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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.
- Bahrain: Celebrations mark 800 years from death of St Francison April 30, 2026 at 2:38 pm
A series of initiatives will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death. A […]
- A call by the Church of Jerusalem in the present timeon April 30, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Father Rifat Badar, a Jordanian priest with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reflects on the significance and indications given by […]
Pastoral Bulletin
All the latest news for parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
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Diocese of Saint Petersburg Completes 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy
Three Months Ahead of Deadline The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg has met and exceeded its ambitious goal of completing 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy (kindness)…
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Catholics Will Make History on September 20th
Event in Tampa will bring together 12,000 Catholics. What: Eucharistic Encounter, the Largest Gathering of Catholics in the History of the Tampa Bay area When: Saturday, September…
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Clergy Change ~ September 2, 2025
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective September 1, 2025: APPOINTMENTReverend Edwin Palka, from Administrator pro tempore of…
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Reverend Raymond Lettre
The Chancellor’s Office recently learned that Reverend Raymond Arthur Lettre, 95, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away in the Lord…
USCCB News
National and world news from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- Papal trip put spotlight on local injustices, joy of Christian faith, pope says
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on April 29, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV wanted his journey to Africa to highlight the serious injustices continuing there and propose a message of peace to a world marred by […]
- Feed my sheep: Why shepherding is an ideal internship for church leaders
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on April 26, 2026 at 8:30 amVATICAN CITY (CNS) — More than just a good metaphor, the “good shepherd” is a concrete role model for Christian leadership.”The fathers of the Bible” — those, like Abraham, […]
- Archbishop Coakley Condemns Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on April 26, 2026 at 8:30 amWASHINGTON – Following the news of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of […]
- Pope condemns killings in Iran, speaks on migration, same-sex blessings
by PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE on April 25, 2026 at 8:30 amABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM MALABO TO ROME (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, went a step further April 23, […]