Clergy Changes ~ June 18, 2018
June 18, 2018

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2018: APPOINTMENTS Upon presentation by Very Reverend Paul Kahan, S.V.D., Provincial Superior of the Society of the Divine Word, Reverend Chien Dinh, S.V.D. to Administrator of St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission, Tampa. RELIEVING Reverend Ryan Boyle, J.C.L., from Parochial …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Sets New Vision to Grow Local Church & Help People in Need
June 18, 2018

Shortly after Bishop Gregory Parkes was installed as fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on January 4, 2017, people began to ask about his vision for the Diocese. Bishop Parkes set out to learn from the priests, religious, deacons, employees, and parishioners about their hopes and concerns. Through listening sessions, gatherings and online …

The Diocese of St. Petersburg Establishes the Nazareth House of Formation
June 18, 2018

This summer, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is introducing the Nazareth House, a new summer residence for seminarians to grow in faith and community while serving others. The house is named after the town where Jesus lived during his youth and young adult years. “Nazareth is where our Lord grew and was formed for public …

Faith and Tradition Unite Participants of the Diocese of St. Petersburg 50th Anniversary Mass
June 18, 2018

Six Florida bishops and the papal nuncio (the pope’s ambassador to the U.S.) gathered with clergy, religious and nearly one thousand faith-filled Catholics for a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 16, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in honor of the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden jubilee. “Today is a day of …

Action Alert – Ask Congress to Protect Immigrant Families and Children
June 14, 2018

“Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together.” – Cardinal Daniel DiNardo Read Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement here. Ask Congress to protect immigrant children and families who are seeking safety and shelter from violence by keeping them together. Send a message to your lawmakers here.    

Pope Francis Prays for Peace ahead of Summit between United States and North Korea
June 11, 2018

During his general address on Sunday, June 10, 2018, Pope Francis prayed for the Korean people. The Holy Father also prayed that the upcoming summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea “may contribute to the development of a positive path to assure a future of peace on the Korean peninsula and …

Announcement About Social Media Safety & Avoiding Scams
June 8, 2018

The Diocese of St. Petersburg has become aware that at least one person was contacted by someone using Facebook Messenger pretending to be Bishop Gregory Parkes. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using Facebook Messenger. Please report any suspicious activity to Facebook and do not respond. When internet fraudsters mimic a legitimate …

Graduate of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Becomes a Priest
June 7, 2018

Father Rajeev Philip was ordained to the priesthood for the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa on Saturday, June 2, 2018! He grew up in the Tampa area and graduated from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. Read more in this article from the Florida Catholic.  Photo credit: Babu Thomas  

Volcano Erupts – Help Our Guatemalan Brothers and Sisters
June 5, 2018

Volcan de Fuego–Fire Volcano–erupted Sunday, June 3, 2018, in Guatemala, burying one whole community in ash and blocking roads with a deadly flow of rocks, ash and hot gas. Roads, bridges and houses have been destroyed, families have evacuated the area and at least 33 people have been killed. Catholic Relief Services’ local partner Caritas …

Arkansas Priest Competes on American Ninja Warrior
June 5, 2018

“I get all my Ninja powers from Jesus.” – Father Stephen Gadberry, aka “Father Flex” Check out how Father Stephen, a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, is evangelizing and spreading the Good News through fitness and competing on American Ninja Warrior! Read more: https://s.dosp.org/2sEOFde.

Morning Star Catholic School Receives National Recognition as a School of Excellence
June 4, 2018

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) has named Morning Star School in Tampa as a 2018-2019 School of Excellence. This honor is bestowed upon private special education schools throughout the United States that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education. “We …

Congratulations to our 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians
June 4, 2018

Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017/2018 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Emma Gibbs Heston Evelyn Nicole Martinez   Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High …

EWTN to Air Documentary on the Florida Martyrs on June 6, 2018
May 31, 2018

Famed “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill’s original EWTN series “They Might Be Saints” will air a special one-hour episode on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EDT featuring the proposed Martyrs of la Florida. The cause for the Martyrs of la Florida was formally opened on October 12, 2015 in Tallahassee and is currently being …

Obituaries ~ May 29, 2018
May 29, 2018

  Mr. George Muhr Late last week, the Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Mr. George Muhr, 85, father of Monsignor Michael Muhr, Pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, on Wednesday evening, May 23, 2018, following a brief illness.  Mr. Muhr had been admitted to Legacy House, a Hospice facility in Ocala, shortly …

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Grant will help People in Need in Dade City
May 29, 2018

DADE CITY, Fla. ? People in need and re-entering citizens in the Dade City area will receive much-needed assistance thanks to a $5,000 grant from the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The money is part of SVdP’s Friends of the Poor® Grant Program and will be disbursed by the …

Deacon Rajeev Philip to be Ordained to the Priesthood on June 2, 2018
May 29, 2018

Deacon Rajeev Philip grew up in our diocese and will be ordained a priest for the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa. All are invited to attend! If you are unable to attend the ordination, you can watch it live on Shalom America …

Clergy Changes ~ May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2018 unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Reverend George Gyasi [Kumasi, Ghana], from Parochial Vicar of St. Anne Parish, Ruskin to Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Parish, Tampa. Upon presentation by Reverend Michael R. Rock, O. de M., Vicar Provincial of …

Obituary ~ May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Joanne C. Brown The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mrs. Joanne C. Brown, 59, sister of Father Dominic Corona, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Largo, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, following a battle with cancer.  …

A Seminole, A Gator and A Bull: Three Men from Different Paths Ordained as Priests for the Diocese of St. Petersburg
May 20, 2018

Three men. Three different paths. A Seminole, a Gator and a Bull all received the same call to serve God and his people as priests. On May 19, Bishop Gregory Parkes ordained the three to the priesthood before nearly 1,000 people at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. (Link to the video here.) The …

Ordinations to the Priesthood
May 11, 2018

Congratulations to our newly ordained priests! Fr. Kyle Bell will begin his first priestly assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Tarpon Springs. Fr. Lou Turcotte will begin his first priestly assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. Fr. Tim Williford will begin his first priestly assignment as …

Meet Your Soon-to-be Priests
May 7, 2018

Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain Deacon Kyle Bell, Deacon Lou Turcotte, and Deacon Tim Williford to the priesthood on Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Learn more about the upcoming ordination here. Watch the videos below to learn about Deacon Kyle’s, Deacon Lou’s, and …

St. Petersburg Catholic High School To Implement International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
May 3, 2018

St. Petersburg Catholic High School has been approved as a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.  The school is now pursuing authorization as an IB World School.  IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education, which St. Petersburg Catholic believes is important for its students. “The …

Family Faith Fest on Oct. 27 is Modeled after other Successful Events
May 1, 2018

When Bishop Gregory Parkes decided that a music and faith festival on a large, open field would be a good way to celebrate the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden anniversary, he didn’t have to imagine what it would be like. He already knew about other dioceses that had successfully gathered thousands of families together for …

Clergy Changes ~ April 30, 2018
April 30, 2018

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2018, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Frans Berkhout [Allentown, PA], from Parochial Vicar of St. Jerome Parish, Largo to Parochial Vicar of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill. Reverend Rafael Martos [Santiago de Cuba], from Pastoral Center …

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is Planning a Family Faith Fest
April 30, 2018

The Diocese of St. Petersburg was established on June 17, 1968, and Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that a large-scale music and faith festival will be held to celebrate the momentous occasion of our 50th anniversary. “Our golden jubilee is a time to celebrate,” said Bishop Parkes. “Like many families who gather for family celebrations, …

Catholic Volunteers in Florida Accepting Applications through May 31
April 27, 2018

As you consider career paths, have you thought about participating in a life-altering year of full-time service that will bring you many new opportunities? Catholic Volunteers in Florida has multiple volunteer positions open for the 2018-19 service year, which begins in August. Apply now if you are ready for a year that will change your …

Transitional Deacon Ordinations
April 18, 2018

On Saturday, April 14, 2018 our seminarians Anthony Astrab and Joshua Hare were ordained transitional deacons for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Congratulations Deacon Anthony and Deacon Joshua!

Stories of Hope Shared at Breakfast of Mercy with Catholic Charities
April 15, 2018

Richard Peete had a family and a successful, middle-class life and he dreamed of a bright future. But things changed drastically in 1998 when his 28-year-old wife and four-year-old child died in a car accident. While still suffering from that trauma and pain, he lost his job because of the recession and housing market collapse. …

New Field House and Football Locker Room Facility Coming to Clearwater Central Catholic High School
April 13, 2018

On April 11, 2018, ground was officially broken for the new field house and football locker room facility at Clearwater Central Catholic High School. The building will be completed about halfway through the 2018-19 Marauder football season, with an estimated completion date of October 2018. The new structure will be alongside the current football field and …

Two Seminarians to be Ordained Transitional Deacons on Saturday, April 14, 2018
April 12, 2018

On Saturday, April 14, 2018, our seminarians Anthony Astrab and Joshua Hare will be ordained transitional deacons at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Boca Raton! All are invited to participate by watching the live video stream here. Read the bios for the men below. Anthony Astrab’s bio Joshua Hare’s bio Please …

Obituary ~ April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

  Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Manuel Martos, father of Rev. Rafael Martos, St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Obituary pdf) We received word this morning, April 9, 2018, of the passing of Mr. Manuel Martos, 98, father of Rev. Rafael Martos, a priest assigned …

Announcements ~ April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

PASTORAL BULLETIN — VOL. 33: NO. 14 ~  April 9, 2018 Announcements for Parish Bulletins DIOCESAN OFFICES ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain Deacons Kyle Bell, Louis Turcotte and Timothy Williford to the priesthood on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. …

Clergy Changes ~ April 9, 2018
April 9, 2018

  Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2018, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend Anthony Coppola, from Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park to Pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa. Reverend Arthur J. Proulx, from Faculty of St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary, …

Pope Francis Releases New Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete Et Exsultate”
April 9, 2018

New document from Pope Francis! Read the full text of our Holy Father’s new apostolic exhortation, “Guadete Et Exsultate”, which means “Rejoice and Be Glad” in Latin, here. This document is about holiness in everyday life. Check out top five take aways from the new document as presented by Father James Martin, SJ and America The Jesuit Review …

Three Catholic Schools Recognized as Top Workplaces in Tampa Bay
April 9, 2018

Three of our Catholic schools made the Tampa Bay Times’ Top 100 Workplaces in Tampa Bay list. Guardian Angels Catholic School was the top employer in the small category (minimum of 50 local employees). On the list of the top 50 small employers, Clearwater Central Catholic High School was number 42 and St. Cecelia Interparochial …

Three Catholic Schools Recognized as Top Workplaces in Tampa Bay
April 9, 2018

Three of our Catholic schools made the Tampa Bay Times’ Top 100 Workplaces in Tampa Bay list. Guardian Angels Catholic School was the top employer in the small category. (minimum of 50 local employees). On the list of the top 50 small employers, Clearwater Central Catholic High School was number 42 and St. Cecelia Interparochial …