Sister Grace Dougherty, O.P.

We received word that Sister Grace Dougherty, baptized Mary Elizabeth, died on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 84 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Grace ministered over 14 years in elementary education in Detroit, …

Announcements ~ July 25, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES An Invitation from the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) The LPMI program, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church; equips Catholics with knowledge and skills to carry out ministry competently, collaboratively, and professionally.  Through an integrated process of education and ongoing faith formation, we provide an opportunity for Catholics across the …

Announcements ~ July 11, 2022

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Friends of the Seminary GalaOctober 21, 2022Please mark your calendars to participate in our Friends of the Seminary Gala, in person or via our on-line experience! You will find information at www.svdp.edu/friends2022 and this page will continue to update as we get closer to the event. This event is our largest fundraiser …

Reverend Carl J. Melchior, Jr.

The Chancellor’s Office received the devastating news that Reverend Carl Joseph Melchior, Jr., 59, Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Parkes and Chaplain of St. Petersburg Catholic High School, died suddenly on Thursday, June 30, 2022 of cardiac arrest after boarding a flight in Philadelphia, preparing to fly to Greece for a pilgrimage. The youngest of three …

Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz

Our office has received word of the passing of Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz, 87, from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes. He passed on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. The services for Deacon Augie Ortiz will take place at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639: Visitation …

Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez, 95, mother of Father Francisco Hernandez, Parochial Vicar of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from respiratory complications due to COVID-19.  At the time of her death, Mrs. Rodriguez lived in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.  Please keep …

Rev. Msgr. Richard Cahill ~ Update

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Monsignor Richard Cahill, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, early Saturday morning, June 4, 2022, following a recent hospitalization at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater.  He was ordained in 1958. After his retirement, Monsignor Cahill, affectionately known as “Father Dick,” moved to the Diocese …

Announcements ~ June 13, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Let Us Adore JesusYou are invited to join Catholics from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a Holy Hour to observe the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival on Sunday, June 19, 2022, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Clergy Changes ~ May 31, 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022, unless otherwise indicated:  APPOINTMENTS Very Reverend James B. Johnson to Pastor of St. John Paul II Catholic School, Lecanto. Relieved from Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, continuing all other assignments. Reverend Sojan J. Punakkattu to Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, …

Announcements ~ May 31, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Let Us Adore Jesus You are invited to join Catholics from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a Holy Hour to observe the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival on Sunday, June 19, 2022, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude …

Announcements ~ May 23, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass   Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe,  Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …

Announcements ~ May 16, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass   Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe,  Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …

Announcements ~ May 9, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Clergy Appointment, May 2, 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2022: APPOINTMENTReverend Pius T. Mathew [Kanjirappally, India], to Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, also assisting with Hispanic Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater. Father Mathew has assisted with ministry to English- and Spanish-speaking faithful …

Announcements ~ May 2, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Joseph A. Pellegrino, from Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Tarpon Springs, granted retirement status. Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, from Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City, granted retirement status. Reverend Jose George, from …

Announcements ~ April 25, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Five Steps to Safer Environments The Diocese of St. Petersburg mandates that all people who work with children and youth in our parishes and schools must undergo child abuse prevention training through our diocesan Safe Environment Program. The training details five steps to prevent child sexual abuse: Know the warning …

Announcements ~ April 18, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Foster Families NeededThis May, during National Foster Care Month, please consider providing a loving home for a child who has been separated from his or her parents. Over 20,000 children in Florida have been removed from their parents or guardians, yet only 5,000 families are certified to meet their needs. If you are …

Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP

Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP, a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister, went home to God on Wednesday, April 4, 2022.  A resident in this diocese since 1996, all funeral services will take place at the Motherhouse, in Wisconsin. Professed in 1950, she taught in several Catholic schools within the USA.  She also served as pastoral minister at …

Announcements ~ April 11, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2021 APA Annual Report More than 22,000 generous donors provided more than $9 million in support of more than 50 diocesan ministries and services through the 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Their donations support larger ministry and outreach throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  All are invited to visit dosp.org/2021-annual-report to view the …

Announcements ~ April 4, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022 Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, spiritual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be …

Deacon Michael “Mike” Arno

The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Arno, 82, retired, on March 21, 2022.  Deacon Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, children; Michael and Elizabeth, and several grandchildren.  Funeral services: Visitation followed by Mass of Christian Burial ~ Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:30 am to …

Announcements ~ March 28, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES 4a Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “EL AMOR EN LA FAMILIA COMO EXPRESIÓN DE DIOS” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries.  El evento será el sábado 23 de abril, 2022, de 7:30 a.m. a 3:00 p.m., en el salón social de Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., …

Announcements ~ March 21, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Listen Like Mary – Be A Part of the Fourth Annual Marian Congress on Saturday, May 14thOur Blessed Mother is the perfect example of a good listener and Mary’s way of listening is what we are called to do as disciples. At this year’s Marian Congress on May 14th at the …

Announcements ~ March 7, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be held on Saturday, April 23, 11:00 …

Announcements ~ February 28, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Follow the Real Bishop Gregory Parkes Please be sure you are following the official social media accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes and not an imposter account. We have been informed of fake social media accounts that appear to be Bishop Gregory Parkes, but they are not. The official accounts are listed below. Report …

Announcements ~ February 22, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …

Mrs. Anita Gratkowski – Update

It is with sadness that the Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mrs. Anita Gratkowski, on Sunday, February 6, 2022.  Anita was the wife of Deacon Dan Gratkowski, now retired from St. Stephen Parish, Riverview.  They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in April 2021.  Deacon Dan was present at her passing. The services for …

Announcements ~ February 14, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …

Announcements ~ February 7, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Attention Faith Formation & Parish Leaders: FORMED Webinars Offered! We are pleased to announce that all parishes in the Diocese of St Petersburg that do not presently have a FORMED subscription may register to participate in a special grant opportunity to reduce the cost of a one-year subscription by as much as much …

Announcements ~ January 31, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life Justice & Advocacy Courage & Encourage Day of Recollection – MARCH 5, 2022 The Courage Apostolate offers support for men and women who experience same sex attraction and desire to live chaste lives following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.  Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship …

Mr. Ronald G. Bento

 (Wisdom 3:1)The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the death of Mr. Ronald G. Bento, 86, on Friday, January 21, 2022, in St. Petersburg.  Mr. Bento formerly worked in the Real Estate Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th …