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 …

Dr. George L. Bondar

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. George L. Bondar, D.O., 70, husband of the late Cathryn (Cathi) Bondar (d. 6/5/2021), long-time employee of St. Patrick Parish, Largo and bookkeeper/financial consultant to many parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Dr. Bondar died suddenly on Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was …

Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong, father of Reverend Anthony Nyong, C.M., Chaplain at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg and in residence at St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg.   Mr. Nyong passed away in the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements have …

Announcements ~ September 3, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Together in Holiness Formation Series – Married CouplesThe Together in Holiness Formation series is a year-round marriage enrichment, specifically designed for those in their early years of marriage or with children in the home. If you’re looking to be a part of a small community of couples where you receive formation, support, and tools not …

Rev. Rafael E. Martos ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Rafael Eduardo Martos Nimer, 64, Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Advent Health Hospital, Tampa, following a months-long battle with cancer. Father Martos was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and was ordained to the priesthood …

Clergy Changes ~ Incardination

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardinations: Reverend Rafael Martos, [formerly of Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba], Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective August 15, 2024. Reverend Jesús Martínez, [formerly Diocese of Santa Clara, Cuba], Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia …

Announcements ~ August 19, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Misa Hispana Diocesana AnualLa Asamblea Hispana Diocesana te invita a la Misa Hispana Diocesana anual.  Este año la misa será en honor a la Inmaculada Concepción, patrona de Estados Unidos de América y será presidida por Mons. Gregory Parkes, Obispo de St. Petersburg.  Te esperamos el sábado, 12 de octubre de 2024 a …

Reverend Dennis D. Donovan, S.D.B.

Our office received news that after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Father Dennis Dale Donovan died on July 25, 2024, at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New York City, N.Y.  Father Dennis, 70, was a member of the Marian Shrine community in Haverstraw-Stony Point, N.Y., and had served as director from July of …

Ms. Rowena G. Wilkinson

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Ms. Rowena G. Wilkinson, 70, passed away on June 5, 2024, after an extended illness.  Ms. Wilkinson worked as a music director at several Catholic parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) Program, earning her Foundational Pastoral Ministry Leadership certificate. Early …

Announcements ~ August 6, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Homeless Clients of Catholic Charities and others are Impacted by Hurricane Debby While spared a direct hit, some of our local families, individuals, charities, parishes, and schools are trying to recover from flooding and storm damage. Hurricane Debby has caused significant damage at two homeless shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese …

Reverend Denis Kitenge

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Denis Kitenge, 60, passed away in the Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief hospitalization for complications due to melanoma. Father Kitenge was a priest of the Diocese of Tshumbe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, who served in residence at Our Lady …

Announcements ~ July 22, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Community Impact Grant Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2024 cycle of the Community Impact Grant Program. This program, funded through donations to the annual End of Year Giving Challenge and administered by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, will provide awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to …

July 22, 2024 ~ Community Impact Grant, Catholic Foundation

Community Impact Grant Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2024 cycle of the Community Impact Grant Program. This program, funded through donations to the annual End of Year Giving Challenge and administered by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, will provide awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to qualifying ministries/programs/projects …

Announcements ~ June 24, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? From the Diocesan Safe Environment Office:  Listen to Your Children Summer is just around the corner!  When your children are out of school and on different schedules, meeting new people and going to new places, make sure that you talk to them often about their experiences and the people they’ve …

Announcements ~ June 10, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES A Special Celebration for Bishop Gregory Parkes All are invited to join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bishop Parkes’ 25th ordination to the priesthood. The Anniversary Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. If …

Announcements ~ May 28, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES New Parish Resources Available for Effort to Defeat Amendment Four A new video from Bishop Gregory Parkes titled, “Four Reasons to Vote No on Amendment 4” and other resources to educate Catholics about Amendment 4 are now available on the Diocese of St. Petersburg website. Visit, www.dosp.org/voteno to view these materials and to …

Announcements ~ May 20, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop’s BBQWe invite all men in High School and older, to join us for a casual discernment event.  The Bishop’s BBQ will take place at Bethany Center in Lutz on June 5th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  Get to know Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and our seminarians.  There will be games, prayer, food, …