Reverend Demetrio Lorden

The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Reverend Demetrio Lorden, 78, passed away peacefully while in a nursing facility near Madrid, Spain, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. Eastern). Father Lorden has been receiving assistance from various health care facilities and family members since suffering a serious injury while …

Announcements ~ March 10, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2025 Eucharistic Encounter: Reserve your seat today! This Jubilee Year, discover the reason for our hope as 16,000 believers gather for a powerful day of faith, worship, and transformation. The 2025 Eucharistic Encounter is set to ignite hearts on Saturday, September 20th, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida with dynamic speakers, Spirit-filled musicians, …

Reverend Ruskin S. Piedra, C.Ss.R.

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Reverend Ruskin S. Piedra, C.Ss.R., 90, on December 22, 2024, at St. John Neumann Residence, in Timonium, Maryland. Father Piedra was ordained to the priesthood for the Redemptorist Fathers on June 19, 1960.  During his 64 years of priestly ministry, Father Piedra had a local connection …

Reverend William “Bill” Kelly

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Reverend William “Bill” Kelly, 90, a long-time priest of the Diocese of St. Augustine, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. During his 65 years of ministry, he served in assignments throughout Florida, including as Assistant Pastor (Parochial Vicar) of St. Paul and Immaculate Conception …

Announcements ~ March 3, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Social Media Alert Someone is impersonating Bishop Gregory Parkes on Facebook. Please be sure you are following the REAL Bishop Gregory Parkes accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Stay vigilant! Here are the REAL and OFFICIAL accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes: www.facebook.com/bishopparkes and www.instagram.com/bishopparkes.  Bishop Parkes will never send you a friend request, send you …

Clergy Change ~ February 24, 2025

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2025: RELIEVINGReverend Arthur J. Proulx, from Director of Ministry to Priests for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Father Proulx has been appointed as Dean of Spiritual Formation at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Boynton Beach, a position he held …

Announcements ~ February 24, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Social Media Alert Someone is impersonating Bishop Gregory Parkes on Facebook. Please be sure you are following the REAL Bishop Gregory Parkes accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Stay vigilant! Here are the REAL and OFFICIAL accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes: www.facebook.com/bishopparkes and www.instagram.com/bishopparkes.  Bishop Parkes will never send you a friend request, send you …

Announcements ~ February 18, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2024~25 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Recipients The Office of Life, Justice, and Advocacy is pleased to announce the 2024-25 Diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grant recipients. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for diocesan use, over $90,000 has been distributed to …

Sister Yvonne Arcand, CSC (Sister M. Judith Clare)

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Sister Yvonne Arcand, CSC (Sister M. Judith Clare) on February 4, 2025, at Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana. Sister Arcand entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross from Brookline, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1953 and made her initial Profession of Vows on August 15, 1956.  …

Announcements ~ February 10, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2024/25 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Recipients The Office of Life, Justice, and Advocacy is pleased to announce the 2024/25 Diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grant recipients. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for diocesan use, over $90,000 has been distributed to outreach ministries in the Diocese …

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. McCahon

The Chancellor’s Office learned of the passing of Monsignor Joseph Francis Xavier McCahon, 81, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain, on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his home in Tampa, Florida. Monsignor McCahon was born to Joseph and Martha (McNichol) McCahon on August 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, …

Announcements ~ February 3, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage ConferenceMarried and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship …

Announcements ~ January 27, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Support Group for Family, Relatives, and Friends of Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse Most often family members, relatives and friends do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s abuse. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is offering a Zoom Support Group, on the second Monday of each month, …

Announcements ~ January 21, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Support Group for Family, Relatives, and Friends of Victims of Clergy Sexual AbuseMost often family members, relatives and friends do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s abuse. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, is offering a Zoom Support Group, on the second Monday of each month, from …

Mrs. Therese Tylus

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Therese Tylus, 97, mother of Dr. Lois T. Locey, D.Min., Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, died peacefully in her sleep in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by her daughters.  Mrs. Tylus began her service in the church in …

Reverend John R. Peterson

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Rev.  John R. Peterson, 88, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025.  Father Peterson was a priest from the Episcopal Church and the Father-in-Law of Mrs. Teresa Peterson, Director of Diocesan Information and Communications. Fr.  John Peterson is predeceased by his parents John and Marjorie …

Deacon Raymond Dever

The Diaconate sadly informs the passing of Deacon Raymond Dever, 74, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, while under Hospice care in Tampa.  Deacon Dever was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 3, 2009 and served at St. Paul Parish, Tampa until 2022.  He was subsequently incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky in …

Announcements ~ January 13, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES March for Life and Youth Rally The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is leading the Tampa Bay March for Life/Youth Rally on February 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM.  The march will begin at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (509 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602) and end at Perry Harvey Sr. Park (1000 …

Announcements ~ January 6, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Jubilee Year Webpage is Launched for the Diocese of Saint PetersburgTo help local Catholics plan for and participate in the Jubilee Year of Hope, information has been posted to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg website.  Visit dosp.org/jubilee2025 to read about the exciting opportunities that will be offered this year for our …

Mrs. Jeanne Woodke

The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Mrs. Jeanne Woodke, grandmother of Father Drew Woodke, Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, while under Hospice care. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, on Friday, January …

Announcements ~ December 17, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Celebrate the Start of the Jubilee Year of Hope on Sunday, January 5, 2025The year 2025 will be a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church with the theme of hope. Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the Opening Mass of the Jubilee on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at the Cathedral of …

Announcements ~ December 9, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Annual Marriage Jubilee MassThe Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM.  This event honors couples throughout the diocese who will celebrate their 25th or 50th anniversary …

Announcements ~ November 25, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage Conference Married and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, FL. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your …

Announcements ~ November 18, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Spirit FM 90.5 Thrill of Hope FundraiserSpirit FM’s Thrill of Hope fundraising celebration is December 3-6. The holiday season is a great reminder that Jesus came to bring freedom. Families tune into Spirit FM 90.5 to find encouragement and hope, with the right song at just the right time. A reoccurring gift of …

Announcements ~ November 12, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Retirement Fund for Religious Collection December 7-8, 2024 Donations to this collection, will provide for the essential care, medicine, and daily needs of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have served for decades—usually for little to no pay.  Show your appreciation by supporting those who have given a lifetime. Donate to …

Announcements ~ November 4, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Religious Jubilee Mass The celebration of this year’s Religious Jubilee Mass will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, with a reception following the Mass. Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will be the main …

Clergy Changes ~ November 4, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Peter Okojie, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, as Chaplain for the African and Black Catholic Community in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective October 29, 2024, while continuing all other assignments. Deacon John Carter, from the …

Announcements ~ October 28, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Event with Cardinal Radcliffe In addition to the Priests’ Study Day, to be held on Tuesday, November 19th, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. has graciously offered to provide an evening session on the same day for all members of the faithful in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The title of the evening session …

Sr. Margaret O’Brien (Sr. Rose Teresita), SNJM

Word reach our office that Sister Margaret O’Brien ( also known as Sister Rose Teresita) a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 73 years, died on Saturday, October 19, 2024 under Hospice Care in Tampa. Born in Fort Pierce, FL, she was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names …

Announcements ~ October 21, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Vocations St. Andrew’s Dinner Young men age 16 and older, are invited to join us for a casual dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Gregory Parkes, Father Chuck, Dornquast, Director of Vocations, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at Christ …

Announcements ~ October 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Financial Contributions The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is an ongoing fund offering assistance to people impacted by natural disasters as they occur: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Since 2017, this fund has provided nearly $2 million dollars in disaster relief. Disasters occur quickly and unexpectedly, and our fund allows …

Announcements ~ October 7, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES FCCB General Election Resources A series of helpful election materials and guidelines from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) may be found at this link.: https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines.  Voter Guides in English and Spanish are included on the link. To view a voter guidance video from Bishop Parkes, please click here: https://shorturl.at/tD8s6. A Gulf …

Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock

The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock, 82, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024.  Mrs. Cheslock is the mother of Sue Huertas, former Administrative Coordinator for the Offices of the Diaconate and Prison Ministry, and mother-in-law of Deacon Wil Huertas, Business Administrator of St. Cecelia Parish. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cheslock are …

Deacon Stephen F. Sablone

The Diaconate Office received word that Deacon Stephen F. Sablone, 79, a retired deacon of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord in Monday, September 23, 2024, while under Hospice care in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Deacon Sablone was ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and …

Announcements ~ September 30, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information Sessions Amendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme! “We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us …

Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC, 69, retired, long-time Catholic Charities employee, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2024.  Sr. Pam was the long-time leader of our Elderly Housing program and opened Mercy House (transitional housing for HIV/AIDS positive women) in 1997. Locally,  there will be a Mass of Resurrection, on …

Reverend Michael J. Arkins, S.S.S.

The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Reverend Michael J. Arkins, S.S.S., 79, on September 27, 2024 at Hillcrest Hospital after a week-long stay and health complications.  He served in our Diocese as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holiday, from 2009 ~ 2013. Father Arkins professed religious vows on August …

Announcements ~ September 23, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information SessionsAmendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme!“We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also …

Mr. Raymond E. Bassett

  The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mr. Raymond Eugene Bassett, age 80, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.   A master photographer, he was well known and trusted by families and companies in the Tampa Bay Area for more than 60 years.  Ray photographed bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, business portraits, passport photos, …

Announcements ~ September 16, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …

Mr. Zacharia Weria Kiwale ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Zacharia Weria Kiwale, 102, passed away in the Lord on August 28, 2024, while hospitalized in his native Moshi, Tanzania.  Mr. Kiwale is the father of Reverend Theobald (Theo) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Elizabeth (101 …

Announcements ~ September 9, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …