In an abundance of caution for students, employees and vulnerable populations Bishop Gregory Parkes has directed that all Catholic school and Early Childhood center buildings will be closed to students from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2020. March 16-17 had previously been scheduled as days off for students. Virtual learning will be conducted …
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In general, as a rule of thumb, if the Public Schools are closed, parish Faith Formation programs should be closed as well, but that has always been for weather emergencies; this is a whole new situation without precedent. In the next day or so the Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth & Family Life will be recommending …
Continue reading “Faith Formation: Information for Pastors and Community”
Below is a letter distributed by Bishop Gregory Parkes on March 13, 2020, regarding a dispensation for Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg from Universal Ecclesiastical Laws. Click here to view the letter as a PDF. (View Spanish PDF here.) Dear Faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg As your Bishop, in collaboration …
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“[Pope Francis] offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary on Wednesday, [March 11, 2020], in a video message to mark the Diocese of Rome’s day of prayer and fasting for the coronavirus emergency. The video was broadcast at the opening of a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the diocesan vicar, at the Sanctuary …
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): “With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world …
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Residential Students are to Remain Home, and Classes Resume Online March 23; Education Centers Move to Online-Only Classes on March 16 ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has decided to make adjustments to university operations and move to online classes. The university is following guidance issued to the state universities in Florida regarding the coronavirus. Saint Leo’s students at …
On March 11, 2020, Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey was notified that a parent of a student had tested positive for Coronavirus. The parent is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The child has not been present at school since last Friday, March 6. The family …
In light of new concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus and because of our Church’s fervent respect for the dignity and value of human life, Bishop Gregory Parkes has issued three new directives to protect the health and safety of churchgoers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. (Spanish documents are available in Word or PDF.) Effective …
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Mary Andrysiak has been at Sacred Heart Parish for five years and her notion of church has always revolved around her own parish community, until now. She has broadened her understanding of church by serving on a committee for Courageously Living the Gospel. “It’s not just within our own parish that we are called to …
Continue reading “Parishes Join Efforts for Community Education Project”
More than 1,000 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on March 1 to support friends, family and loved ones who have made the life-changing decision to become Catholic during a 90-minute prayer service known as the Rite of Election. The Church formally recognizes individuals who have been preparing for the Sacraments …
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The 10th Annual Tampa Bay Men’s Conference on Feb 22, 2020 in Higgins Hall at St. Lawrence Catholic Church was attended by almost 600 men, including quite a few fathers and sons. The men were inspired by talks from speakers Dr. Tim Gray and Peter Herbeck, as well as by a member of the conference …
Every Friday, young adults from around Tampa Bay gather for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to spend time with the Lord. These faith-filled Catholics are members of Apostles of the Eucharist, a ministry based out of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa. They also gather weekly for snacks, faith sharing, fellowship and formation. Most of …
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Mary Palamar has been a champion for anti-human trafficking efforts for over 15 years. Her passion for spreading awareness about the topic, coupled with her courageous faith, drove her to get involved with the Peace and Justice Committee at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in New Port Richey. The ministry developed because of a …
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Nothing stops Sister Sara Proctor from providing medical care to the poor of our community in the rural areas of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. As the Program Coordinator for Catholic Charities Free Medical Clinics, she oversees four clinics that are focused on serving agricultural and seasonal workers who have severe challenges in obtaining the health …
Continue reading “Catholic Charities Courageously Cares for People with Nowhere Else to Turn”
Dolores Mottle was moved to tears when she saw the new Holy Family statue at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Homosassa. The five-foot fiberglass statue arrived on January 7th as a shipment from Italy. It was donated by Dolores as a gift to the parish in loving memory of her husband Edward who passed …
Continue reading “Holy Family’s Example Inspires Families Today”
In response to recent concerns over the spread of Coronavirus, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has prepared guidelines for parishes, schools and families to help our communities to take the necessary steps for the safety of all. Our response is focused on prevention, precautions and prayer. Many of these guidelines are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …
The 2020 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and ends with Easter Sunday on April 12. During Lent, we are encouraged to raise up the needs of the world in prayer, to sacrifice or fast by giving up food or material wants, and to offer our time, talent, and treasure as good stewards of the gifts God has given …
Continue reading “Reminded to be Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World this Lenten season”
On February 13, 2020, Bishop Gregory Parkes participated in a meeting with Pope Francis, Successor of St. Peter, at the Vatican. The meeting was part of a regularly scheduled Ad Limina visit to provide the Holy Father an update on the Diocese of St. Petersburg and to connect on a personal level. “He was very, …
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Saint Leo University broke ground Thursday, February 6, 2020, for a Wellness Center located on the west end of campus by Lake Jovita. The 59,000-square-foot facility will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services, and campus ministry. See photos from the groundbreaking below. Focusing on …
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Feeling confused or troubled by events in the news and in the culture? Dr. Ralph Martin of Renewal Ministries will address these issues and help us keep our bearings in the midst of these challenges. Learn how to abide more continually with Jesus and bear fruit for the kingdom. Join us on Saturday, February 15, …
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In a large ballroom at the Hilton Downtown Tampa, 500 of the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered to bring ministry to life with their presence, prayers and generosity. Long viewed as the signature event of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the 16th Annual Catholic Foundation Gala on February 1, 2020 inspired attendees …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes: “Let’s stretch the limits of what we can accomplish.””
(Photo above shows Bishop Gregory Parkes greeting Pope Francis in May of 2014 after the Holy Father’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. Bishop Parkes was in Rome with seminary classmates to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.) During the week of February 9-15, 2020, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of …
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A new group in St. Petersburg is providing opportunities for local young adults to stay connected to the Church and each other. In the past few months, they have hosted an All Saint’s Day bonfire, an Advent Young Adult Mission, Meals After Mass, and other monthly events where young people gather in fellowship and prayer. …
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When Liv, a freshman at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, attended the National March for Life in Washington D.C. last year, she saw something that she will never forget. “At the March, people were showing images of babies after a failed abortion and that really opened my eyes,” said Liv. “It showed me what world …
College Freshman Eric Bright has only been Catholic about a month but he’s already showing others what it means to have courageous faith. He is currently serving as president of the newly established Catholic Bulls Club at USF’s St. Pete Campus. USF in Tampa has had a Catholic Campus Ministry for over 50 years and …
Thousands of children in Pinellas County go to bed hungry each night. One St. Petersburg parish is on a mission to change that. In their efforts to Courageously Live the Gospel, parishioners and staff have identified food insecurity for teens and children as a need that has to be addressed. A local government agency, the …
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has appointed Mrs. Suzanne Healy, the former Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB). Mrs. Healy succeeds Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., who concludes his term …
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Helen Aguirre Ferré was honored today by the Catholic bishops of Florida with the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The Distinguished Catholic Leader Award is presented to a Catholic Floridian whose life and work has deepened respect for life and increased appreciation for the human dignity of the people of Florida. The …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Communications has produced a video series to help local churches equip individuals as missionary disciples, one of the goals of Courageously Living the Gospel. The video series begins with an introduction by Bishop Gregory Parkes sharing information on evangelization. All Catholics are called by their baptism to be …
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The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is leading a pilgrimage of nearly 300 participants to the National March for Life on Friday, January 24th at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. There are 13 schools and parishes represented in this contingency. The National March for Life is …
There are 47 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to nearly 13,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. While proudly Catholic, we welcome students of all faiths. These students shine year-round, but one week each year is devoted to highlighting …
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Starting the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2020. Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to …
The mission of the Catholic Church is very different from the mission of political parties. The Church guards the deposit of faith and makes the truth of the Gospel shine forth to lead all people to seek and receive Christ’s love. There is no political party that is aligned to this mission and as a …
Join a thousand other Catholic men from parishes around West Central Florida for a day of prayer, reconciliation, learning and fellowship! This conference will feature two dynamic, nationally-known speakers: DR. TIM GRAY: President of the Augustine Institute, plus, PETER HERBECK: TV/radio host, author and vice president of Renewal Ministries. Seize the opportunity to learn more …
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Saint Leo University will host a new “Theology Roundtable” discussion at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, on the topic of Christian faith and science. The one-hour, online interactive discussion will be led by Dr. Marc Pugliese and instructor Thomas Poynor. Together, they will address questions such as whether faith and science conflict. …
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The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, released a statement on the situation in Iran last night which was shared on social media. Full text of the statement follows: “In the face of the escalating tensions with Iran, we must pray urgently that our world’s leaders will …
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, sent the following message of support to Archbishop Mark Coleridge, BA, DSS, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2020: “Your Excellency: Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I …
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, has issued a statement following the earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the reported aftermath of infrastructure and property damage. Full text of the statement follows: “I wish to express my prayerful solidarity on behalf of the bishops of …
Catholic Charities of the Diocese St. Petersburg brought Christmas joy to the residents of Bethany Family Apartments, where we help families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Click here or on the video below to learn more.
On December 21, 2019, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg partnered with St. Mary Catholic Church, Tampa, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Tampa, Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church, Land O’ Lakes and St. Timothy Catholic Church, Lutz to bring gifts, food and joy to over 200 families and nearly 500 …
Five years ago, Kristine Johnson returned to the Catholic Church after close to thirty years away. After taking classes to refresh her memory on Church teaching, she became a volunteer catechist. Now, she’s volunteering to lead Youth Ministry at St. Rita Parish in Dade City, which is a brand new initiative. In her work with …
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When Oscar and Ximena Calabi moved to Clearwater in 2010, they found a spiritual home at Light of Christ Parish in Clearwater. Today, the Calabis are involved in ten ministries at their parish strengthened by amazing grace! They are answering the call to Courageously Live the Gospel by using their gifts to serve as missionary …
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A well-known landmark in downtown St. Petersburg, Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, is turning 100 this year! This parish was the first to be established in St. Petersburg in 1920. Before that, priests from Tampa crossed the bay by boat to celebrate Sunday Mass at a local hotel. “We’re known as the Mother …
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Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in New Port Richey has been a part of Richard Bekesh’s life for as long as he can remember. He grew up attending Sunday Mass there with his parents, played baseball on the field where the educational center stands today and attended religious education classes as a young boy. …
Janice Metz of St. Cecelia Parish in Clearwater is leading by example. She believes that the Church must proactively invite all to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ and offer a warm welcome. “It is so important to look for opportunities to invite people to our Church and really make them welcome,” said …
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg President, Frank Murphy and the Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Margaret (Maggie) Rogers has been appointed by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes to Executive Director effective December 13, 2019. She has served as Interim Executive Director since September 2018. Maggie joined Catholic Charities in 2013 …
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“So that you can tell your son and grandson.” Life creates history. This is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 54th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on May 24, 2020, the Sunday before Pentecost. The message will be published on January 24, 2020 (memorial of St. Francis of Sales). …
On Sunday, November 24, 2019, the Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida (USF) celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass to honor and bless the Fall graduates of the university! Five Catholic graduates were recognized during the Mass celebrated by Father Joshua Dyachim. Father Justin Paskert, Director of the Catholic Student Union, concelebrated the Mass. …
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Equipping parishioners as missionary disciples is a major goal of Courageously Living the Gospel. To support this effort, St. Anne Parish in Ruskin launched a pilot program in the Fall of 2019 to teach people about sharing their personal faith stories, the type of encounter that moves hearts and leads people to Christ. The program …
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In recognition of those who work tirelessly to end poverty, hunger and homelessness, Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg shared a meal with the homeless residents of Pinellas Hope while honoring the volunteers who prepare and serve them meals. He also blessed 20 new Hope Cottages™ that will provide shelter and security …
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Richard Quinton believes strongly in the power of personal invitation. When he arrived at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Holiday eight years ago, another parishioner approached him about becoming an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Quinton agreed and has been serving in that role ever since. For the last year and a half, Quinton …
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In less than a year, the youth ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Hudson has grown five times larger, going from an average of five teens each week to twenty-five. This is thanks in part to the efforts of youth minister Vincent Washburn who took over the program in December 2018. Washburn has …
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For more than 40 years, the Sacred Heart Fall Festival in Pinellas Park has been a local tradition enjoyed by residents near and far. This year, Father Kevin Yarnell also wanted to share the Catholic faith with festgoers. “Thousands from Pinellas Park and the surrounding area attend one or more days of the Festival to …
Continue reading “Local Church Launches Unique Evangelization Efforts”
As parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg seek to fulfill the goal of equipping individuals as missionary disciples, the Office of Evangelization held a workshop to train parish leaders on the “Call and Steps of Evangelization.” “We are all called to be evangelizers and we all know people we can reach,” said Jim Kissane, …
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The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 7-8 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), and proceeds help hundreds of U.S. religious communities to care for aging members. Some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last …
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