DIOCESAN OFFICES

Diocesan Audit Results
Did you know that an independent audit conducted in September 2020 determined that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is once again in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Among the information revealed during the audit, it was found that the diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another ministerial assignment.  A copy of the compliance letter can be found on the diocesan website at this link: https://bit.ly/3lTPSau.

For particular questions or assistance, please contact Michael Craig, Safe Environment Program Director: (727) 344-1611, ext. 5377.

Bishop Gregory Parkes Evangelizes through Media
Did you know that Bishop Gregory Parkes is on YouTube, he has a radio show, and he records a Sunday Gospel reflection each week? This is one way he shares the hope of Christ with thousands of people each week. You can hear uplifting information about our Catholic community and also learn more about what our faith teaches on relevant topics. Take some time to connect more with your faith by connecting with Bishop Parkes. Visit www.BishopParkes.org to connect!

(Dear Bulletin Editors, Website/Social Media Administrators, Ministry Leaders, below are graphics for your use.)
Bringing You Hope Full Page 8.5” x 11”
Bringing You Hope Website Featured Image (4000 x 2000 pixels)
Bringing You Hope Horizonal Ad or Twitter Ad  Promoting Bishop’s Social Media | Promoting Bishop’s Website
Bringing You Hope Vertical Ad or Instagram Ad Promoting Bishop’s Social Media  | Promoting Bishop’s Website
Bringing You Hope Rectangle Ad or Facebook Ad Promoting Bishop’s Social Media | Promoting Bishop’s Website

Office of Vocations

National Vocation Awareness Week, November 1-7, 2020
In recognition of National Vocation Awareness week, the Office of Vocations will host Encounter, A Night of Prayer for Vocations, on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz.  The evening will include Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Praise & Worship.
Please see flyer for more information:  https://bit.ly/3jgHgca.

For Vocation Awareness Week resources, please go to the Office of Vocations: https://www.dosp.org/vocations/national-vocation-awareness-week/.

Zoom Chat With Seminarians, November 9, 2020
Fr. Chuck Dornquast, Director of Vocations, would like to invite you to our virtual discernment group, Zoom Chat with Seminarians. This discernment opportunity is open to all young men high school age and above.

The next session is on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Fr. Chuck will be the host and each month will include vocation stories from different seminarians followed by Q&A .

Please see the flyer for more information and future dates:  https://bit.ly/31iARHi.
Be sure to RSVP to Fr. Chuck Dornquast at spvocation@dosp.org to receive the link to attend.

Abundance Holy Hour for Vocations & Discernment Group
You are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes, Fr. Chuck Dornquast, Director of Vocations and the Serra Club of St. Petersburg, in praying for an abundance of vocations in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. On October 28, you can attend via live stream or in person. If you wish to join us in praying for vocations at the Cathedral of St. Jude, we ask that you practice the same guidelines which have been followed for daily Masses.

Please note the new start time for the Holy Hour is 6:30 PM.

Following the Holy Hour, discerners are invited to join Bishop Parkes and Fr. Chuck in the Cathedral Hall for pizza and refreshments and to kick off our new discernment group. If you would like to attend the discernment group please RSVP to Heidi Varley at hlv@dosp.org.

A promotional graphic is available at this link.

Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy

Meals on Wheels
#1: For Parishes in the Tampa Area
Do you have challenges getting out of your home to buy groceries and prepare meals?  Meals On Wheels of Tampa may be able to help.  Serving the Tampa area for 45 years, a caring volunteer will deliver freshly cooked meals to your doorstep.  The cost of the meals depends on your situation. They will work with you to find a price that fits your budget. If this might help you or someone you know, please call their office at 813-238-MEAL to learn more about this important mission.

If your parish is outside of Tampa, please share the second announcement and print the resources included in this Email to keep on-hand in your office.

#2: For Parishes Outside the Tampa Area
Do you have challenges getting out of your home to buy groceries and prepare meals?  A local Meals On Wheels agency may be able to help.  By delivering meals to your doorstep, this mission is designed to allow individuals to live with independence, nourishment and dignity, in their own homes. Please contact the Parish office for the phone number of the local Meals On Wheels agency. Meals On Wheels is here to “nourish, enrich and strengthen” the lives of our area’s homebound community.

Food Resources

Hillsborough County
In addition to Meals on Wheels–

1. Hillsborough County Aging Services (Federally Funded),  (813) 272-5250
2. Brandon Meals On Wheels, (Brandon, Suncity, Valrico, Seffner, Mango) Elena LaRussa (813) 657-4755 and Pete Green (813) 689-8769
3. Plant City Meals On Wheels, (813)754-9932

Pinellas County
Neighborly Care Network (federally Funded), (727) 573-9444
Meals On Wheels of Pinellas County, (813) 344-5837

Pasco County
Land O’Lakes, (352) 521-5151
New Port Richey, (727) 834-3340
Zephyrhills, (813) 782-7859 and (813) 782-2793

Hernando County
Brooksville, (352) 796-1425

Citrus County
(352) 527-5975

Spirit Service Week
This month, Spirit FM gives you five opportunities to respond to His call. Join us for Spirit Service Week, October 26th through 30th.  Stop by to drop-off non-perishable foods items and hygiene products for the needy in St. Pete, Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, and Land O Lakes, you’ll have the chance to respond to our community’s greatest needs. All are 4-6pm. Drop by to see your friends from Spirit FM and get some Spirit Swag! 

For more information contact Spirit FM at 813-289-8040 or visit http://www.myspiritfm.com/SpiritServiceWeek.

Bulletin Editors:  Feel free to include the specific date and city that is closest to your parish if you’d like.  For your convenience, please follow the link below to various sized bulletin graphics for the different locations: Spirit Service Week Graphics.
Oct 26th – St. Jude Cathedral – Saint Petersburg
Oct 27th – Grace Lutheran – Tampa
Oct 28th – Nativity Catholic Church – Brandon
Oct 29th – St. Michael’s Catholic Church – Clearwater
Oct 30th – Our Lady of the Rosary – Land O’ Lakes

Equipping Parents for an Ongoing Conversation About Internet Pornography
Webinar opportunity sponsored by St. Paul Parish, Tampa.
Thursday, Oct 29, 2020 07:00 PM
Join us to hear from Ryan Foley, Vice President of Business Development for Covenant Eyes. Ryan has spent the last eight years educating and supporting Dioceses, Parishes, and Catholic Schools in addressing the harms of pornography. Education efforts include CleanHeart.Online and Strive 21, a free 21-day detox course for men.  Register at this link:  https://bit.ly/3lyRMNm.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Lead the Way on Hunger: A webinar on global and local hunger and our response
The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing the risk of a severe crisis in areas where many already do not have enough nutritious food. Learn how Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and local parishes support those experiencing hunger and find out how you can help. Join us November 9, 7-8 PM on Zoom, with Holly Cantuba and Vivi Iglesias, both of CRS, and representatives from local parishes. Register at dosp.org/life.

Monthly Conversations about Race
Join us for monthly conversations about race. Our first event will be held on Wednesday, October 28th, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Zoom. The topic for the night will be Racism is a Life Issue and our speaker will be Monsignor Michael Carruthers, Parochial Administrator, Resurrection Parish, Riverview. Small group discussion will be included.  Register at dosp.org/life.