The story of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is featured in an episode of The Chair, a national documentary series celebrating the best of Catholicism in the United States. The episode features Bishop Gregory Parkes and showcases the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. The Chair is a series that celebrates the shepherds of the past and the shepherds of today, who through their callings and ministries carry the Church into the future.

The Chair explores the stories behind the people who brought the Catholic faith to America and gives viewers a fascinating look at the exquisite details and symbolism of each Cathedral’s unique architecture. It also explores some of the challenges facing the Church today, and provides insights into how the Church evangelizes today. The program showcases historic cathedrals and the ancient Catholic faith, in a fresh, modern light.

How to Watch

Watch The Chair’s episode about the Diocese of St. Petersburg for FREE on YouTube.

How can parishes and schools promote The Chair?

  • Host a Watch Party. Email the Office of Communications, communicate@dosp.org, to obtain a video file for this purpose.
  • Include an ad in your bulletin.
  • Show the series trailer before or after Mass or at other times.
  • Post the trailer or a graphic on social media.
  • Include an announcement in your e-newsletter.
  • Post information on your website.
  • Come up with your own creative ideas!

If you have questions, contact us at communicate@dosp.org.

Promotional Materials

Text Announcements

Streaming Now: A Documentary about the Diocese of St. Petersburg
The story of our Diocese is featured in an episode of The Chair, a documentary series celebrating the best of Catholicism in the United States. From the physical beauty of our cathedrals to the faith journey of our bishops, this compelling program features stunning videography and stories of hope. In the Diocese of St. Petersburg episode of The Chair, you’ll learn more about our history and the journey of Bishop Parkes from his youth to our shepherd of today. Watch The Chair for FREE on YouTube, visit dosp.org/TheChair.

The First Missionaries
In the early 16th century, Catholicism in Florida began with Spanish Missionaries. Father Luis de Cancer believed that aggression and violence were counterproductive to the spread of the Gospel and that the native people needed to be treated with dignity. This early recognition of the dignity of all people is reflected in our diverse Diocese today. To learn more about our local Catholic history, watch The Chair for FREE on YouTube, visit dosp.org/TheChair.

A Place of Unity
The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle was originally a parish church, established in 1950. It was elevated to a Cathedral in 1968 and underwent extensive renovations that were completed in 2013. The Cathedral is designed as a place of unity, blending both the western cruciform layout and the byzantine dome in its design. The dome, which sits above the altar, symbolizes where Heaven and Earth meet in the Eucharist. To learn more our local cathedral, watch The Chair for FREE on YouTube, visit dosp.org/TheChair.

Hashtags & Mentions

#thechair, #Catholic, #DeSales, #CourageouslyLiving, #DOSP, @DioStPete, @DeSalesMedia

Graphics

Video Trailer

Article

Article about The Chair (This can be reproduced for parish/school communication purposes.)