We received word that Sister Grace Dougherty, baptized Mary Elizabeth, died on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 84 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Grace ministered over 14 years in elementary education in Detroit, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES An Invitation from the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) The LPMI program, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church; equips Catholics with knowledge and skills to carry out ministry competently, collaboratively, and professionally. Through an integrated process of education and ongoing faith formation, we provide an opportunity for Catholics across the …
PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Friends of the Seminary GalaOctober 21, 2022Please mark your calendars to participate in our Friends of the Seminary Gala, in person or via our on-line experience! You will find information at www.svdp.edu/friends2022 and this page will continue to update as we get closer to the event. This event is our largest fundraiser …
The Chancellor’s Office received the devastating news that Reverend Carl Joseph Melchior, Jr., 59, Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Parkes and Chaplain of St. Petersburg Catholic High School, died suddenly on Thursday, June 30, 2022 of cardiac arrest after boarding a flight in Philadelphia, preparing to fly to Greece for a pilgrimage. The youngest of three …
Our office has received word of the passing of Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz, 87, from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes. He passed on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. The services for Deacon Augie Ortiz will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639: Visitation …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez, 95, mother of Father Francisco Hernandez, Parochial Vicar of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from respiratory complications due to COVID-19. At the time of her death, Mrs. Rodriguez lived in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Please keep …
The Chancellor’s Office receive the news that Mr. Martin McAteer, nephew of Reverend James McAteer, I.C., passed away on June 25, 2022 in Ireland. Father McAteer will travel to Ireland for the Funeral Services. Please keep him and all their family in your prayers. Expressions of sympathy can be mail to Rev. James McAteer, I.C., …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Monsignor Richard Cahill, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, early Saturday morning, June 4, 2022, following a recent hospitalization at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was ordained in 1958. After his retirement, Monsignor Cahill, affectionately known as “Father Dick,” moved to the Diocese …
Clergy Appointment Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective June 13, 2022: APPOINTMENT Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Muhr to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, continuing all other assignments.
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Reverend Michael Patrick “Brendan” Lawlor, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Tulla Parish, County Claire, Ireland, following a recent decline in health. Father Lawlor was born to Stephen and Mai (Foley) Lawlor in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Let Us Adore JesusYou are invited to join Catholics from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a Holy Hour to observe the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival on Sunday, June 19, 2022, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Very Reverend James B. Johnson to Pastor of St. John Paul II Catholic School, Lecanto. Relieved from Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, continuing all other assignments. Reverend Sojan J. Punakkattu to Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, …
We informed the passing of Mrs. Betty Craig, 89, grandmother of Michael Craig, Director of the Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband Elbert Craig, Sr and two sons Wayne (Noreen) and Michael (Debbie) parents Walter and Lillie Jordan and 4 sisters. Betty is survived …
The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers has been informed of the passing on May 25, 2022 of Donovan Patrick, son of Debbie Kleinberger, former employee of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Donovan was born on October 13, 2013. He was born with a rare chromosome disorder which caused him to have severe physical and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Let Us Adore Jesus You are invited to join Catholics from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a Holy Hour to observe the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival on Sunday, June 19, 2022, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Monsignor Dacian David Dee, 91, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early Saturday morning, May 21, 2022, while in Hospice care at Oak Manor Inpatient Center, in Largo. Monsignor Dee was born in Yonkers, New York on June 26, 1930. In …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe, Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe, Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2022: APPOINTMENTReverend Pius T. Mathew [Kanjirappally, India], to Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, also assisting with Hispanic Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater. Father Mathew has assisted with ministry to English- and Spanish-speaking faithful …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Joseph A. Pellegrino, from Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Tarpon Springs, granted retirement status. Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, from Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City, granted retirement status. Reverend Jose George, from …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Foster Families NeededThis May, during National Foster Care Month, please consider providing a loving home for a child who has been separated from his or her parents. Over 20,000 children in Florida have been removed from their parents or guardians, yet only 5,000 families are certified to meet their needs. If you are …
Mr. John Morris, Manager of Spirit FM, informs about the passing of Mrs. Tereca Flores, 97, April 9, 2022 in Medellin, Colombia. She was the mother of Gonzalo Jaramillo, who has been the Spirit FM Spanish Radio producer for 20 years. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mr. Gonzalo Jaramillo at Spirit FM, 717 …
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Deacon David Sirrianna, 80, from Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park. on Monday, April 11, 2022. Deacon Sirrianna was ordained on June 28, 1997 for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was assigned to the Cathedral of St. Jude from June 1997 to August 2009 and to …
Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP, a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister, went home to God on Wednesday, April 4, 2022. A resident in this diocese since 1996, all funeral services will take place at the Motherhouse, in Wisconsin. Professed in 1950, she taught in several Catholic schools within the USA. She also served as pastoral minister at …
We were informed of the passing of Jack Gordon Hutchinson, 13 years old, grandson of Bob Hutchinson, Real Estate Office, on March 23, 2022. Jack lived In Jacksonville with his dad and mom, Bob’s son Bryan and daughter in law Erin. Jack is survived by his parents, Robert “Bryan” & Erin “nee Boyle” Hutchinson, his …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 2021 APA Annual Report More than 22,000 generous donors provided more than $9 million in support of more than 50 diocesan ministries and services through the 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Their donations support larger ministry and outreach throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All are invited to visit dosp.org/2021-annual-report to view the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022 Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, spiritual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be …
The Chancellor’s Office receive the news of the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth (Liz) Beers Embree on March 29, 2022 surrounded by the love of her family and the prayers of many. Born April 5, 1958 in St. Petersburg, Florida, she worked in the title insurance business for over 30 years, beginning her career working with …
The Human Resources Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Rogers, former employee of the Diocese of St Petersburg as a cook for Bishop William Thomas Larkin, on March 18, 2022 at Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor, FL. She was 81. Please keep Mary and her family in your prayers. Obituary at this link. ++++May …
The Diocese of Venice is mourning the loss of Father Timothy Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice who passed away March 19, 2022, at the age of 97. Father Murphy most notably served as Pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral for 21 years and later founded St. Andrew Catholic School. …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Arno, 82, retired, on March 21, 2022. Deacon Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, children; Michael and Elizabeth, and several grandchildren. Funeral services: Visitation followed by Mass of Christian Burial ~ Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:30 am to …
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Bobbie Connors, 92, widow of the late Deacon Bill Connors from Sacred Heart Parish in Dade City, on March 23, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Sacred Heart Parish, 32145 St. Joe Road, Dade City, at 11:00 AM. As it is our …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 4a Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “EL AMOR EN LA FAMILIA COMO EXPRESIÓN DE DIOS” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 23 de abril, 2022, de 7:30 a.m. a 3:00 p.m., en el salón social de Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Ruffner on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Deacon Ruffner was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago on April 25, 1992 and relocated to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March of 2005. He served at St. Anthony Parish in Brooksville, St. Theresa Parish in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Listen Like Mary – Be A Part of the Fourth Annual Marian Congress on Saturday, May 14thOur Blessed Mother is the perfect example of a good listener and Mary’s way of listening is what we are called to do as disciples. At this year’s Marian Congress on May 14th at the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing 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 will be held on …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mary Sidney Twachtmann (Stansfield) 88, on March 3, 2022. Born in Wauchula, Florida, October, 20 1933, to Mary Nelson Stansfield and Sidney “Captain Sid” Stansfield, she was a graduate of Plant High School, Stephens College and Florida State University where she was a member of Pi …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend Sidney J. Figlia, S.D.B., 91, a member of the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in St. Philip Residence at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa. “Father Sid” was a native of Brooklyn, New York. Following graduation from high school, he …
Word reached our offices about the passing of Philip Andrew Spada, the son of Elle and Mark Spada, on Friday, March 4, 2022. Philip was 23. His mother, Elle, is the long-time hostess of Spirit FM’s Kids Kingdom program, Sunday Praise show, as well as other duties. Philip was a frequent visitor to Spirit FM. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing 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 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 11:00 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Follow the Real Bishop Gregory Parkes Please be sure you are following the official social media accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes and not an imposter account. We have been informed of fake social media accounts that appear to be Bishop Gregory Parkes, but they are not. The official accounts are listed below. Report …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Regina M. Dwyer, mother of Deacon Kevin Dwyer from Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Tampa, on February 12, 2022. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on February 17, 2022 at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to Deacon Kevin & Denise …
The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers informs the passing of Mrs. Lorraine Davis, 96, mother of Dr. Ann Davis, Associate Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools, on February 17, 2022. Funeral services and burial took place in St. Louis. Obituary at this link. Please keep Mrs. Davis and her family members in your …
We sadly report that Rev. Robert Chabot, SSS, 84, passed away on February 20, 2022 after a 7-month battle with cancer. He will be missed for his devotion to the Eucharist, his kindness and hospitality, his commitment to social justice and fair housing, and his warm and loving presence with everyone. Father Chabot was born …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
It is with sadness that the Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mrs. Anita Gratkowski, on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Anita was the wife of Deacon Dan Gratkowski, now retired from St. Stephen Parish, Riverview. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in April 2021. Deacon Dan was present at her passing. The services for …
DRIVING PILGRIMAGE AROUND THE DIOCESE BrochurePrepared in 2011, this brochure features 25 pilgrimage sites around our diocese. We invite you to spend time in prayer visiting these sites that are important to our local church’s history.Download the Catholic Driving Pilgrimage brochure here.
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Cecilia Bemis, 96, wife of Mr. Al Bemis, Maintenance Technician for the Pastoral Center, on Thursday, January 13, 2022, after a brief illness. She and Al were married for over 55 years. In addition to her husband, Al, Mrs. Bemis is survived by …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Attention Faith Formation & Parish Leaders: FORMED Webinars Offered! We are pleased to announce that all parishes in the Diocese of St Petersburg that do not presently have a FORMED subscription may register to participate in a special grant opportunity to reduce the cost of a one-year subscription by as much as much …
Mr. Enrico “Rico” Tremante, age 65, husband of Annette Tremante, Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous two year battle with lung cancer. Rico was predeceased by his parents, Amedeo & Fortunata, and brothers Pepino and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life Justice & Advocacy Courage & Encourage Day of Recollection – MARCH 5, 2022 The Courage Apostolate offers support for men and women who experience same sex attraction and desire to live chaste lives following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship …