Each year, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is blessed with gifts of time, talent and treasure from our faith family across the five counties that make up our diocese. As Bishop Parkes explains in his introductory note, “The generosity that you have shown through your support of our ministry and services here in the Diocese …
Parish leaders have spent months planning and diligently working to complete recommended activities and run a successful and positive Catholic Ministry Appeal active phase. And now, the first parish has officially exceeded its goal for our new Catholic Ministry Appeal. Congratulations St. Brendan Parish Family for surpassing goal in record time! “This accomplishment has little …
Throughout January, parishes and missions began sharing information about the new Catholic Ministry Appeal through the bulletin, from the pulpit, on their websites and via social media channels. In addition, parishioners received a mailing from Bishop Parkes and a follow-up communication from their pastor. All of this laid the groundwork for pastors to ask parishioners …
The St. Patrick Catholic School Intermediate Odyssey of the Mind team earned 4th place in the World competition for 2021. The team was comprised of 5th graders Ivan, Sergio, Rebekah, Shannon and Madison, and 1st grader Ellie. The path to the World Finals was not an easy one. The students were on COVID quarantine immediately …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes announced today that opening day for parish and diocesan Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will be postponed for two weeks, from August 10th to August 24th. In a letter to parents, he noted the recent rise of Covid-19 cases and stressed the importance of acting prudently. This decision was …
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School has officially begun construction on a beautiful new Learning Commons that will open in Fall 2020. The space will include a writing studio, a chapel, an innovation studio, and several collaborative workspaces and presentation areas. The goal of this project is to create a central hub on campus where students …
Continue reading “Media Center Transformation is Underway at St. Petersburg Catholic High School”
In keeping with the directives and guidelines from our government and public health authorities, Bishop Gregory Parkes has directed that all Catholic School and Early Childhood centers will be closed to students through the end of the 2019-20 academic year. All schools will conduct online/virtual learning for the remainder of the academic year. Currently, diocesan …
We are continuing to follow the guidance from the CDC and public health organizations as we make decisions about how best to move forward with regard to the coronavirus (Covid-19). This memo amends the earlier one sent on Friday, March 13 by extending the closure of Catholic Schools through March 27. After prayerful consideration, Bishop …
Continue reading “Catholic Schools Change Spring Break Dates”
On March 11, 2020, Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey was notified that a parent of a student had tested positive for Coronavirus. The parent is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The child has not been present at school since last Friday, March 6. The family …
In a large ballroom at the Hilton Downtown Tampa, 500 of the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered to bring ministry to life with their presence, prayers and generosity. Long viewed as the signature event of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the 16th Annual Catholic Foundation Gala on February 1, 2020 inspired attendees …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes: “Let’s stretch the limits of what we can accomplish.””
Middle school can be a difficult time for many students but not for Katelyn Micko. When she started sixth grade at Espiritu Santo Catholic School in Safety Harbor, she felt right at home. “I was welcomed into a culture of intelligence, acceptance, opportunity, a new perspective on my faith and love,” said Micko. As student …
As part of National Schools Choice Week, the Assistant Secretary of Career Planning, Technology and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education, Scott Stump, visited Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa. He visited to see first-hand how students with learning disabilities are benefiting from an accessible curriculum that adapts to their needs, skills and learning …
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There are 47 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to nearly 13,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. While proudly Catholic, we welcome students of all faiths. These students shine year-round, but one week each year is devoted to highlighting …
Continue reading “Catholic School Update from Our Superintendent”
Janice Metz of St. Cecelia Parish in Clearwater is leading by example. She believes that the Church must proactively invite all to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ and offer a warm welcome. “It is so important to look for opportunities to invite people to our Church and really make them welcome,” said …
Continue reading “Retired Principal Impacts Many Lives with Her Generosity and Faith”
On Sunday, November 24, 2019, the Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida (USF) celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass to honor and bless the Fall graduates of the university! Five Catholic graduates were recognized during the Mass celebrated by Father Joshua Dyachim. Father Justin Paskert, Director of the Catholic Student Union, concelebrated the Mass. …
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Eucharistic, Investiture Ceremonies Incorporate Catholic Heritage, Faculty, Staff, Students Saint Leo University’s 10th president in its 130-year history was inaugurated Friday, October 11, in a ceremony in the Marion Bowman Activities Center that incorporated the university’s Catholic heritage and its commitment to student-centered education. In a Mass celebrated by Abbot Isaac Camacho, OSB, and a …
Continue reading “Saint Leo University Inaugurates 10th President, Jeffrey D. Senese”
Saint Leo University will again offer the Catholic Promise Scholarship, which helps make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. The scholarship will be offered for undergraduate students for the Fall 2020 Semester at University Campus. The Catholic Promise Scholarship will award Florida students who have attended four years at a …
To welcome new students and their families to a new school year at the USF main campus, the Catholic Student Union (CSU) and the Catholic Bulls Alumni Society hosted “Welcome Home Weekend” on August 24-25, 2019. This two-day event focused on food, fun, faith and hospitality! After the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening, students, …
Candlelight Vigil, Counseling, Relief Drive, Comfort Food Dinner Helps Following Dorian While Hurricane Dorian did not strike Saint Leo University, its impact on the Bahamas is strongly felt by the university community located north of Tampa. Nearly 150 Bahamian students attend Saint Leo, with 64 members of the Class of 2023 being from the country. …
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For 50 years, Morning Star School has provided much-needed services to thousands of children with special needs in Tampa Bay, while continually growing. The school welcomes students of all faiths in grades Kindergarten to high school. In the beginning, the school mostly served children with physical disabilities and Down syndrome but has since expanded to …
Gannon University formally opened a new 80,000-square-foot academic building at its Ruskin, Fla. campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. About 220 people attended the Dedication and Blessing Ceremony at the campus, which is south of Tampa. “Today is a monumental step in the development of Gannon University’s effort in Ruskin, Fla. to advance the quality of healthcare delivery …
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Fr. Timothy Zak, SDB, Provincial Superior, Salesians of Don Bosco, Province of St. Philip the Apostle, and the Board of Members, announced that Scott Morreale has been appointed to the position of President of Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School effective August 19, 2019. “Scott brings professional qualifications and personal skills that he is ready to …
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Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2018/2019 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Lauren Dingle Sydney Lowman Salutatorian Katherine Taulbee Bishop McLaughlin Catholic …
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Notre Dame de Namur and Saint Leo universities now enrolling students for fall 2019 Two established Catholic universities have come together to make it easier for education, healthcare, law enforcement, and other public-service professionals to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement. Through a collaborative effort, Saint Leo University will provide prospective students with an …
Diane Kledzik, the director of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Marriage and Family Life Office, recently received Clearwater Central Catholic (CCC) High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award for her accomplishments in the area of “Living Faith.” Diane graduated from CCC in 1980 and she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources with a …
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On May 16, 2019, Tampa Catholic received its largest donation ever. In fact, the $7-million gift from alumnus Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren is believed to be the largest single gift to a Catholic school in Florida’s history. Bellini is Founder of tech firm ConnectWise and a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic. The company …
Continue reading “Tampa Catholic High School Has 7 Million Reasons to Celebrate”
A new leadership model has been introduced at St. Petersburg Catholic High School to more intently advance the mission of the school. Effective July 1, 2019, Dr. Daniel Zepp will serve as newly appointed president, while Ross Bubolz will join him in shared leadership ministry continuing as principal of the school. This expanded model was …
Results Include More Confidence for Students and Improved Learning What has 116 strings and pinkies on top? The new violin program at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Dunedin. Started last year with 18 students, it has now grown to include almost 50 violin students in Grades 3 and 4. Connor Littlejohn is …
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Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …
Continue reading “Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions”
Over 900 sixth graders from Catholic schools across the five counties of the Diocese of St. Petersburg participated in the annual Focus 11 program February 12 -13 at St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa. A major part of this vocations awareness retreat is hearing from men and women who have said yes to God’s call to …
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Sold Out Event Raised Over $350,000 for Tuition Assistance More than 600 individuals representing parishes, schools and local businesses gathered together at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on February 2 for the Catholic Foundation’s 15th Annual Gala in support of Catholic education and tuition assistance programs. “It is our privilege to help hundreds of students …
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On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, eight students from Corpus Christi Catholic School in Temple Terrace participated in STEMpalooza, a STEM competition sponsored by the Hillsborough County Association of Elementary Science Teachers. The 2nd and 3rd grade team competed in the Robot Maze and Obstacle Course and earned gold medals! The 4th and 5th grade team …
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There are 48 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to more than 12,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. These students shine year-round but one week each year is devoted to highlighting what makes Catholic schools so special. National Catholic …
Continue reading “Q & A with our Superintendent of Catholic Schools”
Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released January 16. Saint Leo ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor’s degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota, …
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More than 300 students and chaperones are heading to Washington D.C. for the 46th national March for Life that will take place Friday, January 18. Speakers include Abby Johnson, a pro-life activist who formerly worked for Planned Parenthood and Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The March for …
Earlier this month, Guardian Angels became the first school in Tampa Bay to receive STREAM certification which is issued by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. They are the fifth school statewide to earn this distinction. In 2016, Guardian Angels Catholic School introduced a STREAM curriculum. STREAM provides a …
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Earlier this month, Guardian Angels Catholic School became the first school in Tampa Bay to receive STREAM certification which is issued by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. They are the fifth school statewide to earn this distinction. In 2016, Guardian Angels Catholic School introduced a STREAM curriculum. STREAM …
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ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University on December 5 will celebrate its 20th anniversary of offering online education. Launched in December 1998, Saint Leo was one of the first institutions to embrace online education with the creation of the Center for Online Learning. In 1996, the university faced declining enrollments and increasing deficits. Under …
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Corpus Christi Catholic School’s mission is to develop in their students a passion for the Gospel and building a just and compassionate world through service to God and others. Each year, students participate in different service opportunities throughout the community. Eighth grade students volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries, Best Buddies and St. Vincent De Paul, amongst others. Younger …
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Four years ago, Principal Susan Conza had a dream of building a Sensory Room for her students at Morning Star Catholic School. Now, it’s finally here and helping to calm and soothe children with autism and learning difficulties. The children are immersed in an environment that engages their senses to help them self-regulate when their …
Continue reading “Students Find Relief in New Sensory Room at Morning Star School in Pinellas Park”
The students of St. Cecelia Catholic School of Clearwater, Florida gathered by the school’s flagpole where they honored the courageous of our country, the veterans. A prayer service and flag raising to God Bless America was a very touching sight to behold. The students were asked the question, “Who are veterans?” Among the answers that …
Continue reading “St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School Celebrates Veterans Day”
Notre Dame Catholic School was proud to host its 2nd annual Field of Honor® ceremony on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 9 am. It was attended by over 200 people, not including the student body. The Field of Honor® flag event payed tribute to our veterans and service men and women with a moving display …
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More than 100 students and staff of Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa surprised Bishop Gregory Parkes with a strong show of support for the new diocesan vision, Courageously Living Gospel. On September 19, Bishop Parkes arrived at the school to celebrate their 60th anniversary Mass and found them all wearing matching blue t-shirts with a call to …
September 12, 2018: – Good News! Book Fair launched its inaugural book fair in the Diocese of St. Petersburg in partnership with Notre Dame Catholic School in Spring Hill. “Bringing the Good News! Book Fair to our community at Notre Dame was an honor!” said Mrs. Florence Buono, school principal. “It was extremely refreshing to …
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Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D., recognized graduates of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program as they become a part of Gannon history and received their diplomas at the University’s inaugural Commencement Ceremony at its Ruskin, Florida Campus. The Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 25 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and featured feature keynote …
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School has announced a multimillion-dollar revitalization project of its two main classroom buildings, Bishop Barry Hall and Notre Dame Hall, marking the first major renovation to the classrooms since they were built in 1957. The buildings, including twenty classrooms and eight departmental offices, are expected to reopen by the first day …
Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017/2018 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Emma Gibbs Heston Evelyn Nicole Martinez Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High …
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School has been approved as a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is now pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education, which St. Petersburg Catholic believes is important for its students. “The …
On April 11, 2018, ground was officially broken for the new field house and football locker room facility at Clearwater Central Catholic High School. The building will be completed about halfway through the 2018-19 Marauder football season, with an estimated completion date of October 2018. The new structure will be alongside the current football field and …
Three of our Catholic schools made the Tampa Bay Times’ Top 100 Workplaces in Tampa Bay list. Guardian Angels Catholic School was the top employer in the small category. (minimum of 50 local employees). On the list of the top 50 small employers, Clearwater Central Catholic High School was number 42 and St. Cecelia Interparochial …
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See how some of our schools journeyed through the 2018 Holy Week in the photos below. Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Seminole Click on the album below to scroll through the photos. Christ the King Catholic School in Tampa Click on the album below to scroll through the photos. Clearwater Central Catholic High School in …
“‘My main goal is that, through the medium of violin, that they learn discipline, self-control, and good composure, and become a better person for it,’ said [Aaron Jacobson, a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.]” Watch the video from Fox 13 below and read the full story by clicking here.
Edward Sieh of Safety Harbor, a student at St. Cecelia Catholic School has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by the Prudential Spirit of …