United in Christ
As we face challenges and concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are leaning more on our faith and trusting in the Lord Jesus to be our protection and guide. While we have been separated by quarantines, self-isolation and social distancing, Pope Francis reminds us that, united in Christ, we are never alone. To help all of the faithful remain rooted in faith during this time, we offer the following resources to you:
From Bishop Parkes
March 30, 2021 – Bishop Gregory Parkes Announces Catholic Mass Obligation To Resume May 22nd
September 3, 2020 – Bishop Parkes Speaks About Keeping Holy the Lord’s Day
May 20, 2020 – Sunday Masses for the Public to Resume May 30-31
May 5, 2020 – Daily Mass with a Congregation to Resume May 11 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg
April 30, 2020 – Bishop Parkes Hopes to Resume Public Masses During the Month of May
March 30, 2020 – Message About Holy Week and Easter
March 20, 2020 – Bishop Parkes Shares a Message of Hope with the Faithful during this Difficult Time
March 18, 2020 – Public Masses are Temporarily Suspended in the Diocese of St. Petersburg
March 11, 2020 – Bishop Parkes Issues New Temporary Directives in Response to Coronavirus Concerns
March 2, 2020 – Diocese of St. Petersburg Issues a Faithful Response to Coronavirus
The Mass
March 30, 2021 – Bishop Gregory Parkes Announces Catholic Mass Obligation To Resume May 22nd
Click here for information about returning to Mass in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Click here to find local parishes that stream the Mass online.
Click here for a list of Masses on TV, Radio, and other online opportunities.
Click here for a list of parishes resuming a daily Mass schedule.
Why Have Mass When There is No One? – article by Catholic News Service
Find Help
This is a difficult time for many families and individuals. We have compiled page of resources to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on the link below to find the listing.
How to Help Others
While we are all striving to follow social distancing directives and support the health of our communities we know many are looking for ways they can assist others.
To make it easier for those able to contribute, we have compiled a list which includes e-giving for individual parishes, coronavirus relief, item donation needs throughout our diocese and prayer volunteer sign-up. Find the listing at the link below.
Schools
July 23, 2021 – Update for the 2021-2022 School Year
August 20, 2020 – Back to School Message from Chris Pastura, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
August 16, 2020 – Back to School Message from Bishop Gregory Parkes
July 17, 2020, Catholic Schools Are Scheduled to Start New School Year on August 24th
March 18, 2020 – Saint Leo University Extends Online Classes Through End of Spring Terms
March 17, 2020 – Catholic Schools Change Spring Break Dates
March 13, 2020 – Diocese of St. Petersburg Catholic Schools will be Closed March 16-20
March 12, 2020 – Saint Leo University to Move Classes Online to Avoid Spread of COVID19
Faith Formation, Ministry with Families and Youth
Resources for pastors, parents, and faith formation leaders: Faith Resources For Households of Faith
Resources for children, families and individuals: Keeping the Faith Alive During Coronavirus
Catholic Charities
Find the latest information from Catholic Charities on their website.
April 8, 2020 – Updates from Catholic Charities regarding available services and programs
March 16, 2020 – Catholic Charities ‘United in Christ’: Response to the Corona Virus
Prayer
Prayer is an important way for Catholics to respond to any crisis as we express our dependence on God. We pray especially for all those who are ill, their families, health care workers and officials working to slow the spread of COVID-19. Bishop Parkes urges the faithful to pray and fast for a quick and positive resolution of the current pandemic and for compassion and kindness to prevail in the hearts of all as we care for those in need.
March 24, 2020 – Pope Francis announces extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing
March 13, 2020 – USCCB President’s Reflection and Prayer During Coronavirus
Resources for Families and Individuals
Many of us are asked to stay home and avoid crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. To help families and individuals to keep the faith alive, grow in relationship with Jesus and continue to observe this Holy Season of Lent while at home, we offer families and individuals the resources at the link below.
Helpful Links
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Catholic Medical Association
World Health Organization
Florida Department of Health
Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet: English | Spanish
CDC Connects and Prepares Communities
What You Need to Know About COVID-19: English | Spanish