In 2019, parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg took the Disciple Maker Index survey and utilized the information they received to develop pastoral plans in union with the diocesan vision, Courageously Living the Gospel. Recently, I checked back with two of the parishes to see how they are doing today. I was not surprised …
Continue reading “Parishes Find Creative Ways to Fulfill Mission”
Bishop Gregory Parkes announced today that opening day for parish and diocesan Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will be postponed for two weeks, from August 10th to August 24th. In a letter to parents, he noted the recent rise of Covid-19 cases and stressed the importance of acting prudently. This decision was …
Continue reading “Catholic Schools Are Scheduled to Start New School Year on August 24th”
St. Petersburg Catholic High School has officially begun construction on a beautiful new Learning Commons that will open in Fall 2020. The space will include a writing studio, a chapel, an innovation studio, and several collaborative workspaces and presentation areas. The goal of this project is to create a central hub on campus where students …
Continue reading “Media Center Transformation is Underway at St. Petersburg Catholic High School”
For about a week now, Bishop Gregory Parkes has been keeping a pontifical secret that he was finally able to share on Wednesday, July 8, when he posted on social media at around 6:00 a.m., “A day of great joy as my brother, Fr. Stephen Parkes, is appointed Bishop of Savannah by Pope Francis! Blessed …
As of July 1, Relevant Radio En Español is broadcasting on 1380 AM in Tampa. The network produces and broadcasts its own original Spanish-language programming 24/7, covering current events and news, marriage and family, faith, and more! Click here for a programming schedule. The network began in 2019 with stations in Texas and has expanded …
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Due to COVID-19, Catholic Charities has expanded its ability to help people in need of rent and utility assistance. Approximately 500 more people will be assisted so they can keep on their lights and air conditioning and stay in their homes. “Our Pathways Program provides rent and utilities assistance. We have various funding sources that …
Continue reading “Catholic Charities Helps Families Financially Impacted by COVID-19”
Faced with homelessness after a house fire, Catholic Charities’ homeless shelter in Tampa became a saving grace for Kishada. After living in her car for months, Kishada came to the shelter feeling anxious, but her experience there led her down a positive and restorative path. The 60-day emergency shelter dubbed “Hillsborough Hope” provided housing to …
Continue reading “Homeless Find Housing Thanks to Hillsborough Hope”
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, SB 404, a bill that requires parental consent before a minor has an abortion. This common-sense measure simply holds abortion to the same consent requirements as most every other medical decision involving a child, including simple …
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2019 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
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Religious Freedom Week takes place from June 22 – 29 each year. It begins with the feast day of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. While the free exercise of religion has long been enshrined in our …
We are saddened to announce the passing of Deacon Joe Polcari on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He was a retired deacon from St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater. His wife Teresa passed in 2014. Deacon Joe was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 2, 1982. He moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
The horrific killing of George Floyd has reminded us that racism is a contemporary problem–on the streets, in our workplaces, in our schools, and in our churches. Though peaceful protests are often a necessary means to social change, coming together to build consensus and a clear path forward is also crucial. In order to assist …
While the world has been practicing social distancing over the past several months, students at St. Joan of Arc high school youth group have been growing closer than ever. This is partly due to the creativity and adaptability of youth minister Nancy Lovelock who has taken to social media and virtual meetings to keep the …
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Father Kyle Bell of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs said he saw Mass-goers “in tears” as they received Holy Communion on Monday, May 11, 2020. This was the first time they were able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist since parishes ceased public Masses because of the coronavirus pandemic. Parishioners have keenly …
Continue reading “First Chance to Receive Eucharist at Mass in Months Leaves Some in Tears”
With millions of Americans out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic, Job Search Ministries at parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are providing important resources and support. “Churches, in particular, have the opportunity and the obligation to help the unemployed because work is so important to the nature of humanity that when the …
In the past year, the Sunday Faith Formation program at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish was adding one to two new families each week and nearly 100 women signed up for the Walking with Purpose Bible Study – more than three times the attendance of previous years. There is a growing number of men joining …
Following the pre-dawn announcement of Bishop Elect David Toups as the 6th bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont on June 9, 2020, reaction from his home Diocese of St Petersburg included both elation and sadness. The 49-year-old Bishop-Elect will be the youngest non-auxiliary, diocesan bishop in the United States. Parishioners, seminarians and co-workers alike have …
Continue reading “Community Reacts with Joy and Tears to the News about Bishop-Elect David Toups”
“My life has been completely transformed, 180 degrees. I can’t begin to tell you.” This is what Celina Okpaleke had to say when asked about the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute. LPMI, which has been a pillar in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since 1998, was created to help people who are involved in parish ministry …
Continue reading “New Marian Ministry Develops with Help of Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute”
WASHINGTON — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, provided a statement on the decision issued today by the Supreme Court of the United States – combining Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., Altitude Express v. Zarda, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal …
Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection …
On June 9, 2020, Pope Francis announced that Monsignor David Toups, 49, has been appointed a bishop and his first assignment will be bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas. He currently serves as Rector of the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, a position he’s held since 2012. There will …
Continue reading “Pope Francis Appoints a Clearwater Priest to Serve as Bishop of Beaumont, Texas”
More than 300 people participated in a Holy Hour at the Cathedral of St Jude the Apostle on Sunday, June 7, 2020, to pray for peace, healing and change following the brutal death of George Floyd and the national protests that have erupted. Bishop Gregory Parkes led the solemn prayer service inside, and a group …
Continue reading “Outpouring of support at the Prayer Vigil for Peace, Healing and Change”
Find a Spanish version of this announcement here. In solidarity with all people of good will who seek racial harmony and an end to racial injustice, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will host a prayer vigil on Sunday, June 7th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 …
Businesses are navigating the re-opening of the economy following shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemics. To assist those facing challenges and looking for new opportunities, Saint Leo University will a free, four-part webinar series, Business Reimagined: Insights for Small Businesses in the COVID-19 Landscape, for Tampa-area businesses beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20. The …
Queridos hermanos y hermanas de los Estados Unidos, sigo con gran preocupación los dolorosos desórdenes sociales que se están produciendo en vuestra nación en estos días, tras la trágica muerte del Sr. George Floyd. Queridos amigos, no podemos tolerar ni cerrar los ojos ante ningún tipo de racismo o exclusión y pretender defender la santidad …
Continue reading “Declaración del papa Francisco sobre la muerte trágica de George Floyd”
“Dear brothers and sisters in the United States, I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend …
Continue reading “Pope Francis’ Statement on the Tragic Death of George Floyd”
The manner in which George Floyd died is an atrocity to the humanity and dignity that each person has as a child of God. As a Church, we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters who demand justice and respect for black individuals who have suffered the effects of racism for generations. As is stated in …
El arzobispo José H. Gomez, de Los Ángeles, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) emitió un comunicado sobre George Floyd y las protestas que han sucedido en ciudades de Estados Unidos en los últimos días. Este pronunciamiento sigue a la declaración del viernes 29 de siete presidentes de comités de obispos de …
Thanks to a new, $1.2 million grant, Saint Leo University will be awarding substantial scholarships to help as many as 18 undergraduates prepare to become biology or mathematics teachers in Florida’s Pasco and Hernando county schools over the next several years. Saint Leo is able to start this new scholarship program with grant money received …
On May 20, 2020, Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that parishes could once again resume Sunday Mass with a congregation present starting the weekend of May 30-31, 2020. “We are called to be good stewards of our health and to take practical steps to avoid spreading illness. Therefore, restrictions will be in place since we are …
Screenshot courtesy of In Solidarity. On May 13, 2020, the Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy hosted an ecumenical online forum to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the publication of the papal encyclical, Laudato Si, translated “Praise be to you,” subtitled, “On Care for our Common Home.” The dialogue featured a …
Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes Joined Ecumenical Dialogue on Caring for Our Common Home”
Initial Plans are to Start with Daily Mass After prayerful and careful consideration of the guidelines and recommendations put forth by local government and health officials, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that the public celebration of Mass will resume in the Diocese of St. Petersburg starting on Monday, May 11, 2020. Initially, parishes are permitted …
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A Message from Bishop Parkes (PDF available in English and Spanish) In light of the governor’s recent announcement to begin the process of reopening Florida, I wanted to share with you an update on when we might gather together again for Mass. Please know that I would like nothing more than to resume gathering publicly …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes Hopes to Resume Public Masses During the Month of May”
For Joshua, who is unemployed and homeless, Catholic Charities represents the difference between hope and despair. “I feel safe here,” says Joshua, 23, who is a resident of the newly established Catholic Charities Hillsborough Hope homeless shelter, located in Tampa. Before arriving at the shelter, that some call a tent city, Joshua had been living …
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On May 6, 2018, when Bishop Gregory Parkes consecrated the Diocese of St. Petersburg to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Cathedral of St. Jude was standing room only, full of the faithful who gathered and joined their voices in prayer. This year, when Bishop Parkes celebrates the Consecration Renewal Mass, the Cathedral pews may …
Continue reading “Pandemic Moves Marian Congress Online and Highlights Need for Prayer”
It’s possible that the Catholic Student Union at USF has never been more grateful for technology. When the coronavirus pandemic began to affect the U.S., face-to-face ministry was no longer an option. The CSU had to go virtual, shifting the entirety of their ministry to an online format. As with all that God has his …
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When asked if she had ever livestreamed before, Mary Chapman, Director of Faith Formation at St. Theresa in Spring Hill, answered with a humble and direct “no.” In recent weeks, churches everywhere have had to learn how to livestream Masses, prayers, and other events. Although she had no previous experience, Mary and her colleague, Bruce …
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“Just give it a year.” These are the words that Israel “Izzie” Hernandez clearly heard the Lord speak to him during Eucharistic Adoration the summer after he graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. “Before I started thinking about priesthood, all I wanted was to find a good …
If Barb Caleca closes her eyes during the Prince of Peace livestreamed Mass and hears the familiar voices of the priests and cantor, she says she can almost imagine being present in the church, in the same pew where she and her husband have sat every week for the last six years. Though grateful for the …
Continue reading “Drive-thru Confession Offers Mercy and Peace to Parishioners”
Susana Caruso has been a parishioner at Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes for 11 years. Since she and her family are unable to physically go to church because of the pandemic, she has embraced the call to nurture the domestic church. What is the domestic church? In a 1995 homily, Pope …
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In keeping with the directives and guidelines from our government and public health authorities, Bishop Gregory Parkes has directed that all Catholic School and Early Childhood centers will be closed to students through the end of the 2019-20 academic year. All schools will conduct online/virtual learning for the remainder of the academic year. Currently, diocesan …
In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Program Office, which was established in 2003, oversees a comprehensive program of child abuse prevention that is focused on background checks and training of all adults entrusted with the care, responsibility and/or supervision of minors or vulnerable adults. The office was established in compliance with the …
Continue reading “Church Strengthens Efforts to Protect Children and Vulnerable Populations”
Find the latest information from Catholic Charities on their website. For the time being (at least through April 30), Catholic Charities has closed its offices – see below for details on individual appointments Catholic Charities offices hours – All offices are now closed in compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements to maintain social distance and …
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are living through a difficult time. Many of you have concerns about health, finances, family and even your faith. I know, from the depths of my heart, how difficult it is for you to be separated from the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. That’s …
Normally Full Churches will be Empty as Public Gatherings are Restricted to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Holy Week and Easter celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes can be viewed via Livestream, Sunday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12, 2020. These celebrations will be streamed from the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg …
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St.Petersburg, in partnership with the City of Tampa, opened a shelter (Hillsborough Hope) for homeless residents of Tampa on vacant land owned by Catholic Charities on March 30, 2020. Due to the risk posed by the coronavirus, city officials decided to relocate homeless residents in order to provide the …
As part of an ongoing commitment to carry out Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter (Vos estis lux mundi) to address the issue of sexual abuse throughout the Catholic Church, the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established in March 2020 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org in order to …
Continue reading “Nationwide Service is Launched to Report Sexual Misconduct Involving U.S. Bishops”
One of the most heartbreaking realities for Christians during the COVID – 19 Coronavirus pandemic is the suspension of the public celebration of the Liturgies of Holy Week. This reality will certainly bring a void; however, it does not mean that, we as Christians, cannot participate in a meaningful way. Below are some suggestions for …
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Bishop Gregory Parkes has a message of hope for our young people during this difficult time. He shares, “I’m praying for you. Don’t lose hope remain strong in your faith. Continue to pray. Remember that God is always with us – He never abandons us.”
At the Angelus on Sunday, March 22nd, Pope Francis announced that this coming Friday, March 27th, at 6:00 pm Rome time (1:00 p.m local time), the Pope will preside over a moment of prayer on the sagrata of Saint Peter’s Basilica, before the empty square. He invites everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication. There …
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I realize that for many of you, Saturday evening and Sunday are times when you would normally go to your local parish for Mass. Unfortunately, as we know, these days are anything but normal. However, as your bishop, I want to assure you of a few things. First, even …
March 18, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As you are aware, because of the fluid and unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus crisis, our response to the threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States has been to closely monitor the guidance of government leaders and public health officials, and to make …
Continue reading “Public Masses are Temporarily Suspended in the Diocese of St. Petersburg”
Florida Commencement Ceremonies Postponed, Rescheduled for June 1 ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University officials have decided to extend the university’s online course delivery for the remainder of the spring terms and will postpone Florida commencement ceremonies. After hearing the recommendation of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the state universities, Saint Leo has followed suit. …
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We are continuing to follow the guidance from the CDC and public health organizations as we make decisions about how best to move forward with regard to the coronavirus (Covid-19). This memo amends the earlier one sent on Friday, March 13 by extending the closure of Catholic Schools through March 27. After prayerful consideration, Bishop …
Continue reading “Catholic Schools Change Spring Break Dates”
Dear Friends of Catholic Charities: I am reaching out to our clients, our supporters (funders, donors, volunteers), vendors, colleagues and board members, community and government partners, parishioners, and members of the broader community, to share what Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg is doing in response to unprecedented health risk posed by the Corona Virus …
Continue reading “Catholic Charities ‘United in Christ’: Response to the Corona Virus”
