On Tuesday, November 13, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ independent lay advisory panel on the protection of children and young people delivered a special report to the body of U.S. bishops regarding the abuse crisis in the Church. In an address to the bishops who have gathered in Baltimore for the …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the body of bishops at the opening sessions in Baltimore for the General Assembly taking place in Baltimore. Cardinal DiNardo’s full address follows: “Saint Augustine wrote, ‘In order that weakness might become strong, strength became weak.’ My dear brothers, …
The Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held in most U.S. Catholic parishes on December 8-9. Now in its 31st year, the collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO). Proceeds are distributed to eligible religious communities to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses for senior members. Some 31,000 elderly Catholic sisters, …
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The final rules announced Wednesday by the federal government regarding the HHS mandate “allow people like the Little Sisters of the Poor, faith-based schools, and others to live out their faith in daily life,” according to leaders of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President …
Pinellas Hope, a homeless shelter for adults located in Clearwater, is drawing attention to the plight of the homeless of Pinellas County during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by hosting an Open House on Friday, November 16th. While progress has been made to reduce homelessness both locally and nationally, it is still a serious …
After 18 months of planning, the Family Faith Fest was an outpouring of grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable in the joy of the people, the prayers, the music, and most heartfully in the celebration of the Holy Mass. On this webpage, we will provide coverage of this event so you …
The first-ever Family Faith Fest on Oct. 27 with over 10,000 participants was an opportunity to celebrate the diocesan golden anniversary as one Family of God. It was also a day of great music, games, exhibits and cultural experiences. Most importantly, the Fest was a moment to encounter our Lord Jesus Christ in a powerful …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest – A Historic Day to Remember”
I am heartbroken and saddened by the horrific shooting that occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Please know that the Catholic community stands in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. An attack on one faith community is an attack on all communities of faith. I pray for the victims of this …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes Issues a Statement on Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue”
Padre Pio Relics will be Accessible to the Public at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on November 2 St. Pio, better known as Padro Pio, is a modern-day saint, who is beloved for his kindness, gentleness and compassion. In honor of the 50th anniversary of his death, his relics will be on display …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is aware of a lawsuit that has been filed alleging sexual abuse of a minor by Robert D. Huneke. This former priest originally served in the Diocese of Rockville Center and was transferred to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1979 with a letter of recommendation from his bishop and …
Continue reading “Diocese of St. Petersburg Statement Regarding Lawsuit”
Casting your vote responsibly requires you to be informed. That’s why each election cycle, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) conducts the Candidate Questionnaire Project in an effort to assist Catholics and the broader community with the obligation to become informed voters. The FCCB invites all 2018 U.S. Congressional, Florida gubernatorial and Florida legislative …
Continue reading “Do you know where the candidates stand? Be Informed!”
October 4, 2018 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today, as a result of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, the Florida Attorney General announced an investigation into how the Catholic dioceses of Florida have handled allegations of sexual abuse of minors in the past. I welcome this investigation and want to assure the public that …
The annual Respect Life Program is a year-round, nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life. Although sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Respect Life Program is essentially comprised of the efforts of leaders throughout the Church like you—parish priests, staff, …
In order to foster new paths of collaboration that can create a stronger, more relevant and connected Church, Courageously Living the Gospel calls for nine Catholic Impact Initiatives that will change lives in our communities. These new initiatives are a goal of the new mutually shared vision that will be led by the nine vicars …
Continue reading “Deans Start Dreaming of a Catholic Impact Initiative”
The first of five parish training days for the implementation of Courageously Living the Gospel was held on Sept. 15 at St. Stephen Parish in Riverview. “It is you who will bring this vision to life in our diocese,” Bishop Gregory Parkes told the 50 parish leaders and clergy who attended during opening remarks. “You’re …
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More than 5,000 people have registered to attend the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Family Faith Fest on Saturday, Oct. 27! Have you? (Click here to register.) In about one month the Family Faith Fest will be here! It’s expected to be the biggest event in our diocesan history and we are hoping for a huge outpouring of …
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the death of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, his relics are being displayed in dioceses across the U.S. The relics of this modern-day saint, who is beloved around the world, will be at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, for one …
Continue reading “St. Pio Relics to Visit the Diocese of St. Petersburg on Friday, November 2”
September is Suicide Prevention Month A rapid increase in suicide in our time is cause for alarm among pastoral workers and, of course, family members and other survivors of this tragedy. The depths of depression can rob a person of his or her desire to live. Over 90% of all deaths by suicide are a result of …
Continue reading “Pastoral Resources for Suicide Prevention Month”
In addition to music and entertainment, the Family Faith Fest will provide an opportunity for each of us to encounter the living Christ in the Eucharist and the prayers of the people who participate. “It will essentially be a festive encounter with our Lord,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes. “Similar to a World Youth Day experience, …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest is Hoped to be an Outpouring of Prayer and Grace”
August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
Hundreds of people will be volunteering at the Family Faith Fest to ensure a great experience for all participants. There are some volunteer positions that still need to be filled and the application process is available online: www.familyfaithfest.org/volunteer-information Volunteers are asked to have a welcoming attitude, the joy of the Lord in their hearts and …
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During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement
Close to 30 individuals with experience in affordable housing gathered at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on August 14th to discuss how to address an important community need – housing for low-income, working families and individuals. “We believe every person has the right to a decent place to live and a …
Continue reading “Diocese Hosts Community Forum on Affordable Housing”
On Monday, August 27 from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm all are invited to the Cathedral of St. Jude for ADORE, an evening of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer accompanied by contemporary praise and worship music. “ADORE is a time of adoration, prayer, praise, and worship intended not only for our parish community but for all people within …
Continue reading “The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Announces First-Ever ADORE Event”
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement noting the steps the U.S. Bishops Conference will take in addressing the failures of the Church in protecting the people of God. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The accusations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick …
Seeking to abolish the death penalty around the world because it is an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Pope Francis has revised the catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267. An article in L’Osservatore Romano (a Vatican newspaper) states that: “With the new formulation of n. 2267 of the Catechism, therefore, the …
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A group will gather to pray for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to give thanks that a stay of execution has been granted for Jose Antonio Jimenez. All members of the community are also invited to join in prayer. When: Tuesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Where: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, …
Continue reading “Prayer Vigil for an End to the Death Penalty will be held on August 14”
As was announced at parishes on June 17, 2018, the new Mutually Shared Vision for the Diocese of St. Petersburg is Courageously Living the Gospel – an invitation for each of us to be bolder in how we live our faith. Our new Vision defines our sacred purpose (also known as a Mission Statement), three …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes Announces Implementation Plan for Courageously Living the Gospel”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting an all-star lineup for the Family Faith Fest, a free music and faith festival event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park and ALL are invited. Appearing on stage will be faith-filled musical artists: Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. …
Continue reading “Faith Filled Artists to Perform at Unprecedented Free Event: “Family Faith Fest””
As Catholics, we are called to carry the values of the Gospel and the teachings of our Church into the public square. As citizens of the United States, we have a duty to participate in the framing and the debate of public issues and in the selection of those who occupy positions of civic leadership. These …
Continue reading “2018 Election & Political Activities Guide is Available”
Local Worldwide Marriage Encounter leaders are planning a Marriage Anniversary Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the founding of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. The gala will be held at Higgins Hall in Tampa on November 10, 2018, in partnership with Spirit FM. The theme of their …
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The Family Faith Fest is an unprecedented free music and faith festival that will provide a day of fun, fellowship and exciting activities for people of all ages. It will also seek to fill an important need in our community—food for the hungry. Our faith calls us to love and care for our neighbors which …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest is Collecting Food for the Hungry”
The only vaccines readily available in the United States for some contagious diseases (e.g., rubella and Hepatitis A) have been manufactured using fetal tissue from induced abortions. However, the FDA recently approved a new shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) that does not use aborted fetal cell lines, and has given it a preferential recommendation over the only …
Continue reading “New Morally Acceptable Vaccine for Shingles is Now Available”
The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities is initiating a Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life. This nine-week effort will include prayer and fasting for the intention that a change in the membership of the Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and …
Continue reading “Novena for Protection of Human Life Begins on August 3”
July 25, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, a papal encyclical written by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1968 that provides beautiful and clear teaching about God’s plan for married love and the transmission of life. In Humanae Vitae, Blessed Pope Paul VI reflects upon how God designed the nature of married love. …
Continue reading “Church Celebrates Gift of Married Love and Transmission of Life”
Bishop Gregory Parkes (@BishopParkes) is an active tweeter. He uses Twitter and other social media to post about his daily activities, some of which show a more personal side to the pastor in chief of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Now Bishop Gregory Parkes has something new to tweet about. He recently received the award …
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Through the Family Faith Fest, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will not only offer excellent entertainment and activities free of charge, we will also showcase and bring to light the ministries, people and values that guide our mission as Disciples of Christ in our Education, Ministry and Market Villages. Applications are now being accepted for …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest Seeks Vendors/Exhibitors”
Studies have shown that a strong faith can help you to enjoy a long, healthy life. If you have met Monsignor George Cummings, you would be convinced that this is true! On June 21st, the retired priest gathered with 150 of his closest friends, brother priests and Bishop Gregory Parkes to celebrate his 100th birthday. …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg was recently recognized by the Pinellas County Commission and the Hillsborough County Commission for service to the community during the last 50 years. Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long and County Administrator Mark Woodward presented a proclamation to Bishop Gregory Parkes designating June 17, 2018 as Diocese of St. Petersburg Day. …
Continue reading “Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties Share Praise for the Diocese of St. Petersburg”
Shortly after Bishop Gregory Parkes was installed as fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on January 4, 2017, people began to ask about his vision for the Diocese. Bishop Parkes set out to learn from the priests, religious, deacons, employees, and parishioners about their hopes and concerns. Through listening sessions, gatherings and online …
Six Florida bishops and the papal nuncio (the pope’s ambassador to the U.S.) gathered with clergy, religious and nearly one thousand faith-filled Catholics for a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 16, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in honor of the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden jubilee. “Today is a day of …
The Pinellas County Commission has announced that June 17, 2018 will be known as “Diocese of St. Petersburg” Day in honor of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese. On June 17, 1968, a Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle to establish the Diocese of St. Petersburg and …
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg has become aware that at least one person was contacted by someone using Facebook Messenger pretending to be Bishop Gregory Parkes. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using Facebook Messenger. Please report any suspicious activity to Facebook and do not respond. When internet fraudsters mimic a legitimate …
Continue reading “Announcement About Social Media Safety & Avoiding Scams”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg’s 50th Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5816 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710). Due to limited seating, the Anniversary Mass will be a ticketed event and will not be open to the public. However, …
Continue reading “Diocesan 50th Anniversary Mass to be Video Streamed”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced Religious Freedom Week 2018 will take place from June 22 to 29. The theme of the week is: “Serving Others in God’s Love.” The Week begins with the Feast of Sts. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, and ends with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, …
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50 Years of Caring for the Community On June 17, 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment. Bishop Gregory Parkes has chosen the theme of “Gratitude, Joy and Hope” for the Diocese’s golden jubilee. He is asking all Catholics to remember the past with gratitude, celebrate the present …
Continue reading “Diocese Documents 50 Year Impact on the Community”
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) has named Morning Star School in Tampa as a 2018-2019 School of Excellence. This honor is bestowed upon private special education schools throughout the United States that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education. “We …
Famed “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill’s original EWTN series “They Might Be Saints” will air a special one-hour episode on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EDT featuring the proposed Martyrs of la Florida. The cause for the Martyrs of la Florida was formally opened on October 12, 2015 in Tallahassee and is currently being …
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DADE CITY, Fla. ? People in need and re-entering citizens in the Dade City area will receive much-needed assistance thanks to a $5,000 grant from the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The money is part of SVdP’s Friends of the Poor® Grant Program and will be disbursed by the …
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Three men. Three different paths. A Seminole, a Gator and a Bull all received the same call to serve God and his people as priests. On May 19, Bishop Gregory Parkes ordained the three to the priesthood before nearly 1,000 people at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. (Link to the video here.) The …
When Bishop Gregory Parkes decided that a music and faith festival on a large, open field would be a good way to celebrate the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden anniversary, he didn’t have to imagine what it would be like. He already knew about other dioceses that had successfully gathered thousands of families together for …
Continue reading “Family Faith Fest on Oct. 27 is Modeled after other Successful Events”
“Pope Francis-A Man of His Word” will open in theatres nationwide on May 18, 2018. This film is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. Pope Francis made himself available for hours of interviews and taping. The result is a personal and intimate visit with the …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg was established on June 17, 1968, and Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that a large-scale music and faith festival will be held to celebrate the momentous occasion of our 50th anniversary. “Our golden jubilee is a time to celebrate,” said Bishop Parkes. “Like many families who gather for family celebrations, …
Continue reading “The Diocese of St. Petersburg is Planning a Family Faith Fest”
As you consider career paths, have you thought about participating in a life-altering year of full-time service that will bring you many new opportunities? Catholic Volunteers in Florida has multiple volunteer positions open for the 2018-19 service year, which begins in August. Apply now if you are ready for a year that will change your …
Continue reading “Catholic Volunteers in Florida Accepting Applications through May 31”
Family Faith Fest Save the Date from Diocese of St. Petersburg on Vimeo. Bishop Q and A Family Faith Fest from Diocese of St. Petersburg on Vimeo.
