St. Cecelia Catholic School had two teams participate in a First Lego League Robotics Tournament on Saturday, January 23rd. This year’s challenge was Trash Trek, which has three parts: the Robot Game, the Project, and the Core Values. Teams of up to ten children, with at least one adult coach, participate in the Challenge by …
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February 16 and 17, 2016 – Thirty-eight Catholics represented the Diocese of St. Petersburg at Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee. See photos from the event here. Catholic Days at the Capitol is a two-day event for Catholics from around the state to gather and discuss human life and dignity issues with elected officials. Participants attend …
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February 14, 2016 – The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates for Full Communion took place during two prayer services, which were held at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. There were 236 catechumens in attendance at the 1:30 p.m. service and 196 catechumens in attendance at the 4:00 …
February 11 is the 24th World Day of the Sick. In a special way today we pray for our brothers and sisters who are sick of body, mind, and spirit and for those who provide care for them. This is also an opportunity to plan for end-of-life advance care. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has put together …
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Check out the latest edition of the Cast Your Nets newsletter here! Please remember to email Heidi Varley at hlv@dosp.org in the Office of Vocations if you would like to be added to the email list for the newsletter, as it will not be mailed out in the future. It will continue to be posted on …
On Wednesday, February 3rd, students along with teachers welcomed the Vice Mayor of Dunedin, Heather Gracy in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week! The excitement and anticipation was palpable as the student body, led by National Junior Honor Society members, participated in a prayer service and flag raising ceremony accompanied by several patriotic songs sung by …
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Students of SCS celebrate Catholic Schools Week by collecting diapers and wipes for the Kimberly Home in a big way! Hundreds of Diapers and wipes were delivered to the Kimberly Home. (Kimberly Home is a non-profit, pregnancy resource center that offers assistance to women and families in unplanned or troubling pregnancies.) The mission of our …
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Rev. John H. Edwards, S.J., former president of Jesuit High School We received word that Father John H. Edwards, S.J., 91, passed away in the Lord on Monday, February 1, 2016, at a nursing facility in Dallas, Texas. Father Edwards was affiliated with the Society of Jesus for 74 years and had been ordained to …
February 6, 2016 – More than 100 representatives from Catholic parishes around the diocese and homeless residents of Pinellas Hope packaged 10,000 meals for our brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso! See photos and a video from the event. Hosted at Pinellas Hope in Clearwater, the day started with a Ministries of Mercy retreat to …
Please mark your calendars for the next Spiritual Motherhood for Priests event on February 20, 2016. It will beheld at Epiphany of Our Lord in Tampa. The event begins with morning Mass at 9am followed by Eucharistic adoration, confession and two talks by our speakers Fr. Edwin Palka and Fr. Paul Peccchie. $10 covers the …
In his 2016 Lenten message, Pope Francis asks us to reflect upon and put into practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Embrace his call to mercy by reaching out to those in need. Be attentive to the Lenten call to prayer; be generous with your time and treasure. “For all of us, then, the …
The Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Hear of Los Angeles are hosting a Come and See Weekend on February 19-21, 2016 in Miami, Florida. Please see the informational flyer Come and See Flyer 2015-16 for details and contact information. The Carmelite Sisters community staffs St. Theresa’s Elementary School in Coral Gables and Archbishop Coleman …
Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective February 1, 2016: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Kevin J. Mullen, O.F.M., Provincial Minister, Reverend Michael T. Reyes, O.F.M., as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa.
Paul Kenneth Jastrem Mr. Jastrem, age 68, St. Petersburg, formerly of Lawrence, MA, passed away December 29, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1964. In 1973, Paul moved to St. Petersburg and continued his career as organist at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and …
We are looking for photos that show how you or your parish and school participated in Ash Wednesday Masses and prayer services around the diocese. These photos will be added to a photo album on the diocesan Flickr and Facebook. 2016 Ash Wednesday around the Diocese Photos Email your photos to socialmedia@dosp.org (or publicly post …
From January 31 to February 6, Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This week marks an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Schools will observe the celebration with Masses and activities for students, …
Each year the second grade students of St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School participate in several Pay it Forward projects. Throughout the year, the students learn the importance of prayer, service, and giving. In January, students helped an organization called Food for the Poor and their “We Pledge 100” campaign. Ms. Colossia Butts, the organization’s school …
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On January 26, Bishop Lynch celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination of the Episcopacy and Installation as the fourth Bishop of our diocese! We continue to pray for his good health and we thank God for placing him with us. We are grateful for his compassion, his wisdom, and his fine leadership as he …
We received word that Father Alfonso Pagliara, O.F.M. Cap., 90, passed away in the Lord early Tuesday morning, January 19, 2016. “Father Al,” as he was known, served as Parochial Vicar of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa for 23 years, from 1986 to 1995 and again from 1998 until the Capuchins left the parish in …
200+ pilgrims from our diocese are participating in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Please keep them in your prayers. Follow the hashtag ?#?DOSPMarch4Life? on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to see how pilgrims from our diocese are participating in the March for Life. Follow the hashtags ?#?March4Life?,?#?MarchforLife?, ?#?WhyWeMarch? and ?#?iStand4Life? to see how pilgrims …
On January 19, more than 350 students, administrators, staff, and parents from the Diocese of St. Petersburg attended the “Rally in Tally 2016.” Rally participants marched to support parental empowerment in education, arguing that an end to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program would harm Florida’s low-income and minority students. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is …
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The following resources have been gathered to help parishes observe the 43rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. We ask parishes to consider printing the statement from the Florida Bishops (available in English or Spanish) and including it in their bulletins. Additional resources to assist parishes are available on the USCCB website. In particular, …
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Saddened by yet another anniversary of the January 22, 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, the Catholic bishops of Florida recognize in their annual Roe v. Wade statement the courage of lawmakers who this past year sought to reduce abortion in our state. The bishops were deeply moved by the post-abortive women who …
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VOCATION AWARENESS WORKSHOP The Office of Vocations would like to invite all who are interested in promoting vocation awareness to a special workshop, Creating a Culture of Vocations By Living a Life of Joy and Fulfillment. Location: Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Dr., Lutz, FL 33558 Date: Saturday, January 23, 2016, from 8:00a.m. ? 1:30 …
Clergy Appointment Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective December 12, 2015: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend William Miller, I.C., Provincial Superior, Institute of Charity, Reverend Christopher J. Fuse, I.C. as Parochial Vicar of St. Theresa Parish, Spring Hill.
Merry Christmas from Bishop Lynch! God’s blessings for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and holy new year! Download Bishop Lynch’s Christmas booklet – a gift for you! This gift is a copy of the address that Bishop Lynch gave at the 2015 Eucharistic Congress of the Archdiocese of Atlanta this fall. The address talks …
Looking for a way to make a big difference and help further the mission of the Catholic Church in our diocese? Are you 70½ or older? You may also be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals. An IRA charitable rollover is a way you can help continue …
Our seminarian Bradley Reed will be ordained a transitional deacon during the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, December 20 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. All are invited to attend. If you cannot join us, please join us spiritually in prayer and watch the live video stream (see link below). Please …
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The Office of Vocations would like to invite all who are interested in promoting vocation awareness to a special workshop on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm at the Bethany Center in Lutz. Creating a Culture of Vocations By Living a Life of Joy and Fulfillment is the theme for this …
Advent is a time of preparation. Are you preparing for the mission in life that God has already entrusted to you? Are you even aware what that mission might be? Maybe God is calling you to serve him as a priest? The 11th Annual Advent Discernment Retreat will be held at St. Timothy Parish in …
Reverend Paul Bedard, S.D.B. We received word that Fr. Bedard, 89, passed away in the Lord on Monday, December 7, 2015, while at Carrollwood Care Center in Tampa. He resided at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, since his retirement in 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 10th at Mary …
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During evening prayer at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg on Sunday, November 22, Bishop Lynch recognized the St. Jude Medal recipients from our parishes and missions. Through their generosity and loyal service to their parish and communities, these lay men and women have contributed greatly to spreading the Gospel of …
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Bishop Lynch will open our Holy Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg) during the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, December 13! All are invited to attend. If you cannot be with us in person, we invite you to join us spiritually in prayer. This Holy …
Please keep the souls and the families of our faithful departed in your prayers: Mrs. Isabelle Daly, mother of Nancy Ridenour, Chair of the Diocesan Finance Council, and mother-in-law of David Ridenour, Director of the Diocesan Tribunal Mrs. Daly passed away, Saturday, December 5th up in Illinois. Please keep Nancy, David and their relatives in …
The Year of Mercy officially begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is Tuesday, December 8. To kick off the Year of Mercy, a Holy Door of Mercy will be opened at Cathedrals around the world, including our Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle! During the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, December 13, …
Black Friday, Thanksgiving Madness Sales, Cyber Monday – it all points to a huge amount of money spent with a materialistic shopping focus. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, works to combat materialism and get people nationwide to do something for the greater good. #GivingTuesday 2015 kicks off the season of giving on December 1st. …
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, November 29. 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 …
All are invited to join us for an Interfaith Prayer Service for an End to the Use of the Death Penalty. The prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Live Video Stream If you cannot join us in person tonight at the Interfaith Prayer …
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Black Friday, Thanksgiving Madness Sales, Cyber Monday – it all points to a huge amount of money spent with a materialistic shopping focus. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, works to combat materialism and get people nationwide to do something for the greater good. #GivingTuesday 2015 kicks off the season of giving on December 1st. The …
Congratulations to all of the 2015 recipients of the St. Jude Medal Award! If you cannot attend the ceremony in person at 3:00PM on 11/22 at Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, you can listen live on Spirit FM 90.5 or online at http://www.spiritfm905.com/. Photos will be shared as soon as we receive them from …
October 31, 2015 – Fifteen religious who serve in our diocese and celebrate their jubilees this year joined their families and friends at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg for a special Mass. The Mass was celebrated for all members of Consecrated Life. The principal celebrant was Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, …
Shared from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office‘s October 23 post on Facebook: This morning, Sheriff Nienhuis and Deputy Derek Origon were invited to Notre Dame Catholic School located at 1095 Commercial Way in Spring Hill for a presentati…on. Mrs. Florence Buono, the Principal of the Notre Dame, extended the invitation so the students could offer …
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Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School honors outstanding students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School’s National Junior Honor Society Award Recipients, Sophia Picun, Jade Christopher, Haley Groth, Gabriella Fonseca, Cailin Dennis and Terri Moran. The areas of qualification are Character, Service, Leadership, Citizenship and Knowledge. These …
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50 Years of Nostra Aetate, Interreligious Dialogues AFTER NOSTRA AETATE: UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN INTERFAITH RELATIONS The Second Vatican Council’s 1965 Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, entitled, Nostra Aetate, called for dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions and ushered in a historic era of positive relations between …
November is the Month of All Souls, when we remember and pray for our dearly departed in a special way. We would like to remember the people who were special to you that have died during the last year with an online photo album. Please send a photo of this special person with their name …
The movie Spotlight, due out on November 6, 2015, focuses on the reporters’ efforts from the Boston Globe in exposing the sexual abuse scandal of the clergy and church personnel of the Catholic Church. If you or someone you know has suffered or is currently suffering from (clergy/church personnel) sexual abuse, we truly want to help …
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October 17, 2015 – Ten men were ordained to the diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle by Bishop Robert N. Lynch. Congratulations to Deacon Elix Castro of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Seffner, Deacon Frank DeSanto of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, Deacon Steven Girardi of Espiritu …
Jerry Correll is scheduled for execution at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29 for the 1985 murders of Susan Correll, Tuesday Correll, Mary Lou Hines and Marybeth Jones. Mr. Correll deserves punishment for his crimes, but imposing a sentence of death as a consequence of killing only perpetuates a cycle of violence. In echoing Pope …
October 14, 2015 – Father Timothy Corcoran celebrated the annual Red Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa. We call upon the Holy Spirit to grant light, inspiration, and guidance to lawyers, judges, and all those serving in the Judicial branches of government. See photos from the Red Mass.
October 10, 2015 -The annual diocesan Hispanic Mass was celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The day began by praying the Rosary, followed by the procession of Our Lady of Copacabana, the patroness of Bolivia. A procession of flags from the countries represented at the Mass …
The students of St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School in Clearwater, Florida celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Friday, October 2nd by bringing their pets to school for a blessing. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. There were a variety of animals and all received a blessing. The students who did not …
Bishop Lynch will ordain Elix Castro, Frank DeSanto, Steven Girardi, Mark Manko, Ted Martin, Greg Nash, Tony Quattrocki, Glenn Smith, Jorge Suarez and Joe Zucchero to the permanent diaconate at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. All are invited to attend, but please note that seating is …
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Meet the ten candidates who will be ordained to the diaconate at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Our prayers are with them as they prepare to embark on this next step of their spiritual journey. Elix and Luz Castro Married for 26 years – 4 children Home …
October 6, 2015 – Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch became the 19th 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 …
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