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DIOCESAN OFFICES

The Catholic Foundation Gala 2019
Please mark your calendars for the 2019 Catholic Foundation Gala on Saturday February 2^nd at the Hilton Downtown Tampa. All guests will enjoy a top-notch dinner, keynote address by Richard Gonzmart, fourth-generation “caretaker” of the Columbia Restaurant Group, 50/50 Raffle, live auction and the art showcase featuring original works from students in all our Catholic schools. Further details, along with sponsorship and ticket information, can be found online at https://catholicfoundation.org/gala/ or call 727-374-0220.

For graphics to use with this announcement, please visit this link.

From the Office of Marriage and Family Life 
Please put the below announcement in your parish bulletin as often as possible prior to January 24th.

Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving
The Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving with Bishop Gregory Parkes will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on Sunday, February 10^th at 3:00 pm.  This event honors couples throughout the diocese who will celebrate 25, 50 or more years of marriage during the 2019 calendar year.   Please RSVP to the parish office by Thursday January 24^th.

Vocatus Discernment Group for Men
Vocatus is a group for men who feel that the Lord might be calling them to the incredible vocation of the Priesthood. High school juniors and above are invited to attend on Thursday, December 20, from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Pastoral Center (6363 9^th Avenue North, St. Petersburg) for dinner and fraternity.

Please see flyer  at this link for more information.  RSVP to Heidi Varley at (727) 345-3452 or hlv@dosp.org.

In the Wildflowers Retreat
for women who have suffered childhood sexual abuse
This 10-week Christ-centered private retreat will be held in Tampa on Saturdays beginning  February 2 through April 6, 2019 from 2 pm to 6 pm. Cost is $15 per session (meal is included). No one will be turned away for inability to pay. If you are interested in participating in this retreat, please contact Cathy at 813-843-8969; wildflowersretreats@gmail.com  or visit our website: https://www.wildflowersretreat.org.

Florida March for Life
The Diocese is sponsoring a day trip to the Florida March for Life in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine,  on Saturday, January 12, 2019. This March is for anyone who believes in the sanctity of human life. $40.00/adults and $20.00/ages 13 and younger- includes boxed lunch. Bus departs St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clearwater and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Seffner.  Learn more and register here: https://www.dosp.org/life/upcoming-events/ Question? Contact Sabrina Schultz at 727-344-1611 or sab@dosp.org.

Catholic Days at the Capitol, March 26-27 (returning March 28)
In the Catholic Tradition, Responsible Citizenship is a Virtue. Catholics from around the state are invited to attend our annual lobbying days known as Catholic Days at the Capitol. Schedule includes a legislative briefing on human life and dignity issues, meetings with elected officials, luncheon, and the Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. Registration deadline is March 12^th.

Learn more at this link:  https://www.flaccb.org/cdac.
Download registration form: https://www.dosp.org/life/upcoming-events/. Contact Sabrina for more information: 727-344-1611 *5325; sab@dosp.org.

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS

“Dancing Dream”  ~ ABBA Tribute
“Dancing Dream,” a nationally touring ABBA Tribute Band, is coming to Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 7:30pm in the Conmy Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the parish office or online at www.ConmyCenter.com. Buy your tickets early – they make great Christmas gifts for that hard to shop for person! Our last show sold out!

Military Card Party 
Please join us for our annual Military Card Party, Wednesday, January 23rd at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, 550 US Hwy 41 South in Inverness. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 12 noon and games begin at 1:00 p.m. Entrance fee: $12 (includes games, lunch buffet, dessert and door prizes). This is a benefit for the many charities the Catholic Women’s Club supports.  Contact Jeanne at 352-419-7249 for reservations. Sponsored by OLF Catholic Church Women’s Club.”

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/.