Obituary ~ December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Joan Farrell We recently learned of the death of Mrs. Joan Farrell, 94, sister of Monsignor George  Cummings, on Wednesday, November 29, 2017. Mrs. Farrell was predeceased by her husband, Robert Farrell. She is survived by her two sons, Greg …

More than 300 Nativity Scenes from Around the World on Display in Plant City
December 4, 2017

Nativity scenes have been a popular Advent and Christmas decoration for centuries and are cherished by people of all ages. Now, there is an opportunity to see 300 nativity scenes on display in one room. Saint Clement Catholic Church (1104 North Alexander Street, Plant City) is presenting “Nativities Around the World.” These artistic and unique …

Advent Is Here
December 3, 2017

Starting the Church’s liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. This year Advent begins on Sunday, December 3. Advent is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary …

Holy Hour for Vocations
November 21, 2017

Our next Holy Hour for Vocations will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.  Fr. Carl Melchior will preside at this Holy Hour. The February Holy Hour is on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Thank you to the Serra Club for continuing to host our monthly Holy Hours for Vocations.   …

Pinellas Hope Turns 10
November 20, 2017

PINELLAS HOPE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HELPING THE HOMELESS Bishop Gregory Parkes invites the community to the 10th-anniversary celebration of Pinellas Hope on Friday, Dec. 1 from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. The shelter camp for up to 300 Pinellas County homeless adults opened on December 1, 2007 on 10 acres of land provided by …

Cast Your Nets November 2017 Edition
November 14, 2017

The November edition of the Cast Your Nets newsletter is now available here If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, please contact Heidi Varley at hlv@dosp.org to be added to the distribution list.

Collection on Dec. 9-10 Helps Aging Sisters, Brothers and Priests in Religious Orders
November 9, 2017

Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will have the opportunity to “give to those who have given a lifetime” as part of the collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious, to be held in parishes Dec. 9-10. Coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., the annual appeal benefits 32,000 elderly …

2017 St. Jude Medal Awards
November 8, 2017

Congratulations to all of the 2017 recipients of the St. Jude Medal Award! On Sunday, Nov. 19, Bishop Parkes honored one lay member from each of our parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s running the food pantry at their parish or visiting the sick, these men and women share the love of …

John 21 Discernment Group
November 8, 2017

John 21 is a discernment group for young men who are reflecting on God’s call in their lives and are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life.   Just as the disciples gained clarity of their call while eating breakfast with the Lord, so too will we. The group is open to anyone high school …

Obituaries ~ November 6, 2017
November 6, 2017

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: — Reverend Robert G. Young, O.F.M. — Reverend Michael McDonnell, O.F.M. Please click here for Memo from the Chancellor’s Office with their information. Rev. Robert G. Young (Update November 13, 2017. The Funeral arrangements were not included in the obituary …

President Of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Responds To Mass Shooting In Texas
November 6, 2017

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement in response to today’s mass shooting during a church service in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “Earlier today, we heard of the mass shooting at the Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, …

Saint Leo Makes A Difference On Campus and Off
November 3, 2017

Volunteers from across the nation, including those from Saint Leo University, observed Make A Difference Day on October 28. University Campus hosted a day of community service with volunteer opportunities offered on campus and off. “Saint Leo University participates in Make A Difference Day to demonstrate our core values of community and responsible stewardship,” said …

Bishop Parkes Seeks to Form a Common Vision for the Diocese of St. Petersburg
November 2, 2017

During the past 10 months, Bishop Gregory Parkes has been listening to many people in an effort to learn about the people, parishes and schools entrusted to his care. Shortly after his installation as fifth Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, he began inviting the community to listening sessions. He took part in nine …

President of U.S. Conference Of Catholic Bishops Responds To Terror Attack In New York City
November 1, 2017

October 31, 2017 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement in response to this afternoon’s deadly attack on innocent people in Manhattan that has left at least eight people dead. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “This afternoon we heard of what …

Clergy Changes ~ October 30, 2017
October 31, 2017

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes effective September 25, 2017: DEANS (Vicars Forane): North Central Deanery Appointed Very Reverend C. Timothy Corcoran, J.D., V.F. Relieved Very Reverend Kenneth J. Malley, V.F.

Celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints
October 29, 2017

The Solemnity of All Saints is Wednesday, November 2017. It is a holy day of obligation.  Please check with your parish’s bulletin or website for Mass times. Find a listing of parishes in our diocese, searchable by city and zip code, along with contact information, here.

“Caring for All of Humanity” -Partnership that Helps the Homeless is Recognized for Excellence
October 27, 2017

On Oct. 24, the Florida Hospital Association recognized Baycare with a Community Benefit Achievement Award for their Medical Respite Program located at Pinellas Hope. If a homeless patient is ready to be discharged from one of four BayCare hospitals, but still needs medical assistance, the patient can stay at the Medical Respite Center of Pinellas …

Obituary ~ October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Joseph A. Pastick Rev. Joseph A. Pastick, 94, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Southern Pines Healthcare Center, New Port Richey.  Father Pastick served in our diocese for 16 years after his retirement from the Archdiocese of …

Join Bishop Parkes in Praying for the Faithful Departed
October 20, 2017

On Thursday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate Mass in observance of All Souls’ Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery (5233 118th Avenue N. Clearwater). Catholics around the world take part in the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), a time to pause, reflect and pray for our dearly …

Protection from the Storm: Disaster Assistance Report from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
October 19, 2017

Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Tampa Bay area on September 10, 2017 as a category 1 storm. While this area was spared a direct hit, residents here have experienced loss and financial struggles because of the fierce winds and torrential rains that battered homes and businesses. Residents are also dealing with the difficulties resulting …

Memorial Mass to Celebrate the Life of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley
October 16, 2017

The Diocese of St. Augustine invites you to  a Memorial Mass on October 30 to celebrate the life of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, the sixth bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (38 Cathedral Place) beginning with a 5:00 p.m. talk by Archbishop Thomas …

National Vocation Awareness Week
October 13, 2017

National Vocation Awareness Week is November 5-11, 2017. The theme for this year is Building a Vocation Culture in Today’s Church. Here are some resources for parishes to use, more are available online (see link below). Bulletin Blurbs Prayers of the Faithful Homily Notes There are resources available online through Vianney Vocations.  Click here for resources. Catechetical …

Catholic Relief Services Responds to Natural Disasters Abroad
October 13, 2017

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, their mission is to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching. …

Are you between the ages of 16-29? The pope wants to hear from you!
October 12, 2017

To prepare for next year’s international Synod on “Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment,” the Holy Father wants online feedback from all youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, from around the world, regardless of how active they are in the practice of the faith. Youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, …

Clergy Changes ~ Incardination
October 9, 2017

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardination: Reverend Francis Lubowa Mutesaasira, J.C.L., [formerly of Kampala, Africa], Parochial Vicar, Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective October 2, 2017.

Eight New Deacons
October 7, 2017

Bishop Parkes ordained eight men to the permanent diaconate on October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Congratulations to Deacon Eugene Beil, Deacon John Carter, Deacon Ronald Fly, Deacon M. Scott Huang, Deacon Paul Koppie, Deacon Edward LaRose,  Deacon John Schaefer and Deacon John Ustick. Learn more about our new deacons here.  Ordination Photos | Ordination Video

Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino Receives Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award
October 4, 2017

October 3, 2017 – Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino became the 21st recipient of the Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award at the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. He was selected by his peers to receive the award in recognition of  his dedicated ministry and service to the faithful and community of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino …

Eight to be Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on October 7
October 2, 2017

Bishop Parkes will ordain Eugene Beil, John Carter, Ronald Fly, M. Scott Huang, Paul Koppie, Edward LaRose,  John Schaefer and John Ustick to the permanent diaconate at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. All are invited to attend! Please note that seating is limited. The ordination will be live streamed …

Seminarian Pictures
September 20, 2017

During the annual seminarian convocation, new pictures were taken of all our seminarians, as well as a group photograph. We have printed pictures available for you to order for your parish.  Or, if  you prefer, pictures can be sent to you electronically.  There is no cost to you for the printed pictures. To order printed …

Obituaries ~ September 18, 2017
September 18, 2017

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Monsignor Patrick Caverly We were informed that Monsignor Patrick Caverly, brother of Monsignor Bernard Caverly, Pastor Emeritus of St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday afternoon, September 14, 2017.  He was a priest of …

Clergy Appointments ~ September 18, 2017
September 18, 2017

Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments, effective August 1, 2017: Appointment Reverend Jonathan I. Loverita [Catarman, Philippines] as Parochial Vicar, Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa. Reverend George Gyasi [Kumasi, Ghana] as Parochial Vicar, St. Anne Parish, Ruskin.

Catholic Charities USA presents $2 million for immediate, emergency assistance to Florida Catholic Charities agencies for Hurricane Irma
September 18, 2017

100% of funds raised goes directly to relief and recovery efforts Sister Donna Markham, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) was at Pinellas Hope in Clearwater on Tuesday, September 19 to present $2 million to local Florida Catholic Charities agencies to assist those impacted by Hurricane Irma.  Generous people across the country donated to …

Hurricane Irma Updates
September 14, 2017

Announcements  The following announcements, presented by the Diocese of St. Petersburg,  are in relation to Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017.  Updates (9/14/17-4pm) An early assessment of the 81 parishes and missions and 48 schools and early learning centers shows that only a few buildings sustained minor damage. Most parishes …

Re-openings REVISED
September 12, 2017

September 12, 2017 – 2pm – Most Rev. Gregory Parkes has made the following revisions to the re-opening of the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of St. Petersburg: The Pastoral Center is still experiencing power and telephone outages, as well as other issues due to Hurricane Irma. Executive Directors are asked to report to the …

Re-openings Announced
September 11, 2017

September 11, 2017 – 5:14pm – As we all recover from Hurricane Irma and begin reestablishing our routines, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is making plans for re-opening our Catholic schools and the Pastoral Center. For information regarding the re-opening of parishes in your area, please contact the parishes directly. Catholic Schools – Most Rev. Gregory …