DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade The Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade in English and Spanish should be shared in bulletins and with your online networks the weekend of January 22/23. Please use this opportunity to again encourage the faithful […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES   Spirit FM’s 7th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Please plan to join Spirit FM and over a 2,000 of your closest girlfriends from throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a day of faith, friendship, food, and shopping. Our speakers are:  Sr. Rita Clare Yoches and Deby Sansone Schlapprizzi.  Tickets are on sale at www.myspiritfm.com/WomensConference or call Marci at 813.289.8040, ext. 231.  Promotional graphic at […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of the Bishop Christmas Video – O Come All Ye Faithful In his 2021 Christmas video, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares Christmas hope and introduces a very special musical presentation. Multicultural choirs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg perform a beautiful rendition of the Christmas carol classic, O Come All Ye […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from  10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from  10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection: Religious Retirement Fund Help Aging Religious Sisters, Priests and Brothers The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 11 – 12, 2021. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C.  Proceeds help religious communities across the country to […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection: Religious Retirement Fund Help Aging Religious Sisters, Priests and Brothers The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 11 – 12, 2021. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C.  Proceeds help religious communities across the country to […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Resources for Year-End and Beyond To assist parishes working to promote legacy giving, end of year generosity and/or new, creative options for giving with parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has created camera ready, downloadable materials and pre-drafted text for message development. Please visit the Parish Resource Page to download the following materials: bulletin […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Resources for Year-End and Beyond To assist parishes working to promote legacy giving, end of year generosity and/or new, creative options for giving with parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has created camera ready, downloadable materials and pre-drafted text for message development. Please visit the Parish Resource Page to download the following materials: bulletin […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Dangers of Cell Phone Cameras Cell phones with photographic capability are a mixed blessing. Forget your camera? Whip out the cell phone, and your toddler’s first step, friend’s goofy mishap, or fenderbender is captured for posterity. But cell phones are also being used in a sinister way—to silently take pictures […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod-It’s a Church Thing The Catholic Church is journeying together to grow in communion, participation and mission as we look towards the future. This process, called for by Pope Francis, is known as the Synod on Synodality. Synod is an ancient word in the Tradition of the Church, whose meaning draws on the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Third Annual Diocesan African Mass The African Catholics Ministry invites all to celebrate the third annual Diocesan African Mass. The Mass will be presided by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes on November 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg.  Come and experience […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Mass of the Angels The annual Mass of the Angels for children (born or unborn) who have gone to be with the Lord, will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the St. James Chapel at Bethany Center (18150 Bethany Center Drive Lutz). Families are invited to bring a […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to the Opening Mass for the “Synod on Synodality” Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate an opening Mass for the local phase of a worldwide consultation process in the Catholic Church known as the “Synod on Synodality.” The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Gregory Parkes Invites You to the Opening Mass for the “Synod on Synodality” Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate an opening Mass for the local phase of a worldwide consultation process in the Catholic Church known as the “Synod on Synodality.” The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES One Mother One Family Retreat: Unity in Christ through the Blessed Virgin MaryAll are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the One Mother One Family Retreat on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Avenue N.E., Ruskin. This retreat will be a […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES One Mother One Family Retreat: Unity in Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the One Mother One Family Retreat on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Avenue N.E., Ruskin. This retreat will be […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know?  Know Your Kids’ School Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for protecting their children from all potential harm. When choosing a nursery, daycare center, or school, parents should inspect the building and grounds to make sure there are no areas where children play or work that are “off limits” […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocesan Hispanic Mass Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to the annual Diocesan Hispanic Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Presentation of Quinche, patroness of Ecuador. The Mass will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Prior to the Mass, […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know?Summertime, Safe TimeAll 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 […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Did You Know?Summertime, Safe TimeAll 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 […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Program With summer now in full swing, this announcement is very appropriate with children at home. Did You Know? Teach Kids to Protect Themselves at Home We consider our homes to be safe places for our children. But being home alone can pose risks for children. Here are a few tips […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Program With summer now in full swing, this announcement is very appropriate with children at home. Did You Know? Teach Kids to Protect Themselves at Home We consider our homes to be safe places for our children. But being home alone can pose risks for children. Here are a few tips […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES 40 Sessions Announced for Stewardship Conference in September Interested in gathering, learning and networking with hundreds of Catholics from across the country to explore building active, vibrant parish communities?  This year’s 3 day International Catholic Stewardship Conference (ICSC), scheduled for September 12 – 15, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel, is packed […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES SCAM PREVENTION It has come to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s attention that parishioners have been receiving text messages, emails or direct messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be Bishop Parkes. The bishop or priests might occasionally send an email notifying people about a fundraising campaign and request […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass Join us on May 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM for the Memorial Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Monsignor Robert F. Morris, Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, will be the main celebrant.  Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know?How Old Does a Child Need to Be in Order to Stay Alone?Don’t assume that when your child understands what you’re saying, he’s ready to walk out the door by himself. Besides the fact that many states have laws against leaving children of certain ages alone (for example, younger than 12), […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocese of St. Petersburg Annual Courage & Encourage Day of Recollection Saturday, June 5, 2021 A day of spiritual renewal for Catholic men and women who experience same-sex attraction and desire to live a chaste life. Parents and family members of people who experience same sex attraction are welcome. Enjoy time for reflection in […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of: Reverend Mr. Israel Antonio Hernández. The candidate will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 15, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of: Reverend Mr. Israel Antonio Hernández. The candidate will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 15, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Safe Environment Office Teach Children to Say, “Stop It” Child safety tip: Teach children to say, “Stop it,” to instructions that might encourage them to do things they really do not want to do.  Reinforce the rule that children should say, “Stop it,” to requests or demands that make them uncomfortable, even if […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop Parkes will Consecrate the Diocese of St. Petersburg to St. Joseph on May 1st Bishop Gregory Parkes will consecrate parishes, schools, ministries and the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg to St. Joseph on Saturday, May 1st, the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Easter Message from Bishop Parkes We are providing QR Code bulletin graphics (square and rectangle sized in English and Spanish). Parishioners can point their cell phone camera at the QR code and a link to access the webpage with the bishop’s message will appear. Graphisc at these links: Square (English) –  https://bit.ly/3rcs5og Square […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Get Ready for Holy Week with Bishop Parkes Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for his podcasts, Proclaim, Invite and Encounter and An Invitation to Worship.  In the coming days, Bishop Parkes reflects on the start of Holy Week with beauty of the Chrism Mass, the significance of servant leadership at the Last Supper, and […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Chrism Mass Livestream or Radio Broadcast on March 30th at 11:30 a.m.| During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Parkes will consecrate the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. The bishop will also bless the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Chrism Mass Livestream or Radio Broadcast on March 30th at 11:30 a.m.| During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Parkes will consecrate the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. The bishop will […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Listen to Bishop Gregory Parkes via Podcast On Proclaim, Invite and Encounter, Bishop Parkes speaks about God’s grace and mercy, stewardship, forgiveness and more. Click here to listen. Catholic Campus Ministry ~ USF Catholic Bulls New Talk Show Episode On a new episode of Catholic Bulls Late Night, a spin […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Altar Server Appreciation Mass The Youth Altar Server Appreciation Mass will be on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. While we realize many parishes have not been using altar servers on a regular basis since last year, we […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications New Podcast/Radio Series: Proclaim, Invite and Encounter Bishop Gregory Parkes is offering a new series on Spirit FM 90.5 and on your favorite podcast app that provides inspiration and insights for living our Catholic faith.  Proclaim, Invite and Encounter is a daily reflection and commentary on Courageously Living the Gospel […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Chat with SeminariansMen, ages 15-35 are invited to attend our next discernment opportunity, Zoom Chat with Seminarians, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7 pm.  Fr. Chuck will be the host and each month includes vocation stories from different seminarians. Please see the flyer at this link:  https://bit.ly/3ocG38p for more information and […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Beware of Scams The Office of Communications of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, is helping our community to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Your best response is to be aware and to be vigilant. Do not reply to an unfamiliar text message, email or social media message until […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and the Pro-Life Generation via Livestream to Pray for Life on January 22nd Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the first-ever Diocesan Mass for Life with youth from around the Diocese of St. Petersburg on Friday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View to the Top In this end of the year program, Bishop Parkes shares the positives of what was generally a challenging year and makes some predictions for 2021.  Follow the following link to listen to the podcast:  https://bit.ly/3pOIXBu. Office of Communications New Video: Year in Review The Diocese of Petersburg invites […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications New Video: Year in Review The Diocese of Petersburg invites you to take a look back at this unforgettable year and thank God for the grace to stand firm in the faith, courageous and strong. We’ve produced a video with some of the most compelling photos of 2020. To view […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Bishop Parkes Christmas Message Bishop’s 2020 Christmas Message is available for publication in your bulletins. We have the following versions: English PDF: https://bit.ly/3nh0mlq and PNG: https://bit.ly/2Wa9NqV Spanish PDF: https://bit.ly/2LzNPLT  and PNG:  https://bit.ly/3oUOjKZ If you need another format, contact Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org. Christmas With Bishop Gregory Parkes Those who are unable […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On the December 2, 2020 edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes shares why the faithful should go to Reconciliation this Advent, the roles of Cardinals in the Church, reports of aborted children used in COVID research, and why did God allow COVID.  Please follow this […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the recently released McCarrick and Florida State Attorney Reports and the virtual meeting of the U.S. Bishops. Marriage and Family […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8doO_FTIZ5UBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Thanksgiving message and expresses his gratitude for your prayers and support.In this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the […]

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes discusses praying for victories, superstitions and faith, election takeaways, the beatification of Father Michael McGivney, COVID-19 and holidays and a salute to veterans.  To listen to the podcast, follow this link:  https://bit.ly/32qABGE. Our Diocesan Commitment to Safe Environments […]