Nourished by the Eucharist, Young Adults Thrive in Faith
March 5, 2020

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 …

Catholic Charities Courageously Cares for People with Nowhere Else to Turn
March 5, 2020

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 …

Bishop Parkes: “Let’s stretch the limits of what we can accomplish.”
February 5, 2020

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 …

New Young Adult Ministry in St. Petersburg Mixes Faith and Friendship
February 5, 2020

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. …

St. Paul Parish Announces New Outreach to Address Childhood Hunger in St. Petersburg
February 4, 2020

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 …

Spirit of Giving
January 5, 2020

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 …

New Youth Ministry is Helping Teens and Leaders Stay Grounded in Faith
January 3, 2020

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 …

Husband and Wife Volunteer with Ten Ministries, Guided by the Holy Spirit
January 3, 2020

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 …

Retired Principal Impacts Many Lives with Her Generosity and Faith
January 3, 2020

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 …

Local Parish is Equipping Missionary Disciples – One Faith Story at a Time
December 17, 2019

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 …

Pinellas Hope Celebrates New Hope Cottages and Hunger Heroes
December 4, 2019

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 …

Tampa Women Steps Outside Her Comfort Zone to Live the Gospel Courageously
November 13, 2019

After many years away from the Church, Angie Ducker returned to the faith renewed and eager to be a more faithful, dedicated follower of Jesus. What she didn’t expect was the invitation to become a leader. Initially hesitant, Ducker answered the call to head up Sacred Heart Parish’s Eucharistic Ministry at Tampa General Hospital. She …

The Heart of Hospitality Workshop Highlights the Importance of Welcoming and Inviting
November 11, 2019

Pam Popson trains hospitality ministers at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin and she views her volunteer “work” as essential to the mission of the Church. “Everyone wants to feel loved and accepted. It’s the greeter’s job to welcome people so they can come to know God’s love and share it with others,” said …

Bishop Gregory Parkes to Honor Parishioners for Selfless Service
November 11, 2019

Bishop Gregory Parkes will honor and thank parish representatives for distinguished and outstanding service to their church and community by presenting them the St. Jude the Apostle Medal Award on November 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. The prayer service will be live video streamed …

Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Inverness Launches New Youth and Family Ministries as Part of Courageously Living the Gospel
October 3, 2019

The Youth and Family Ministries of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Inverness aligned their missions for the launch of a dynamic family-centered program designed to connect Catholics of all ages through inter-generational events and family activities that build community and strengthen personal Catholic identity. Missionary Disciples, Youth and Family Ministries hosted the first “Bring …

All Are Welcome
October 3, 2019

When Bishop Gregory Parkes asked Father Stephan Brown to serve as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in St. Petersburg, he asked him not to see the parish as it was, but as it could become. Since that day in 2017, Father Brown has been envisioning a bold new future for St. Joseph that includes embracing …

All Saints Parish Establishes Peer-Led Grief Counseling Ministry to Provide Companionship and Compassion
September 10, 2019

The largest ministry at All Saints Parish in Clearwater involves outreach to the sick as parishioners and clergy seek to meet an urgent need that surrounds them.  Mease Countryside Hospital is only about 10 minutes away. Plus, within the parish boundaries there are six nursing homes and more than 100 assisted-living facilities. “Our research shows …

Hispanic Leaders Receive Training on Missionary Discipleship
September 10, 2019

For the past three years, Hispanic leaders in the Diocese of St. Petersburg have been volunteering to serve on parish committees to bring the joy of the Gospel to the peripheries of our community. This process of encountering people in our families, neighborhoods and work places who don’t have a relationship with Jesus and taking …

More than 500 Attend First-Ever “Welcome Home Weekend” at the USF Catholic Student Center
September 9, 2019

To welcome new students and their families to a new school year at the USF main campus, the Catholic Student Union (CSU) and the Catholic Bulls Alumni Society hosted “Welcome Home Weekend” on August 24-25, 2019. This two-day event focused on food, fun, faith and hospitality! After the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening, students, …

Good Counsel Camp Plans to Renovate Cabins with the Support of Parishes in Citrus County
September 9, 2019

Father Jim Johnson became a camp counselor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp in Floral City at the age of 18. Nine years later he was ordained a Catholic priest. “The camp definitely had a role in my vocation to the priesthood,” said Father Johnson. This Catholic youth camp, that is owned by the …

Local Parish & School Host Neighborhood Block Party for Missionary Outreach
July 30, 2019

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis refers to a parish as a “center of constant missionary outreach.” St. Patrick Parish & School in Largo demonstrated one way to do missionary outreach by co-sponsoring a block party with the City of Largo on Saturday, July 20th to celebrate the reopening of Trotter Road. The …

Diocese Introduces Guidelines for Building Intercultural Competencies
July 30, 2019

Our parishes are called to equip parishioners as missionary disciples and in order to do this, leaders need insight into how the Catholic faith and identity are connected to culture. That’s why the Diocese of St. Petersburg has introduced an initiative to help parishes improve how they welcome, receive, and encourage diverse cultures and invite …

Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Taps into the Power of Prayer
July 30, 2019

What started as a Lenten devotional opportunity has become a daily practice at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The Cathedral now offers Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and it has brought new blessings and graces upon the parish community. The bold leap of faith to introduce …

Courageously Living In Style
July 17, 2019

Recently Rev. Stephan Brown, Pastor of St. Joseph parish in St. Petersburg, Florida, came by the Pastoral Center to show off their new parish van.  The van, completely wrapped, displays the parish name and motto. It also displays on the front hood and back window, the diocesan vision theme, “Courageously Living the Gospel”.

We are Courageously Living the Gospel through the Annual Pastoral Appeal!
May 19, 2019

Over 19,000 donors from all 80 parishes and missions have committed to more than $6,726,953 to the 2019 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Together we have achieved 57% of the shared diocesan goal of $11.8 million to date, which supports the vitality, strength and growth of our parishes, missions, schools and local Church. This generosity displays …

Parishes Share New Plans for Catholic Impact Initiatives
April 15, 2019

Our mutually-shared vision of Courageously Living the Gospel calls us to think outside the walls of our churches in pursuit of ministering to families and young people and serving those in need. That’s why Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked parishes to address local community issues and mobilize cross-parish creativity to make a difference! These projects …

Local Parishes Collaborate to Provide Counseling Services to Pinellas County Families
April 15, 2019

One out of every six adults in the U.S. experiences some form of mental illness each year and Florida ranks 44th in the nation for access to mental health treatment, according to the Florida Behavioral Health Association. In light of these and other sobering statistics, ten parishes in Pinellas County are joining forces to increase …

Sign Up for New Daily Scripture Reflection from the Diocese of St. Petersburg
February 27, 2019

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.

St. Anne Food Pantry Begins New Outreach to College Students
February 22, 2019

On February 13, 2019, volunteers from St. Anne Parish in Ruskin packed up their refrigerated trailer and headed to nearby Hillsborough Community College (HCC) to offer free food for the first time, serving a population that is sometimes overlooked.  There is a need among students and staff who are “barely getting by,” according to Paul …

Surveys Provide Valuable Feedback for Courageously Living the Gospel
February 18, 2019

Parish leaders are meeting throughout the month of February to review the results of a survey that provides insight into how they are fulfilling  the mission of the Church that Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” Last Fall, 30 parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg participated in …

Parishes Continue Planning Process for Courageously Living the Gospel
February 4, 2019

More than 100 representatives from parishes across the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered for training workshops on January 15 & 16 to gain more insight into developing Parish Action Plans that align to Courageously Living the Gospel. “The workshop was a helpful experience – especially hearing about other parish’s challenges and how they are brainstorming …

Faith Formation Office Seeks to Align with Courageously Living the Gospel
January 3, 2019

Baptism calls us to lead others to new or increased faith in Jesus Christ and often this takes courage. This is true for all people and especially our catechists, those parishioners who have a desire in their heart to teach the Catholic faith to young people enrolled in a parish faith formation program. The Diocese …

Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office Seeks to Align with Courageously Living the Gospel
January 3, 2019

A major focus of our mutually-shared vision is to accompany youth and young adults to help them be courageous in their faith. Ryan Phelan, the Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is tasked with helping parishes understand this process of accompaniment that is highlighted in the Vision. Pope Francis has often spoken about …

Office of Marriage and Family Life Seeks to Align with Courageously Living the Gospel
January 3, 2019

In an effort to align with the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Vision of Courageously Living the Gospel, a re-structured Office of Marriage and Family Life has been established to help parishes provide more effective evangelization and family ministry strategies, one of the goals set forth by the vision’s action plan. This new emphasis on marriage …

New Year, New Training Opportunities for Parish Leaders
January 3, 2019

It has been nearly six months since Bishop Gregory Parkes announced the mutually-shared vision of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Courageously Living the Gospel. Parish, schools and diocesan leaders have been learning about the priorities and goals of the vision and prayerfully discerning how they can contribute to the vision, renew their faith and boldly …

“Pray for USF Students” Campaign Garners Thousands of Prayers
January 3, 2019

Father Justin Paskert is often seen on the campus of USF sitting on a bench waiting to hear confessions and offer God’s healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. When “business” is slow, he passes the time by praying for the students who are strolling the campus. This idea of praying for random students led him to spearhead …

New Program Helps Families at Espiritu Santo Parish
December 11, 2018

Espiritu Santo Parish in Safety Harbor has started offering Family Counseling as part of their effort to align with the diocesan vision of Courageously Living the Gospel. This counseling is intended to provide spiritual and emotional healing for families experiencing difficulties within family and marital relationships, including the trauma of divorce. The parish is also …