All Are Invited to Third International Congress in Honor of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary June 8 – 10, 2018
March 24, 2018

Families, youth and young adults are invited to participate in a special event that will help you draw closer to Jesus and strengthen you on your faith journey. The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary invite you to their Third International Congress in honor of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, June …

Saint Leo University Makes a Difference, Ships Bottle Caps for Recycling
March 23, 2018

Close to 15,000 pounds of plastic donated for Caps of Love Project to provide wheelchairs SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University is focused on helping others and saving the planet—one plastic cap at a time. On Thursday, March 22, the university shipped about 15,000 pounds of bottle caps for recycling. The university again collected plastic …

Special Scholarship Opportunity Offered Now to Attain Saint Leo University MBA Degree Online
March 22, 2018

Students Could Save $6,000 throughout Course of Program Saint Leo University (www.saintleo.edu), a pioneer in online learning, is offering an academic scholarship opportunity for some special students: those who are intent on starting an MBA program this summer, who have the undergraduate grades to prove they can do serious work, and the commitment and discipline …

St. Cecelia Catholic School Seventh-Grader Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award
March 20, 2018

Edward Sieh of Safety Harbor, a student at St. Cecelia Catholic School has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by the Prudential Spirit of …

Invitation to Worship: Bishop Gregory Parkes Offers Weekly Gospel Reflection
March 19, 2018

Bishop Parkes is taking to the airwaves to share the Good News via a segment that began airing on Spirit FM 90.5 on March 23, 2018. The segment is a short reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel that will be proclaimed during Mass in Catholic churches around Tampa Bay and around the world.   The …

U.S. Bishops Urge National Leaders to Address Scourge of Gun Violence
March 19, 2018

For many years, the USCCB has supported a federal ban on assault weapons, limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines, further criminalizing gun trafficking, certain limitations on the purchase of handguns, and safety measures such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using guns without permission. In the aftermath …

National Catholic Sisters Week
March 13, 2018

Since 2014 National Catholic Sisters Week has been celebrated from March 8-14. NCSW is a dedicated celebration of Catholic Sisters intended to raise awareness of their vital contributions, both past and present. National Catholic Sisters Week is intended to broaden awareness of Catholic sisters, whose lives and ministries often remain behind the scenes.  The hope …

Time for Seekers
March 13, 2018

Are you (or someone you know) seeking  a life of Prayer & Community?  Maybe it’s a call from God.   The Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL offer a TIME FOR SEEKERS –single, Catholic, women in good health, ages of 20 – 50 something, considering a call to religious life. This Time …

Obituary ~ March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: — Reverend Clement Comesky, O.F.M. Please follow this link for more information.   May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace!

300 Catholics Attend Regional Encuentro to Discuss Challenges of Faith and Culture
March 5, 2018

Gathered in Miami for three days of intense reflection, 300 Catholics, mostly Hispanic, pondered problems and offered solutions to challenges faced by people in their communities. The Diocese of St. Petersburg had 34 delegates representing 20 parishes at the Regional V (fifth) Encuentro, which was the second largest contingency of participants. Bishop Gregory Parkes and …

Help Protect Schoolchildren from Gun Violence
March 1, 2018

Help protect all schoolchildren from gun violence. Join us by contacting our Florida legislators to urge for additional provisions in school and gun safety bills, HB 7101/SB 7026. Contact legislators here: http://bit.ly/2FEtgGY.

Pope Francis Grants Indulgence to the Faithful during the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
February 27, 2018

As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make a …

Pope Francis Grants Indulgence to the Faithful during the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
February 27, 2018

As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 (January 1, 2018- December 31, 2018)  for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. …

Congratulations Bishop Lynch
February 26, 2018

Bishop Robert Lynch received the Roy G. Harrell, Jr. Leadership Award on Feb. 22, 2018 at the St. Anthony Hospital Foundation Legacy Dinner. This award is presented to someone who demonstrates leadership through community service and is described through their work with attributes such as vision, courage, initiative, motivation, selflessness, commitment, dependability and accomplishment. There …

Bon Secours Named One of the Most Ethical Companies
February 26, 2018

Bon Secours Health System has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies.  Bon Secours is one of only eight honorees in the health care industry and the only Catholic hospital ministry, underscoring the organization’s commitment to …

Pope Francis Grants Indulgence to the Faithful during the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
February 26, 2018

As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make …

Floridians Pray for an End to the Death Penalty as Execution Date Approaches
February 20, 2018

The Catholic Church believes that life in prison without parole provides a non-lethal alternative to the death penalty and is the more just solution since the Church believes that all Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God. That is why Michael Sheedy, executive director of the Florida Conference of …

Statement from Bishop Parkes Concerning Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018
February 9, 2018

Bishop Parkes has received questions regarding whether a dispensation from the discipline of fasting and abstinence will be granted on Ash Wednesday as it coincides with Valentine’s Day. He is not inclined to grant a dispensation from this discipline for two main reasons: Ash Wednesday is one of the only two days on the liturgical …

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Grant will Brighten the Smiles of Many
February 8, 2018

Uninsured migrant workers in the Dade City area will receive much-needed dental care thanks to an $11,000 grant from the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “Our goal is to assist 115 uninsured residents of Dade City and surrounding migrant camps in obtaining basic dental care,” said Raymond Pawlicki, of …

National Marriage Week Feb. 7-14 Promotes Gift Of Marriage As Sacrament
February 3, 2018

February 7-14 marks the annual celebration of National Marriage Week USA and Feb. 11 marks World Marriage Day. There are resources available that teach about the importance of sacramental marriage as a lifelong union of one man and one woman: ForYourMarriage.org, PorTuMatrimonio.org, and MarriageUniqueForAReason.org. Additional resources specifically for the celebration of National Marriage Week, including a homily …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Will Be Consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 6
February 2, 2018

In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Will Be Consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 6
February 2, 2018

In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …

Cathedral School of St. Jude Holds Trike-A-Thon to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
February 2, 2018

On Friday, January 26, 2018, the Cathedral School of St. Jude held their first Trike-A-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The EC2, EC3, EC4, and K students rode their bikes, trikes, and scooters around the school track and raised over $7000. The Trike-A-Thon was organized and run by a student committee …

Past and Present Will Converge at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin on Feb. 4
February 1, 2018

The community of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Dunedin will gather on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate three significant events: Visit of Bishop Gregory Parkes for Confirmation Mass. Bishop Parkes has served as the spiritual leader of the Diocese of St. Petersburg for one year. 60th Anniversary of the establishment of …

Celebrating 50 Years of Exceptional Catholic Education
January 29, 2018

More than 600 people will gather at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on Feb. 3 for the Catholic Foundation Gala. Participants representing parishes and businesses are coming together in support of Catholic education and tuition assistance programs. The support has been so strong that tickets for the event have sold out! The event, made possible in …

Florida’s Catholic Bishops Mark 45th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
January 22, 2018

In their annual statement marking the January 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, the bishops of Florida lament that a mother’s womb has become a place of vulnerability for the developing child rather than a place of safety and security. The bishops confirm that all life issues are interconnected. …

Diocese of St. Petersburg Develops New Partnership with Formed.org
January 19, 2018

A new partnership is making it possible for parishes to receive a discounted subscription to the groundbreaking digital platform for evangelization and faith formation known as FORMED.org. “If someone were looking for a Catholic version of Netflix, it would be FORMED,” said Brian Lemoi, Executive Director of Evangelization & Lifelong Faith Formation, Diocese of St. …

USCCB President Calls for Courage and Commitment on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 14, 2018

WASHINGTON— The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has issued the following statement in relation to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In recent years—including last summer in Charlottesville—we have glimpsed an appalling truth that lurks beneath the surface of our …

Bishop Parkes and the Visioning Team Continue the Discernment Process
January 11, 2018

The 16 members of the Visioning Team of the Diocese of St. Petersburg met on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 for half-day sessions to continue the process of discerning a Mutually Shared Vision and develop a plan of priorities and goals that will guide the Diocese of St. Petersburg into the future with purpose, focus, …

Bishop Parkes Celebrates One Year as Fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg
January 4, 2018

On January 4, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrated the one year anniversary of being installed as the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. We invite you to send well wishes to Bishop Parkes on any of his social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or via email to communicate@dosp.org. This video has highlights from his first year and …

January is Poverty Awareness Month
January 2, 2018

Each January, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the U.S. Bishop’s anti-poverty program, provides resources to help Catholics live in solidarity with the poor. Liturgical and practical resources in both English and Spanish can be found here. These include bulletin announcements, prayers of the faithful, ideas for parish activities, reflections on the readings, and a calendar …

Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg Prepares for Large Crowds at Christmas Celebrations Video of Christmas Eve Mass to be Provided to Local TV Stations
December 21, 2017

Christmas is one of the most holy days of the Church year, because it is the day that Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many believers participate in the celebration of Mass at Christmas and parishes welcome them, preparing for their arrival with additional Mass times. In some parishes, Mass is …

What To Do When the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve both Fall on December 24?
December 18, 2017

Because Catholics participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, some are wondering whether a Sunday evening Mass on Christmas Eve would fulfill both the obligation for a Sunday Mass and the obligation for a Christmas Day Mass. The U.S. Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship has said the faithful should participate in two …

Faith Leaders Affirm the Inherent Beauty and Dignity of Being Created Male or Female
December 18, 2017

December 15, 2017 – Following the USCCB General Assembly in November 2017, a group of ecumenical and interfaith partners gathered with bishops of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage to discuss gender ideology. As a result of this discussion, faith leaders today issued an open letter entitled “Created Male and Female”. Archbishop Charles …