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Welcome to the news page of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Below you will find all the latest local, national, and world news.
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Gulf Coast Catholic
The online magazine of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, serving Tampa Bay, the Suncoast, and the Nature Coast. Sharing positive and relevant articles that help you live your best Catholic life.
- Bishops to Consecrate the United States to the Sacred Hearton May 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm
At their Plenary Assembly this past November, the U.S. Bishops announced plans to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration is planned for June 2026, coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday.
- Faith and Hope Prison Ministry Brings Support to Families of Incarceratedby Brittany DeHaan on April 29, 2026
Following the incarceration of his son in December of 2025, Dave Arnold was inspired to start a ministry, based out of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, centered on supporting the families of those who are incarcerated.
- Transitional Diaconate Ordination Marks Milestone on Path to Priesthoodby Brittany DeHaan on April 29, 2026
As incense filled the air and family, friends, and fellow seminarians gathered, joy was evident in the church as Mark DeSio, a seminarian for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, was ordained to the transitional diaconate.
- St. Peter the Apostle Parish Breaks Ground on New Churchby Allison Munden on April 29, 2026
On Sunday, April 26, 2026 St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Trinity celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new church. This new addition is an exciting asset to the rapidly growing Catholic community in northern Tampa.
News from the Vatican
All the latest news about the Holy Father, the Vatican, and the Church.
- 50 years on, Pope remembers victims of deadly Italian earthquakeon May 3, 2026 at 7:25 pm
On the 50th anniversary of the Friuli earthquake, which killed some 1,000 people and left over 150,000 homeless, Pope Leo prays that “the […]
- Pope at Regina Caeli: ‘Anticipate heaven on earth’on May 3, 2026 at 10:52 am
At the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo says that faith “frees our hearts from the anxiety of having and […]
Pastoral Bulletin
All the latest news for parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
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Announcements ~ July 11, 2022
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…
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Reverend Carl J. Melchior, Jr.
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…
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Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz
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…
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Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez
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…
USCCB News
National and world news from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston; Appoints Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as Successor
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan, 79, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, and has […]
- Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo; Appoints Reverend John Gomez as Successorby PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 am
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop James A. Tamayo, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Laredo, and has appointed Reverend John […]
- Pope Leo XIV Appoints Two New Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Washington; Accepts Resignation of Most Reverend Roy Campbell
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Gary R. Studniewski and Reverend Robert P. Boxie, III, as auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington. Bishop-elect […]
- On the road: Popemobile heads to the USA
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on May 1, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even though Pope Leo XIV is not visiting the United States this year, the popemobile is!The white, custom-built Hyundai vehicle will go on a 13-city […]