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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.
- Catholic aid agency continues support for Church relief efforts to Palestinianson May 1, 2026 at 11:45 am
The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has rushed nearly $1.2 million in aid to support Church-sponsored relief efforts in Gaza […]
- Hormuz crisis could push tens of millions of people into povertyon May 1, 2026 at 11:25 am
The UN Secretary‑General has warned that the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could push tens of millions of people into […]
Pastoral Bulletin
All the latest news for parishes, schools, and ministries in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
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Rev. Rafael E. Martos ~ Update
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Rafael Eduardo Martos Nimer, 64, Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, on…
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Mrs. Norma Signore
We have received word that Mrs. Norma Signore, 106, mother of Pastoral Center’s retired employee Phil Signore, passed away on July 31 2024. She was…
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Clergy Changes ~ Incardination
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardinations: Reverend Rafael Martos, [formerly of Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba], Administrator of…
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Mrs. Katharina Chacko
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Katharina Chacko, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in India. Mrs. Chacko is the…
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 […]