The Diocese of St. Petersburg was recently recognized by the Pinellas County Commission and the Hillsborough County Commission for service to the community during the last 50 years.

Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long and County Administrator Mark Woodward presented a proclamation to Bishop Gregory Parkes designating June 17, 2018 as Diocese of St. Petersburg Day. The Proclamation highlighted the Diocesan commitment to reaching out to people who are vulnerable and on the peripheries of our community, as well harmonizing with people of all faith backgrounds, serving people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and contributing to the moral foundation of the area

“The Diocese of St. Petersburg has had a positive impact on the local community and the whole Tampa Bay region over the past 50 years. An impact that goes beyond faith,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long during the presentation.

The Hillsborough County Commission presented a Commendation on the occasion of the diocesan 50^th anniversary. The framed certificate highlighted that the Diocese has been dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of its ever-growing congregation for 50 years. The Commendation also stated that the Diocese has had countless accomplishments, including 74 parishes and seven missions and referred to the Family Faith Fest, which will be held on October 27, 2018 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa in celebration of the 50^th anniversary.

For its 50th anniversary, Bishop Parkes has chosen the theme of Gratitude, Joy and Hope. He is asking everyone to remember the past with gratitude, celebrate the present with joy and look to the future with hope.

To view the proclamation recognizing June 17, 2018 as Diocese of St. Petersburg Day, click here. To view the Hillsborough County Commendation, click here. To read about the impact the Diocese of St. Petersburg has had on this community over the past 50 years, click here.

To read about diocesan history, click here.