DIOCESAN OFFICES

Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed during the spring and especially in proximity to the Easter season, a time when we celebrate new life! There is no better time of year to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children and youth. Protecting our young people is a life-giving choice!

For information on how you can help ensure the safety of our young people, please call: Michael Craig, Safe Environment Program Manager at (727) 344-1611, ext. 5377.

The Chrism Mass on April 16 Will be Livestreamed
If you are not able to join us for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 Fifth Avenue, St. Petersburg), you are invited to view the live video stream available at www.dosp.org or listen to a broadcast of the Chrism Mass on Spirit FM 90.5.

During the Chrism Mass, priests of the Diocese of St. Petersburg will renew their commitment to priestly service and Bishop Gregory Parkes will bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens and consecrate the Sacred Chrism. These oils are used in parishes throughout the year for sacramental celebrations.

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Women Discernment Day
The Office of Vocations is happy to once again host a Discernment Day for Women.  It will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm at the Pastoral Center (6363 9^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida).

Lunch will be provided and there is no cost to you.  For more information please see flyer at this link.  All women, high school juniors and older, are welcome and invited to attend this opportunity for lunch, conversation and adoration with religious women from around the diocese.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Heidi Varley in the Office of Vocations at (727) 345-3452 or hlv@dosp.org.

Your Input is Needed on Communications
Share your thoughts about media and give us constructive feedback on our communication efforts. Take the Diocese of St. Petersburg Communications Survey at this link, www.dosp.org/survey. Deadline has been extended until April 15. Bishop Gregoy Parkes is hoping to hear from you! Thank you!!

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Spring Retreat Day, “Living Hope in our Troubled yet Beautiful World.”
Saturday, April 27th
Mass at 9 AM; Retreat from 10 am to  2 pm
St. Mary Parish, Tampa
Guest Speaker is acclaimed author, Sr. Melannie Svoboda, SND (www.melanniesvobodasnd.org). The retreat will use scripture, music, short videos, stories, sharing, and humor to lead us deeper into the Mystery of God, the ultimate source of all hope. Cost is $15.00 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Register at https://www.dosp.org/life/upcoming-events/ or contact Sabrina at sab@dosp.org, 727-344-1611.

All Are Invited to Renew Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle
Also, a Marian Congress will be held on May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. that will include witness talks, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Rosary. This event will help participants to learn about the role of Mary in the Church, why she is a gift from Jesus and why she is our refuge in time of danger. Plus, all will be inspired to take Mary in our hearts and homes. To learn more, visit www.dosp.org/heartofmary.

Promotional materials can be found here: https://www.dosp.org/heartofmary/promotional-tools/.

The Martyrs of La Florida Missions Receive Grant
The Martyrs of La Florida Missions extend prayers of gratitude for the generous grant from “In God We Trust Foundation” for support of our curriculum project to share stories of faith, evangelization and martyrdom with all Catholic schools in Florida. Visit www.MartyrsOfLaFloridaMissions.org/curriculum-project to learn more.

To find out more about how the foundation of “In God We Trust” is working to put God back into schools and to contribute to the Florida Martyrs curriculum project through the purchase of DMV-approved license plates, visit www.InGodWeTrustFoundation.com/mdlf.

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Daystar’s With These Hands Breakfast
Join us for Daystar Life Center’s With These Hands Breakfast on Wednesday, April 24, from 7:30  to 9 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.

Dr. Roy Kaplan will receive the With These Hands award and Sister Marita Flynn will receive the Franciscan Heart Award.

For reservations ($20), www.daystarlife.com, mail check to Daystar, 226 6th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, or call Maureen Camphire at 727-823-5495.

COME AND SEE
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Is God calling you to join a community of Catholic men and women dedicated to guiding God’s people to healing, freedom and purpose in Christ? You are invited to join us for Charismatic praise and worship, a presentation on the Marian Servants, the rosary, fellowship and refreshments.

Flyer at this link:  https://bit.ly/2U81pth

Marian Servants at Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer
711 S. Bayview Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33759
Phone:  727-797-7212 or Email:   info@divineprovidence.org
www.divineprovidence.org.

Family Deliverance Growth Retreat
The Family Deliverance Growth Retreat will be held at the Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City, Florida from April 26 – 28 in English. This is a “family-focused” retreat for self-renewal based on the Word of God, Bible-based teachings of the Catholic Church, Holy Mass, Confessions, Praise and Worship Sessions and prayers for Inner and Physical Healing during Eucharistic Adoration. Everyone is welcome. We encourage the whole family to attend. There is no fee. Lunch will be provided. Prior registration is required. For further information, please contact (813) 567- 1226 and www.divinefl.org.

PILGRIMAGES AROUND THE DIOCESE
The pilgrimages are posted in the Diocesan website under Pilgrimages–bottom of the homepage under FAQ or by following this link: https://www.dosp.org/pastoralbulletin/pilgrimages/.