The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Thursday, August 15 in 2019. On this holy day of obligation, we commemorate when Mary’s body and soul were assumed into heaven and she passed into eternal life. In the mystery of her Assumption, Mary experiences immediately what we all will experience eventually, a …
Continue reading “Celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, and President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting last night in Dayton, Ohio. Full statement follows: “We extend our …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops Issue Statement After a Tragic Shooting in Dayton, Ohio”
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. The full statement follows: “This Saturday, …
Diocesan radio station Spirit FM 90.5 hosted its very first, “Sounds FUN!” radio summer camp this summer. Three camp sessions were held for middle school students from our diocesan Catholic schools and local homeschool groups. Each session was two days long and offered students a glimpse of how a radio station operates. During the camp, …
Continue reading ““Sounds FUN!” Summer Camp Provides a Glimpse into Inner-workings of Radio Station”
It has come to the attention of the Diocese of St. Petersburg that parishioners have been receiving text messages, emails or direct messages asking for gift cards from people pretending to be our priests or sisters or even Bishop Parkes. Our priests, religious and staff do not contact individuals via text message or social media …
Continue reading “Beware of Text Message, Email and Social Media Scams”
The following Holy Week celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle will be live streamed. Tuesday, April 16, Chrism Mass, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 19 Passion of the Lord 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20 Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 p.m.
In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 65th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Jose G. Gonzalez He was born in Asturias, Spain and moved with his family to Havana, Cuba while …
In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Msgr. Antonio Diez He was born in Robledo de la Valduena, Spain and was ordained for the Diocese …
Continue reading “Celebrating 60 Years of Priestly Ministry”
In 2019, 8 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. James Gordon, I.C. He is originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. On June 9, 1969, he was ordained as …
In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Michael T. O’Brien He is a St. Petersburg native and was baptized at nearby St. Paul Parish. He …
In 2019, 8 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Erwin Belgica He was born in Malinao, Philippines and was ordained for the Diocese of Sorsogon on July …
After historic flooding brought devastation to parts of the Midwest, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed grief over the lives lost and threatened by the floods and offered prayers for recovery. The full statement follows: “We are deeply saddened by …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops’ Chairman Offers Prayers for Recovery, After Flooding in the Midwest”
More than 800 people from parishes across the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg for the Rite of Election on Sunday, March 10. The Rite of Election is the ceremony when parishes present their catechumens to the bishop as they begin their final spiritual preparations …
Continue reading “More Than 350 People Are Preparing to Become Catholic This Easter”
Printable PDF version: English | Spanish My dear brothers and sister in the Lord, Lent is a time for us to prepare our minds, hearts, and souls to celebrate the great feast of Easter. We do so through the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Each of these in a particular way help …
All are invited to attend the “A Weekend of Healing and Hope with Immaculé Ilibagiza” retreat on Friday, March 8 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The retreat is being hosted by the Magnificat St. Petersburg Florida Chapter. Tickets and itinerary information are available through …
Continue reading “A Weekend of Healing and Hope with Immaculée Ilibagiza”
You are invited to sign up to receive daily Scripture reflections on Courageously Living the Gospel that will provide suggestions and prayers for more boldly living your faith! You can choose to receive the reflections via email or text starting on Wednesday, March 13. Sign up to be courageous, visit www.dosp.org/be-courageous-daily-reflection.
“Pope Francis is calling on the faithful not to let the Lenten season of grace pass in vain, and to live as children of God acknowledging and obeying His law, in particular in regards to our brothers and sisters and to creation. In this year’s Lenten message, the Pope invites believers to prepare to celebrate …
Continue reading “Pope Francis’ Lenten Message Calls for Conversion”
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, KS and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities has issued the following statement in response to the introduction of a bill in the Virginia legislature that would allow a baby to be aborted at nine months. Although the bill was defeated there, a similar bill …
Bishop Joseph Vásquez, of Austin, Texas, Chairman of the Committee on Migration issued the following statement calling for the President and Congressional leaders to create a border solution and end the government shut-down. Bishop Vasquez’s full statement follows: “Secure borders and humane treatment of those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life are not mutually exclusive. …
As we await the birth of our Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, we strive to remember the true meaning of the season. As there are many people in our community who will be going without Christmas gifts or even basic everyday necessities, many of our parish and school communities have taken to heart those words …
Continue reading “Reaching Out to Our Community this Christmas Season”
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has become aware that people are impersonating Bishop Parkes on Instagram and asking for money via private and direct messaging features. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using the private message feature of Instagram. Please block and report any suspicious activity to Instagram and do not respond. …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes’ Official Social Media Accounts”
On October 8, 2018, Hurricane Michael slammed into the panhandle of Florida, leaving widespread devastation in its path. In the weeks that followed, the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg generously responded by giving over $300,000 for disaster relief. These funds went directly to Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida to help with recovery efforts. …
Continue reading “Helping the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael”
Terry Oliver will be celebrating Christmas at his Homosassa home this year, after one-year away. Last October, he and his daughter were displaced from his house because of damage sustained from Hurricane Irma. His house was fixed thanks to the partnership between Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS) and …
Continue reading ““Home for Christmas” with Support from Catholic Charities”
WASHINGTON–Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “We join with people across the nation as we mourn the passing of President George H.W. Bush. We remember with …
WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of Austin, Texas, Chairman of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Sister Donna Markham, OP, Phd, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, Jeanne Atkinson, Executive Director of Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services issued an statement reiterating that …
WASHINGTON— Today, leaders of diverse faiths and religious nonprofits asked Congress to repeal a recent change to the Internal Revenue Code in Section 512(a)(7) that threatens to tax nonprofit organizations—including houses of worship—for the cost of parking and transit benefits provided to their employees. Many have referred to this provision as the “parking lot tax”. …
Continue reading “Ecumenical and Interfaith Leaders Ask Congress to Repeal the “Parking Lot Tax””
BALTIMORE— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved today, during its November General Assembly, the formal statement, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love,” A Pastoral Letter Against Racism. The full body of bishops approved it by a two-thirds majority vote of 241 to 3 with 1 abstention. The USCCB Cultural Diversity …
At their annual fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, MD, the U.S Bishops participated in a consultation on the cause for sainthood of the Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A. Bishop Robert P. Deeley, Chairman of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson, Mississippi, the petitioner …
WASHINGTON—Following the tragic shooting early this morning in Thousand Oaks, California, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement calling for the enactment of reasonable measures to end gun violence. The full statement of Cardinal DiNardo follows: “Many of us learned at dawn today that at …
On Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to one lay member from each of our parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving as an usher at Mass, or helping …
Continue reading “Congratulations to our 2018 St. Jude Medal Award Recipients”
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 12-14. The assembly will begin with an address by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The body of bishops will then adjourn to an on-site chapel for a full day of spiritual discernment and prayer. This …
November is the Month of All Souls, when we remember and pray for those who have died in a special way. We would like to remember the people who were special to you that have died, especially during the last year, with an online photo album. Please send a photo of this special person with …
This fall, the Diocese of St. Petersburg held a video contest for all the budding teen and college age videographers in our community. The title of the contest was “Why I love my church”, and participants were asked to use their creative juices to include elements of their parish, school, homeschool group, and ministries reflecting …
“So many people have lost everything: homes, property and even their livelihood. The scenes of destruction are heart-wrenching, knowing that when we see a place where there once was a house, a family used to live there and are now homeless,” said Bishop William A. Wack of Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in an Oct. 12 letter to his …
Continue reading “Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts around the Diocese”
Pope Francis has invited all Catholics to pray a rosary daily during the month of October “to join in communion and in penitence, as the people of God, in asking the Holy Mother of God and Saint Michael Archangel to protect the Church from the devil, who always seeks to separate us from God and …
God made all creatures, great and small! Parishioners throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg were invited to send in their pet’s name and a photo to be included in a special photo album with a prayer for animals in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. See the album below. If you’d like …
Continue reading “Blessing of the Animals in Honor of Feast of St. Francis of Assisi”
A retired priest with 56 years of dedicated service was honored with the 2018 Father Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on October 2, 2018. He is the 22nd priest in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to be honored with this award. In addition to serving as a priest and pastor, Monsignor Dechering has also ministered …
Pope Francis’ invitation The Holy Father has decided to invite all the faithful, of all the world, to pray the Holy Rosary every day, during the entire Marian month of October, and thus to join in communion and in penitence, as the people of God, in asking the Holy Mother of God and Saint Michael …
Continue reading “Pope Francis invites the faithful to pray the Rosary in October”
September 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement today applauding initial steps taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to terminate a Food and Drug Administration contract to purchase aborted baby parts …
From September 26 through November 4 , 2018, our community will unite with many others from coast to coast – and internationally – for a major simultaneous pro-life mobilization – the 40 Days for Life campaign. Faithful believers are praying that these efforts will mark the beginning of the end of abortion. Vision and Mission …
Support individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Florence. Catholic Charities USA forwards 100 percent of funds raised to Catholic Charities agencies that serve affected communities. Catholic Charities is working with local partner agencies to address the immediate and long-term needs of families affected by Hurricane Florence. Text CCUSADISASTER to 71777, call 1-800-919-9338 or visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org …
September 19, 2018 WASHINGTON–The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us …
In his letter to the People of God regarding sexual abuse and ecclesial coverup of abuse, Pope Francis stated, “Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture …
Continue reading “Bishop Parkes’ Statement on Diocesan Wide Prayer and Reparation”
September 13, 2018 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop William E. Lori as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He will remain Archbishop of Baltimore. The Holy Father has additionally instructed Archbishop Lori to …
September 3, 2018 WASHINGTON—In his 2018 Labor Day statement, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, calls for all persons to work together for just wages, which are necessary for families to flourish. A just wage is one that “not only provides for …
Continue reading “Labor Day Statement Calls for Just Wages for a Flourishing Society”
August 28, 2018 WASHINGTON—The National Review Board (NRB) has issued the following in response to the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report and recent allegations against Archbishop McCarrick. In the statement, the NRB calls for a lay-lead investigation into all allegations of sexual misconduct within the Church as well as strengthening the Charter for …
Representatives from various Ministries of Mercy initiatives and programs around the diocese gathered for the annual Mass and luncheon at the Bethany Center in Lutz on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Ministries of Mercy initiatives around our diocese include various parish ministries, the various programs of Catholic Catholic Charities, various chapters of the Society of St. …
Continue reading “Ministries of Mercy Leaders Gather at the Bethany Center”
Early voting is now underway statewide. Learn more about the candidates by viewing their responses to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops candidate questionnaire online at here.. For information about voting times and locations in your area, check with your county Supervisor of Elections here.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. …
Continue reading “Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People of God”
On Thursday evening (8/15/18), the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, issued the following statement regarding the report of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury issued earlier this week in the United States over the sexual abuse of minors. “Regarding the report made public in Pennsylvania this week, there are two words that can …
Continue reading “Vatican responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury abuse report”
August 16, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a …
I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …
August 14, 2018 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is hosting a series of meetings this week responding to the broader issue of safe environments within the Church. An update will be offered upon their conclusion. In response to today’s Pennsylvania grand jury report, Cardinal DiNardo …
Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez’ death sentence to a life …
Continue reading “Catholic bishops urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Jose Antonio Jimenez”
