June 2021 Letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our world has changed and so have we. We’ve grown, stretched our imaginations, discovered new possibilities and have endured the dark days of a global pandemic. At this time, change is continuing in our Church and in our world. We trust that God’s plan is at work through all of this. We also believe that God has called each of us for a time such as this. Working and praying together, let us focus on the priorities that matter most for evangelization and advancing God’s kingdom. This includes welcoming families, youth and young adults back to our churches.
With renewed enthusiasm and building on the creativity we have demonstrated, we are reminded that our sacred purpose is to proclaim the Good News and invite all to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Our vision of Courageously Living the Gospel continues to guide us on this path.
I invite you to read about the new goals we seek to accomplish together as we renew our vision and look forward to a fresh start for this new day that the Lord has made. Let us respond with courage, faith, hope and joy.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Gregory Parkes
June 2020 Video
June 2019 Letter
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Introducing Courageously Living the Gospel as our vision has brought new life and hope to our Diocese. We introduced it during our 50th anniversary and it has been well received. It has given us a renewed sense of purpose and a renewed sense of mission.
Right now, we are in the process of bringing that vision to life and our parishes are breathing life into the vision. Our parishes are making it happen by developing a parish pastoral plan in union with Courageously Living the Gospel.
I thank all of our priests, deacons, religious and parish leaders who have given so generously of their time to make this First year a time of excitement, hope and most of all, joy!
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Bishop Parkes
Bishop of St. Petersburg