The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Monsignor Anton Clemens Dechering, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Friday morning, March 5, 2021, while under Hospice care at Bayfront Hospital, St. Petersburg, following a lengthy illness. Anton Clemens Dechering was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Chrism Mass Livestream or Radio Broadcast on March 30th at 11:30 a.m.| During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Parkes will consecrate the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. The bishop will …
We were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mrs. Cecilia Shija Mganga, 77, mother of Reverend Claudius Mpuya Mganga, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness. Father Claudius received word of his mother’s death in her native Tanzania, shortly after midnight today, February 23, 2021. While Mrs. Mganga was in relatively …
Word reached our office about the passing of Sr. Dorothy Frances S. Dwyer, OSF, 87, on January 1, 2021 in Olean General Hospital, NY. Sr. Dorothy entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 15, 1987, was received into the Congregation on August 9, 1988, and professed her final vows on September 1, 1996. She …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Listen to Bishop Gregory Parkes via Podcast On Proclaim, Invite and Encounter, Bishop Parkes speaks about God’s grace and mercy, stewardship, forgiveness and more. Click here to listen. Catholic Campus Ministry ~ USF Catholic Bulls New Talk Show Episode On a new episode of Catholic Bulls Late Night, a spin …
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Mr. Matthew Shirina Sr., age 91, father of Deacon Matt Shirina from Incarnation Parish in Tampa, on Friday February 26, 2021. All services will take place in Tennessee, with the Funeral Mass on March 7, 2021. Deacon Matt, his wife Nancy, and their family will be …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Altar Server Appreciation Mass The Youth Altar Server Appreciation Mass will be on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. While we realize many parishes have not been using altar servers on a regular basis since last year, we …
DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . …
DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . …
We were saddened to learn that Reverend Edward “Crispin” Keating, O.F.M., 93, a retired priest of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Ireland Province, passed away in the Lord on Monday afternoon, February 1, 2021, while under Hospice care, following a lengthy battle with throat cancer. Father Keating was born on June 2, 1927 to …
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DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications New Podcast/Radio Series: Proclaim, Invite and Encounter Bishop Gregory Parkes is offering a new series on Spirit FM 90.5 and on your favorite podcast app that provides inspiration and insights for living our Catholic faith. Proclaim, Invite and Encounter is a daily reflection and commentary on Courageously Living the Gospel …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Chat with SeminariansMen, ages 15-35 are invited to attend our next discernment opportunity, Zoom Chat with Seminarians, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7 pm. Fr. Chuck will be the host and each month includes vocation stories from different seminarians. Please see the flyer at this link: https://bit.ly/3ocG38p for more information and …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Monsignor John F. Neff, 87, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday afternoon, January 20, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. John Francis Neff was born in Cairo, Illinois on May 21, 1933, to Herbert and Cecelia Neff. …
The Diaconate Office sadly informs the passing of Deacon Gerald McGory, 89, retired, from Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg. Most recently, he attended the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. He passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Funeral Services on Monday, January 25th at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …
Sadly we inform the passing of Sister Ruth Barthle, OSF, a native of Pasco County and long time religious in this diocese. She died this morning, January 11, 2021 at the Motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, where she has been living for the last 3 years. Originally from San Antonio, Florida, she …
We sadly inform the passing of Brother Frank Martin Chapper, 91, on January 7, 2021 at Northside Hospital, as a result of COVID-19. Brother Chapper was born on April 28, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in Detroit and earned a degree in civil engineering at the University of Michigan. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Beware of Scams The Office of Communications of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, is helping our community to avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Your best response is to be aware and to be vigilant. Do not reply to an unfamiliar text message, email or social media message until …
Word reached the Diocese that Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM, 83, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Concordia Healthcare Center, Tampa, of complications from COVID 19. A native of Florida, Sister Mary Patricia entered the SNJM community after graduating from the Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa, in 1955. Her roles in education …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and the Pro-Life Generation via Livestream to Pray for Life on January 22nd Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the first-ever Diocesan Mass for Life with youth from around the Diocese of St. Petersburg on Friday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Eric Hunter, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early this morning, January 11, 2021, at his residence in Largo, while under Hospice care. Father Hunter was granted retirement status in July 2019, after serving as Pastor of St. Brendan …
Our office has received word of the passing of Mary Ann Iadanza, wife of Deacon John Iadanza from St. Mary Parish in Tampa. Deacon John and Mary Ann were high school sweethearts, married for 58 years. They relocated to Florida in 1998 from New Jersey. She was 78. Services are as follows: Visitation will take …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Mary Menchen and Ms. Dawn Trendly, mother and aunt of Deacon Mike Menchen from St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Parish in St. Petersburg, both in Cincinnati. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the Menchen Family in care of St. Mary, Our Lady …
The Diaconate Office office has received word of the passing of Mr. Glenn Kloiber, 96, father of Laurie Dever, wife of Deacon Ray Dever from St. Paul Parish in Tampa. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the Laurie Dever and family in care …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View to the Top In this end of the year program, Bishop Parkes shares the positives of what was generally a challenging year and makes some predictions for 2021. Follow the following link to listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/3pOIXBu. Office of Communications New Video: Year in Review The Diocese of Petersburg invites …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown, father of Reverend Stephan T. Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg. Dr. Brown passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, while at home in St. Petersburg, under Hospice care, following a steady decline in health in recent months.Dr. …
Sadly, the Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Luis Alfonso Riveros, 62, youngest brother of Reverend Belisario Riveros, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, passed away on Christmas morning, Friday, December 25, 2020, in Bogotá, Colombia, following a lengthy battle with Leukemia. Mr. Riveros is survived by his wife, Flor Riveros and three children: Alfonso, Carolina …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Bishop Parkes Christmas Message Bishop’s 2020 Christmas Message is available for publication in your bulletins. We have the following versions: English PDF: https://bit.ly/3nh0mlq and PNG: https://bit.ly/2Wa9NqV Spanish PDF: https://bit.ly/2LzNPLT and PNG: https://bit.ly/3oUOjKZ If you need another format, contact Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org. Christmas With Bishop Gregory Parkes Those who are unable …
Word reached our office that Mrs. Lucille M. LaRose, mother of Deacon Ed LaRose from St. Timothy Parish in Lutz, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020. She was 92. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 21, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, FL 33558. Expressions …
Word reached our office that Deacon Maximo “Max” Montayre, retired from Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Tampa and the Apostleship of the Sea, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, he was 84. The Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Theobald Weria, A.L.C.P., from Parochial Administrator of St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa to Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. Deacon James (“Ben”) Hooks, to Coordinator of Pastoral Care pro tempore, St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On the December 2, 2020 edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes shares why the faithful should go to Reconciliation this Advent, the roles of Cardinals in the Church, reports of aborted children used in COVID research, and why did God allow COVID. Please follow this …
Mrs. Nancy Manko, mother of Deacon Mark Manko from St. James the Apostle, Port Richey, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, November 29, 2020 in Pennsylvania. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the Manko Family in care of St. James the Apostle Parish, 8400 Monarch Dr., Port Richey, FL 34668. Please keep Deacon …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the recently released McCarrick and Florida State Attorney Reports and the virtual meeting of the U.S. Bishops. Marriage and Family …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Bradley Reed, from Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater to Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon. Reverend Dayan Machado, from Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Dade City to the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, with residence …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8doO_FTIZ5UBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Thanksgiving message and expresses his gratitude for your prayers and support.In this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the …
We sadly announce the passing of Mrs. Phyllis Ytuarte on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Mrs. Ytuarte is the mother-in-law of Deacon Ed Anctil, Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Tampa. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:00 am at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. Please pray for …
We were saddened to learn that Reverend Terence Kaner (“Terry”) Fleming, 79, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rochester and long-time resident in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Oldsmar on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Father Fleming was born on August 10, 1941, in Rochester, New York to …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes discusses praying for victories, superstitions and faith, election takeaways, the beatification of Father Michael McGivney, COVID-19 and holidays and a salute to veterans. To listen to the podcast, follow this link: https://bit.ly/32qABGE. Our Diocesan Commitment to Safe Environments …
Recently, the Chancellor’s Office was contacted by Father Patrick Rebel, Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Spring Hill, to inform us of the untimely passing of his niece, Julia Rebel, 20, who died in an automobile accident on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Julia was the daughter of James and Kathy Rebel, of Wesley Chapel. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Robert Francis Perillo, died on October 29, 2020 in New York City. Mr. Perillo was a Master Voice Teacher and has trained actors for over a quarter of a century. He has given seminars and workshops to choral groups, readers of scripture and to other teachers of voice …
We sadly inform the passing of Donna Marie Hoffman, age 55, of Inverness, on October 4, 2020 at Citrus Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Donna was the sister of Debbie Sosnicki, Office Manager of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness. Donna was born in Staten Island, NY on September 18, 1965. She and her …
Birth: June 19, 1929 Religious Profession: September 8, 1948 Ordination to Priesthood: June 13, 1958 Death: October 24, 2020 We sadly announce to all of you the passing of Father John G. Masiello, SDB, on the afternoon of Saturday, October 24, 2020. Father Masiello came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2007 and resided …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Remembering Our Departed Loved Ones November is the Month of All Souls, when we remember and pray for our loved ones who have died. The Diocese of St. Petersburg will be creating a special online photo album to remember those who have passed away, especially those in the past year. Email a photo …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the sudden death of Reverend Matthew T. Gamber, S.J., 61, on Friday, October 16, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Gamber worked as a pastoral counselor and theology instructor at Jesuit High School, Tampa, from 2012 to 2014. Father Gamber was born in Evanston, Illinois to Mark and Ruth …
The Chancellor’s Office received word from Ireland that Reverend Seamus Collins, O.P., 87, a retired member of the Irish Province of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Tallaght Hospital, in Dublin. Father Collins was one of four children born to Colonel Liam and Delia (Tarpy) Collins. He …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about the recent Rite of Candidacy for the Diaconate, upcoming Vocations Awareness Week events and explains how we can live the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. To listen to the podcast, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2J2wVnH. …
Brother Glenn Humphrey, O.F.M., 76, a professed Franciscan friar for 55 years, died on October 9, 2020 at Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Care Center where he had lived since August. He had spent most of his religious life in academic and counseling work. The friar community at St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg celebrated …
September 4, 1923 – September 17, 2020 The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Karl Aloysius Aschmann, C.Ss.R., 97, a retired member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, while under Hospice care in Palm Coast, Florida. Father Aschmann was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He made …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocesan Audit Results Did you know that an independent audit conducted in September 2020 determined that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is once again in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Among the information revealed during the audit, it …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about 40 Days for Life and the upcoming election. Also discussed is the recent arson at a local parish, Bishop Parkes’ reflection on his brother being ordained Bishop of Savannah, and the use of social media …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual White Mass The annual White Mass will be held on Saturday October 24, 2020 for physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals in our diocese. Vigil 4:00 pm Mass will be presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes at the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross located on the campus of Jesuit High …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend John Vakulskas, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, passed away at Mercy One Hospital, in Sioux City, Iowa on Sunday evening, September 27, 2020, following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Father Vakulskas assisted in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Beware of Imposter Social Media Accounts If you receive a social media direct message or Facebook message from Bishop Gregory Parkes, please be aware that is an imposter account. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using Facebook Messenger or direct messaging. Also, please be sure you are following the official …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Alice “Louise” Nkoy, 81, mother of Reverend Emery Longanga, Ph.D., Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her death occurred after a battle with cancer. No …
Word reached our office that Reverend Conrad Harkins, O.F.M., 85 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 65 years and a priest for 59, died on August 31, 2020 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where he had lived since last year. He spent most of his religious life in academia and was …
