DIOCESAN OFFICES

Beware of Text Message and Social Media Scams
It has come to the attention of the Diocese of St. Petersburg that parishioners have been receiving text messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be our priests. Our priests and staff do not contact individuals via text message or social media to ask for money or personal information.  Do not reply to such text or social media messages and report them to your parish and the Diocese.  Follow this link:  https://bit.ly/331W5IW  for tips on how to protect yourself from such scams.

Save the Date and Save a Life: Attend the Foundations of Life Gala on November 16, 2019
Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and pro-life supporters from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the Foundations of Life Gala & Silent Auction on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful Higgins Hall (5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa).

This extraordinary evening of hope will feature Guest Speaker, Melissa Ohden, an abortion survivor who will share her amazing story.

To sponsor or to reserve your tickets, visit: www.foundationsoflife.org or call 813-631-4393.

Know Your Kids’ School
The beginning of a new school year is just around the corner!  Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for protecting their children from all potential harm.

When choosing a nursery, daycare center, or school, parents should inspect the building and grounds to make sure there are no areas where children play or work that are “off limits” to parents.

Such facilities should have a policy that welcomes parents to visit the center or school without prior appointment.

For particular help you may call: Michael Craig, Safe Environment Program Manager at (727) 344-1611, ext. 5377.
Source: Philip J. Lazarus, “Characteristics of Safe and Responsive Schools,” VIRTUS, January 14, 2002.

Misa Hispana Diocesana
La Comisión Hispana les invita a celebrar junto a moseñor Gregory L. Parkes la Misa Hispana Diocesana anual en honor a Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, patrona de Costa Rica. La Misa será celebrada en la Catedral de St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, el Sábado 12 de octubre, 2019, a las 11 a.m. Rezaremos el rosario a las 10:00 a.m. seguido de la procesión de banderas en representación de nuestra herencia hispana. Para obtener más información, llame a Mercedes Cedeño at 727-344-1611 ext. 5471.

Diocesan Hispanic Mass
The Hispanic Commission invites all to celebrate with Bishop Gregory L. Parkes the annual Diocesan Hispanic Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Angels, patroness of Costa Rica. The Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. We will pray the rosary at 10:00 a.m. followed by the procession of flags representing our Hispanic heritage. For more information contact Mercedes Cedeño at 727-344-1611 ext. 5471.

Posters: Spanish/English
Social Media graphics:  Spanish/English

Spirit FM Promotional Tool Kit
The Office of Communications has created an online promotional tool kit to help spread the word about our diocesan radio ministry, Spirit FM 90.5.  Click here to view a letter from Bishop Parkes, announcements, ads and talking points that can be printed in your bulletins, posted on your social media and emailed via your e-newsletters.  The Tampa Bay area is blessed to have a station that plays uplifting Christian music and broadcasts daily prayers, the daily Mass and Catholic talks shows, including Bishop Parkes’ own program, A View from the Top. Thank you for your support!

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Introductory Course in Discalced Carmelite Spirituality
Is God calling you to a deeper prayer life?  Mary Queen of Carmel Community is seeking those whom God is calling to deepen their prayer life, while living in the secular world.  We follow the traditions of Saints Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux.  We are offering an introductory course in Discalced Carmelite Spirituality starting September 22, 2019 at Espiritu Santo Parish, 2405 Philippe Parkway in Safety Harbor.  For more information, please call Karen at 727-328-4632.

Night of Praise and Adoration
All are invited to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4520 S. Manhattan Avenue in Tampa on August 24, 2019 at 7:00 pm,  for a Night of Praise and Adoration presented by the Freedom to Worship Ministry.  You will experience praise and worship, an uplifting speaker, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for prayer ministry.   All are welcome! Follow this ministry on Instagram @freedomtoworship, Facebook at Freedom To Worship, or online at www.freedom2worship.net.   For more information please contact Monica at (813) 368-3866.

Emmaus Retreat for the Women of Pinellas County
August 16-18, 2019
Franciscan Center, Tampa
Now accepting applications!
Catholic women of Pinellas County: Jesus is calling you to deepen your relationship with Him!  This is a weekend of spiritual awakening, or reawakening, that every woman should experience.

Private accommodations are $240; rooms for two are $195 per person.  Please contact Lisa Langan at 727-420-7916 or Lisalangan59@gmail.com for more information.

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/.