What: Novemberfest, a four-day community celebration with rides, food, and live entertainment for all ages.Who: Hosted by The Nativity Catholic Church and School in Brandon, FL.When: November 20–23, 2025.Where: Nativity Catholic Church grounds, 705 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL.Why: To celebrate a cherished local tradition, bring the community together, honor those who serve, including military, veterans, law enforcement, and first …

Continue reading “Tampa’s Largest Church Festival to be Held Nov. 20-23”

Event will focus on “50 Years of Gratitude and Hope”Celebrating the Journey of Faith of Vietnamese Catholics to the U.S. starting in 1975All Are Invited to Attend this Free Event Who:     Vietnamese community from across Florida What:   Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Congress When:  Friday, November 21st, 6 pm – 10 pmSaturday, November 22nd 8:30 am …

Continue reading “Local Vietnamese Community Will Celebrate Culture and Faith November 21-23”

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing that the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held in parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg on the weekend of Dec. 13-14. In 2024, Catholics across the diocese contributed $237,147.07 to the collection, mostly through their home parishes. From the collection, the St. Francis …

Continue reading “Catholics Called to Support Retired Religious”

WHEN:  Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 600 58th Street North, St. Petersburg WHAT: 75th Anniversary Mass of the Establishment of St. Jude the Apostle Parish. In 1968, Pope Paul VI elevated St. Jude the Apostle Parish to a cathedral for the newly established Diocese of Saint Petersburg. …

Continue reading “The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Celebrates 75 Years of Faith, Growth, and Community”

Proclamation Coincides with Historic Event at Benchmark International Arena  In an effort to honor the past and to celebrate the Catholic roots of this area that date back nearly 500 years, the City of Tampa has agreed to make September 20, 2025, Bay of the Holy Spirit Day. That is also the day that 12,000 …

Continue reading “City of Tampa Proclaims September 20th Bay of the Holy Spirit Day”

Three Months Ahead of Deadline The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg has met and exceeded its ambitious goal of completing 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy (kindness) in 2025. Remarkably, this is three months early since the deadline to complete the 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge is December 15th.  Bishop Gregory Parkes announced that the goal had …

Continue reading “Diocese of Saint Petersburg Completes 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy”

Event in Tampa will bring together 12,000 Catholics. What:   Eucharistic Encounter, the Largest Gathering of Catholics in the History of the Tampa Bay area When:  Saturday, September 20, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 12 noon) Where: Benchmark International Arena (formerly known as Amalie Arena), 401 Channelside, Dr. Tampa Photo Caption: Michael and Marissa Guarino met …

Continue reading “Catholics Will Make History on September 20th”

WHEN:  Friday, September 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon WHERE: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 600 58th Street North, St. Petersburg WHAT: Mass for the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, a holy day in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg that commemorates the anniversary of the dedication …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes Will Celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle”

The collection will help Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas. Bishop Gregory Parkes is asking all 74 parishes, five missions, and one shrine in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg to hold a special collection before September 30th for vital humanitarian relief for the sick, malnourished, and wounded in Gaza …

Continue reading “Local Catholic Churches to Hold a Special Collection for Gaza”

To help individuals affected by abuse find strength, support, and healing, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is holding their fifth annual Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N.,  St. Petersburg. All are welcome, including people of …

Continue reading “Abuse Survivors Invited to a Healing Mass”

Today, over 13,000 students are enrolled in 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. These schools, located in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, will welcome back students on August 11th. The Diocese of Saint Petersburg ranks as the 39th largest diocese (out of 196) for Catholic school …

Continue reading “13,000 Students Return to Catholic Schools on August 11th”

Creating Floral Bouquets for the Infirmed As part of Christ the King’s commitment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” the Tampa parish is participating in extra acts of kindness and mercy this year. The Media are invited to cover this event that will provide great visuals of individuals creating floral …

Continue reading “Christ the King Parish Hosts 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Event”

Families of all ages and stages are invited to participate in a special event where they can create cards of kindness and compassion. As part of Sacred Heart’s commitment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s “1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge,” the downtown parish is excited to share messages of mercy and hope that honor military …

Continue reading “Sacred Heart Parish Hosts 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Event Crafting Cards for Local Veterans”

What:              Official groundbreaking for a new Catholic school. The event includes prayers for the protection of construction workers and the successful completion of the project, as well as a blessing of the grounds with holy water. When:             Friday, June 13, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. Where:            Property is on the campus of …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes Announces a New Catholic School will be Built in Hillsborough County”

Who:  Bishop Gregory Parkes, local clergy, and hundreds of worshipers What: Outdoor Mass in observance of Memorial Day Where: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater When: Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. More than 500 people are expected at this annual Memorial Day tradition led by Bishop Gregory Parkes and priests of the Diocese …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes will Celebrate an Outdoor Mass in Clearwater on Memorial Day”

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg has launched a new type of outreach program known as “Street Ministry” that brings love and friendship into the lives of people on the streets in an effort to transform lives. Who: Young adults from around the country are here to lead this initiative and volunteers from our area will …

Continue reading “New “Street Ministry” is Introduced in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg”

As the academic year draws to a close, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is proud to announce the commencement of the 2025 high school graduation season. This year’s ceremonies will honor the remarkable achievements and resilience of students, who have navigated a year filled with many challenges, including the hurricane season of 2024 that impacted …

Continue reading “Diocese of Saint Petersburg Celebrates High School Graduation Season”

Who:                   Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Clergy, Religious, Catholics from across the area What:                  Mass of Thanksgiving for the Election of Pope Leo XIV When:                 Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where:              Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg The public is invited to …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes to Celebrate Diocesan-Wide Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV”

Preparing for a New Pope As the College of Cardinals prepares for the Papal Conclave that will begin on May 7th, Bishop Gregory Parkes is inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to pray that God may guide the cardinals in choosing a holy pope who will lead the Church with wisdom and grace while …

Continue reading “The Catholic Church Prays, Watches, and Waits “

During an Eagle Court of Honor in Tampa on April 30th, five young men received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Award. The five award recipients are all part of Troop #329 based at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa. Four of the Eagle Award recipients are seniors at Jesuit High School.  Having five Scouts from the …

Continue reading “Five Scouts from Same Troop Received Eagle Award on April 30th”

Bishop Gregory Parkes will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26th where he will join the global community in praying for Pope Francis and paying his respects to the leader of the universal Catholic Church. Bishop Parkes studied in Rome from 1996 to 2000. He studied at the Pontifical North American College (a …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes is in Rome for the Holy Father’s Funeral”

With profound sorrow, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Catholic community is united in grief and gratitude as we remember the life and legacy of a beloved spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. In honor of Pope Francis, …

Continue reading “Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis”

In honor of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, local Catholics, especially fellow millennials, are preparing to celebrate a historic saint in the Catholic Church. Teens, young adults, and families will gather for a local celebration on April 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., at St. Timothy Catholic Church, in Lutz. This event will …

Continue reading “Local Catholics will Host an Event for the Church’s First Millennial Saint”

A grassroots effort to renew the Catholic church is gaining momentum. In less than one month since registration opened, more than 9,000 seats for the Eucharistic Encounter event on September 20, 2025, at the Amalie Arena have been reserved. The dash for tickets shows the hunger people have to discover more about the Catholic faith …

Continue reading “Significant Catholic Event at Amalie Arena is Expected to be Historic”

Over 100,000 Acts of Mercy Have Been Recorded to Date The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is excited to announce a new initiative challenging the Catholic community and others to collectively complete 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy, in 2025. This ambitious goal is in response to the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. In his document …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes is Challenging the Community to Complete One Million Acts of Mercy in 2025”

Holy Week is a Time of Transformation Who:     Approximately 500,000 Catholics in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida What:    Holy Week and Easter Celebrations When:   April 13-20 Where: This year, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is making it easier for families to find a Church to celebrate Easter by pointing them to a helpful …

Continue reading “Local Christians to Participate in Holy Week and Easter”

A Special Event in St. Petersburg on March 28th with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Pope’s Representative to the U.S. The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is hosting “Encounter Tampa Bay: Hope in the Midst of Suffering,” with Cardinal Christophe Pierre. (Click to view promotional flyer and promotional graphic.) Who:   Cardinal Christophe Pierre, U.S. Ambassador to the VaticanBishop …

Continue reading “Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering”

Over Two Million Meals Distributed in One YearHopes to Expand to Meet the Rising Demand Nativity Food Bank, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in our community, is proud to announce a significant milestone in providing food to those in need: the distribution of 2 million meals in 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a nearly …

Continue reading “Nativity Food Bank Achieves Major Milestone”

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is excited to announce Fish Fry events are back in the Tampa Bay area. This beloved community tradition, held every Friday during Lent (March 7-April 11), offers a delicious way for residents to observe the season while enjoying great food and fellowship. Additional Information: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days …

Continue reading “Fish Fry Fridays Begin on March 7th”

March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, a six-week period of penance and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. Bishop Gregory Parkes shares a Lenten message and invitation to all Catholics. The bishop’s message can be shared as a video or text via the links below: …

Continue reading “Bishop Parkes Invites Catholics to the Holy Door of the Confessional This Lent”

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Dade City to Lead Prayer Service for Pope Francis What: In solidarity with people around the world, Sacred Heart Catholic Church will hold a prayer service today for Pope Francis as he continues to be hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia. When: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: …

Continue reading “Prayer Service for Pope Francis”

Who:                Parishes and Schools of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and other Christian communities What:               Observance of Ash Wednesday, the first day of LentWhen:              Wednesday, March 5, 2025    Noteworthy: In 2025, Bishop Gregory Parkes is challenging Catholics to complete 1,000,000 Acts of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of …

Continue reading “Catholic Parishes and Schools to Observe Ash Wednesday on March 5th”

What: Soaring Eagle Award DinnerWhen: Thursday, February 6, 2025, 5 p.m.Where: College of Central Florida, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto BACKGROUND The Withlacoochee District of Scouting America presents the annual Soaring Eagle Award to local leaders for their unwavering support of the community, especially youth. In addition to Bishop Gregory Parkes, Justice John Couriel of Florida’s …

Continue reading “Bishop Gregory Parkes to Receive Soaring Eagle Award”

Teresa Peterson, Director of Diocesan Information and Communications, recently participated in a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year. She reflects on this experience below. My pilgrimage led me to places of incredible beauty that are sacred and significant I participated in the opening Mass of the Jubilee for Communicators at the Basilica of St. …

Continue reading “Reflections on My Pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year”

Media Alert: Contact: Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org, 727-374-0217 Who: The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is hosting its first-ever Tampa March for Life with young people leading the way. More than 600 people are expected, including people of various cultural and faith backgrounds. What: Half-Mile March for Life and Rally for Life When: Saturday, February 1st …

Continue reading “Tampa Bay Community to Unite in March for Life: Advocating for the End of Abortion”

Approximately five hundred stuffed animals will be collected for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to provide comfort to children who are present when law enforcement responds to a crisis. These stuffed animals will bring joy and a welcome distraction to children who are experiencing trauma. Video/Photo Opportunities Sunday, January 26, 2025, 11:30 a.m.Blessed Sacrament Catholic …

Continue reading “Teddy Bears and Other Stuffed Animals to be Collected for Children in Crisis in Pinellas County”

Special Event on Saturday, January 25th Represents the Local Opening of Jubilee Year All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the local opening of the Jubilee Year called for by Pope Francis with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” A Jubilee Year is held every 25 years in the Catholic Church to promote reconciliation …

Continue reading “Local Catholics to Participate in Worldwide Jubilee Year”

Students will Visit 19 Locations to Help Out Local Charities The media are invited to preview and cover this event. St. Petersburg Catholic High School is pleased to announce its third annual Day of Service on Friday, January 31, 2025, in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Day of Service involves over 450 students in grades …

Continue reading “St. Petersburg Catholic High School Announces a Day of Service on January 31st”

Christmas is one of the holiest days of the Church year because it is the day that Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people who have been away from Church participate in the celebration of Mass at Christmas and parishes welcome them, preparing for their arrival with additional Mass times. Mass, the …

Continue reading “Catholics and Christians Around the World Prepare for Christmas Celebrations”

Churches across the Tampa Bay area invite the public to join in vibrant and joyful events surrounding the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe observed each year on December 12th. This year’s celebrations will be held locally on Wednesday, December 11th, and Thursday, December 12th. Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the titles …

Continue reading “Catholic Community to Celebrate the Miracle of Mary’s Appearance in Mexico”

Churches across the United States will ring their bells in honor of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Churches have been invited to ring or peal the bells in unison this Saturday, December 7th at 2 p.m., Eastern Time. This will coincide with the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, …

Continue reading “Bells To Chime for Notre Dame Reopening”

Help is on the Way for Homeowners Father Carlos Rojas, pastor of St. Rita Catholic Church, has already spent several days going door-to-door with a team of volunteers trimming fallen trees and removing debris. Now he is organizing an event to bring even more relief to people in need in Pasco County. Just in time …

Continue reading “Volunteers Needed to Help Hurricane-Damaged Homes in Dade City”

As We Approach Thanksgiving There is Much to Be Grateful For What: 100th Anniversary of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, in ClearwaterWhen: Several Celebrations Planned in NovemberWhere: St. Cecelia Parish, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater One hundred years since its founding, the community of St. Cecelia Parish is giving thanks for the faith and the perseverance that …

Continue reading “Church in Clearwater Gives Thanks for 100 Years”