beaudry, 82, wife of Deacon Richard Beaudry of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seffner, who passed on June 17, 2023. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023, 10:00 AM, Rosary at 9:30AM, at St. Francis of Assis Catholic Church, 4450 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Tips for Summer Camp Safety Summer is almost here. School is almost out, and a whole host of new opportunities for recreation and relaxation await. Maybe you are sending your children to a music or sports camp. Or maybe they have been invited by their friends to go camping in …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mr. Marvin Hays, 60, died suddenly and was discovered in his home on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He is the brother of Reverend John Hays, Pastor of St. Anne Parish, Ridge Manor. UPDATE: Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 4142 Treiman …
Word reached the Office of the Vicar for Religious that Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian, formerly known as Sister Marie Berge Demirgian, died on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 64th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Alexander T. Padilla II, J.C.L. from faculty of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, to Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, with sacramental and pastoral care of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Tips for Summer Camp Safety Summer is almost here. School is almost out, and a whole host of new opportunities for recreation and relaxation await. Maybe you are sending your children to a music or sports camp. Or maybe they have been invited by their friends to go camping in the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From Ministries of Missionary Discipleship Programa de Espiritualidad y Dirección Espiritual (EDE) ~ Oblate School of Theology (OST) La Escuela Oblata de Teología (OST) en San Antonio, Texas, está ofreciendo un programa de Espiritualidad y Dirección Espiritual y está invitando a las personas que cuenten con las bases catequéticas y/o pastorales de nuestra comunidad …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective June 1, 2023: Appointment Upon notification by Very Reverend Joseph O’Reilly, Provincial Superior, Institute of Charity (Rosminian Fathers), Reverend Bibin Mathew, I.C. as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole.
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Joey Obordo, 58, brother of Ms. Claire Obordo, Lay Pastoral Assistant at Sacred Heart Parish, Dade City, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, May 19, 2023, at his home in Flower Mound, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Julie, along with his sister, …
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 …