DIOCESAN OFFICES

Ordination to the Priesthood
The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Christian A. Galvan.  Deacon Galvan will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.  The Mass is open to the public and can also be viewed via livestream on our diocesan website:  www.dosp.org/livestream.

You are also welcome to attend the Vespers Service, on Friday, May 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. The Vesper Service will also be livestreamed on Christ the King’s website: ctk-tampa.org.

Please keep Deacon Galvan in prayer, as he joyfully awaits the day of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood!  Also, please pray for a continued increase in priestly vocations, trusting that the Lord, who is ever faithful, will provide abundantly.

Marian Congress Registration is Now Open!
Make plans now to attend the Diocese of St. Petersburg Marian Congress, on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.  This will be a special day for growing closer to Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother. This year’s theme is “Mary and the Eucharist.” This one-day event includes dynamic speakers, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a multicultural Rosary, and Mass with Bishop Gregory Parkes. The Catholic Church dedicates May to Mary in honor of her role as the mother of Jesus and of those in heaven and on earth. She mothers everyone like a true mother, and she is the model for those who want to be faithful followers of Christ.   Click here to learn more and to register. (https://www.dosp.org/heartofmary/)

Promotional graphic at this link:  https://tinyurl.com/ymfeys6s.

Did You Know?
From the Diocesan Safe Environment Office:  Listen to Your Children
Summer is just around the corner!  When your children are out of school and on different schedules, meeting new people and going to new places, make sure that you talk to them often about their experiences and the people they’ve met. Listen carefully to your children. If possible, observe and get to know the other children and adults who are part of your children’s summertime fun. Above all, communicate your safety concerns to your children. Make sure they know that they can come to you with any concerns they may have about the people they interact with. And if you hear of or observe behaviors that may be inappropriate, make sure to communicate your feelings to people who are in a position to intervene. Communication is key to creating and maintaining a safe environment all year round.

For particular help you may call: Michael Craig, Safe Environment Program Manager at (727) 344-1611, ext. 5377.
Source: www.kidsafe.com.

Prison Ministry Invitation
I was in prison and you visited me…(Mt 25:36).  Have you ever considered ministry to the incarcerated?  Spreading the Good News of a loving and forgiving Father can make all the difference in the world to someone searching for the path to salvation or who feels alone and forgotten.  If you can spare 2 hours, one weekend a month, consider ministering to the incarcerated.   Contact the Office of Prison Ministry at 727-344-1611 or prisonmn@dosp.org.  Thank you for opening up your heart. 

PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS

Overnight Retreat for Adults
Elisheba House presents “​Your Heart’s Desire”, 2023 Eucharistic Healing Retreat.
June 16-17, 2023
​Hampton Inn Odessa Trinity
11780 SR 54, Odessa, FL 33556
(813) 749-6826
* Retreat ticket does not include overnight hotel… must book separately.

Bring your weary hearts and encounter the healing presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
For more information and to register, please visit www.elishebahouse.com or click on this link:  REGISTER TODAY! (https://www.elishebahouse.com/store/p18/YHD_Retreat_2023.html)

Promotional graphics at this link.

Blue Mass for First Responders
All are welcome to the Blue Mass for first responders at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2281 State Road 580, Clearwater, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  Fr. Ted Costello will be the main celebrant.

Flyer at this link:  https://tinyurl.com/yc2ukacc.

PILGRIMAGES AROUND THE DIOCESE

Parish Pilgrimages
If your parish is offering a pilgrimage within the coming months, we invite you to share this information with the Pastoral Bulletin: pastoralbulletin@dosp.org.   This allows readers to view opportunities to participate in an upcoming pilgrimage.

The pilgrimages are posted in the Diocesan website under the Pastoral Bulletin page at this link:  https://www.dosp.org/pastoralbulletin/pilgrimages/.