Announcements ~ December 18, 2023
DIOCESAN OFFICES
Did You Know?
Internet Filter Software Is No Substitute for Parental Monitoring
There is a lot of material on the Internet that is inappropriate for children. Parents can use filtering software to protect children from that material, but filters do not guarantee that children will not be exposed; a filter will never be a substitute for parents’ presence.
Monitor your child’s online behavior. Keep your family computer in a highly visible, common area, like the family room or the kitchen. Ask your children to show you what sites they go to, and be open and willing to discuss the inappropriate material they might come across.
For particular help you may call: Michael Craig, Safe Environment Program Manager at (727) 344-1611, ext. 5377.
Source: www.netsmartz.org.
From the Office of Vocations
Buccaneers Watch Party
Men ages 16 and older, are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes, Fr. Chuck Dornquast , seminarians and other priests as they watch the Buccaneers game on Sunday, December 17th at the Pastoral Center, 6363 9th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. There will be dinner, fellowship, and games. Follow this link to register: https://dospvocations.org/events/buccaneers-watch-party/.
Advent Adventure Day for Discerners
On December 20th, men ages 16 and older are invited to join Fr. Chuck Dornquast and the Diocese of St. Petersburg seminarians for a day of prayer, adventure, and fellowship at Fort De Soto Park. We will end with the Abundance Holy Hour and dinner with Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Nazareth House. If you are not available for the full day you may attend just the Holy Hour and Dinner. Visit the following link to register and for more information on the event: https://dospvocations.org/events/advent-adventure-day/.
PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS
Ejercicios Espirituales Ignacianos
Se ofrecerá los Ejercicios Espirituales de San Ignacio. Será en silencio y guiado por el P. Manuel Vargas Cano de España. Tendrá lugar en St. Leo Abbey (33701 State Rd 52, St Leo, FL 33574) el 3-6 de abril 2024.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius will be offered in Spanish at St. Leo Abbey on April 3-6, 2024. Visit the webpage below for more information on how to register.
Para más información, visite la página https://www.tickettailor.com/events/marysflowers/1071018.
St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises for Everyday Life
January 10-February 14, 2024
Loretta Rieman (a parishioner of St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg), a certified spiritual director, will facilitate a Zoom Retreat following the themes of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. This opportunity is offered through the Franciscan Center, Tampa.
Zoom sessions will be every Wednesday from January 10th until February 14th, 2024 from 2pm-4pm. (These sessions will be recorded if you are unable to join the Zoom call during the scheduled hours.) Those participating will be praying and reflecting on each week’s themes between Zoom sessions. We will follow the book Moment by Moment, A Retreat for Everyday Living by Carol Ann Smith, SHCJ and Eugene F. Merz, SJ. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book early.
For more information and to register go to https://www.franciscancentertampa.org/, click on the “Programs” tab and scroll down to find the “Moment by Moment” retreat information. Or you can use this direct link: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/FranciscanCenter_1/default/item.php?ref=34.0.86677871
Take a step back in time this Christmas at Sacred Heart Parish
Join the Docents of Sacred Heart Parish, 509 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, on Tuesday, December 26th at 3:00 p.m. for an historic Christmas tour of our church. Decorated splendidly for the Christmas season, including the historic “creche”, the tour of the church will include multiple stations featuring our docents, in period dress, and special guests explaining extraordinary features of the church including:
— the motivation behind the significant donation of the altar and altar rail;— unique architecture and design elements;
— original relics that were obtained for the dedication of the church in 1905;
— memorial stained-glass windows; and
— renovations to improve and sustain our church.
Learn about these and so many more interesting aspects of this ecclesiastical jewel of downtown Tampa. As always, docent-led lecture and tours are free, and open to the public. A reception with light refreshments will follow the tour in St. Francis Hall.
Donations are gratefully accepted and used to continue the renovation and restoration of the church. For updates or additional information, visit shfla.org/christmas.