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, …

Announcements ~ May 6, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry CourageCourage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.  To see our Goals please visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/life/courage-ministry/. This confidential support ministry is sponsored by our …

Dr. John O’Brien ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Dr. John O’Brien, brother of Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, earlier this morning, May 6, 2024, following a lengthy illness. Mr. O’Brien did not live locally. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Thomas …

Announcements ~ April 29, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry CourageCourage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.  To see our Goals please visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/life/courage-ministry/. This confidential support ministry is sponsored by our …

Announcements ~ April 22, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Spring 2024 Stewardship Workshop Series: “Calling Youth to Stewardship” Our diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development will offer a workshop on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. This FREE event is sponsored in part by Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) …

Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2024, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Paul Kochu, from Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, granted retirement status. Reverend Eric G. Peters, from Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey, granted retirement status. …

Announcements ~ April 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Youth Minister-Meet UpThe Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry invites all those acting as youth ministers to a Youth Minister Meet-Up on April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Youth Room,  1955 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater.   This event will consist of a short reflection on planning for effective youth ministry …

Announcements ~ April 8, 2024

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how you …

Announcements ~ April 2, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how …

Reverend Oliver “Gene” Wells

We are sad to inform you that Rev. Oliver “Gene” Wells, 88, father of Deacon Rick Wells, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home near Cincinnati, Ohio, following a recent hospitalization.  “Pastor Gene,” as he was known to many, was a retired minister of the United Methodist Church, having served the …

Announcements ~ March 11, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Marian CongressSaturday, May 11, 2024 – A Day to be RenewedGive yourself and your family a day of rest and the time to be renewed! Join us for the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s 6th Annual Marian Congress. This year’s theme is Mary, Joseph, and the Eucharist: Forming a Holy Family. Make plans …

Announcements ~ March 4, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Marian Congress Saturday, May 11, 2024 – A Day to be Renewed Give yourself and your family a day of rest and the time to be renewed! Join us for the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s 6th Annual Marian Congress. This year’s theme is Mary, Joseph, and the Eucharist: Forming a Holy Family. …

Reverend Mario Vizcaino, Sch. P.

Reverend Mario Vizcaíno, Sch. P., 89, founder and director of the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Piarist community of St. Joseph Calasanz, in Hialeah, while under the care of Catholic Hospice. He had been a member of the Piarist order for more than 60 years. A Funeral Mass will take …

Announcements ~ February 26, 2024

PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS Walk-4-Water 5k and Walk-A-Thon March 23, 2024 James Brian Thomas StadiumClearwater Central Catholic High School, 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd., ClearwaterSimulating the journey taken by millions around the world  who walk for hours each day in search of water, “Walk 4 Water” is your opportunity to assist the non-profit organization Water 4 Mercy in raising funds to …

Announcements ~ February 20, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod Listening SessionBishop Gregory Parkes cordially invites you to a Synod Listening Session focusing on church structures and our pastoral vision.  This event will be at St. Timothy Parish, 17512 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and it is open to all parish ministry leaders, including directors/coordinators of faith formation, religious education, …