Misa Diocesana Hispana
October 3, 2015

All are invited to attend the annual diocesan Hispanic Mass at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815  5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710). The day will begin by praying the Rosary, followed by the procession of Our Lady of Copacabana, the patroness of Bolivia. A …

Papal Visit Recap
October 1, 2015

Pope Francis visited the United States from September 22 through September 27, 2015. He visited Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia, where he participated in the closing of the 2015 World Meeting of Families. Immediately prior to his visit to the United States, Pope Francis visited Cuba. Read Bishop’s Lynch’s reflections on his visit here and here. …

Thank a Police Officer Day
September 24, 2015

September 19 was “Thank a Police Officer Day.”  Blessed Sacrament Catholic School celebrated by honoring 17 active and retired police officers.  Their Student Council led the school in a prayer service where they asked for God’s continue blessing to watch over all of our police officers and keep them safe.  The students made cards and letters, survival bags and special treats.

Statement from Bishop Lynch on the Announcement of Changes to the Annulment Process from Pope Francis
September 18, 2015

“By now, most of you have heard that Pope Francis has “made annulment of marriages cheaper and easier,” as one news source hastily reported. This report has resulted in many questions concerning what was actually stated in the Pontiff’s Apostolic Letter issued motu proprio (of his own initiative), which was released on, September 8th, although …

Pope Francis Visits the United States
September 16, 2015

Pope Francis is visiting the United States from September 22 through September 27. He will be visiting Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia, where he will be joining the 2015 World Meeting of Families. Schedule for the Holy Father’s Visit United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)’s Full Coverage Website Catechetical/Teaching Resources How You …

Introducing St. Junipero Serra
September 10, 2015

St. Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis on Wednesday, September 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Learn more about our newest saint in this video from the California Catholic Conference.

Statement from Bishop Lynch on the Announcement of Changes to the Annulment Process from Pope Francis
September 10, 2015

“By now, most of you have heard that Pope Francis has “made annulment of marriages cheaper and easier,” as one news source hastily reported. This report has resulted in many questions concerning what was actually stated in the Pontiff’s Apostolic Letter issued motu proprio (of his own initiative), which was released on, September 8th, although …

St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s Baron Gala, “Boots & Bling”
September 9, 2015

St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s Baron Gala, “Boots & Bling”, will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 in the St. John Bosco Fine Arts Center, starting at 6:30pm. Plans call for a fun-filled Country evening with music, great food, and an array of items in our Silent and Live auctions. Tickets can be purchased …

Chris Pastura Named Superintendent of Catholic Schools
September 9, 2015

The Diocese of St. Petersburg announces the appointment of Chris Pastura as Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers. Pastura comes to the diocese from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, where he has served as Assistant Superintendent: Director of School Strategic Planning since 2011. Pastura holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the Mendoza College of …

Seminarian Pictures for 2015/2015
September 8, 2015

The new seminarian pictures are in for the 2015/2016 year. Please fill out and return this Seminarian Picture Order Form If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Varley, Administrative Assistant at (727) 345-3452 or via hlv@dosp.org  

Welcome to Our New Seminarians
August 28, 2015

We are happy to announce that we have accepted four new seminarians for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. These four men entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami earlier this month as Pre-Theologians. The seminarians pictured (left to right) are Donald Amodeo (Holy Family Parish); Zachary Brasseur (St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg); Peter Gonzalez …

Seminarian Spotlight
July 8, 2015

  Deacon Kevin Yarnell was born in Pennsylvania and, while in the 4th grade, moved to Florida where he attended a Methodist Church and actively participated in their youth program. Following high school Kevin attended Florida Southern College where he earned his BS in Physics and Mathematics. He later received his master’s degree from Shenandoah …

Clergy Changes – June 29, 2015
June 29, 2015

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2015, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Upon presentation by Very Reverend Anthony Schueller, S.S.S., Provincial Superior, Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Reverend Peter Van Tuong Nguyen, S.S.S. as Priest in Charge of St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission, Tampa. Reverend Dennis …

Pray for Vocations!
June 25, 2015

Remember, there is no VACATION from your VOCATION, or from praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Thank you to Liz Hauer for submitting this photograph of your current display promoting vocations at St. Stephen Parish in Valrico!

Creation Is a Gift
June 18, 2015

The Church teaches that creation is a gift from God, and that we show respect for our Creator by taking care of the environment. Building on a long tradition of Church teaching, Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, Praised Be in English explores our unique relationship with the earth, the devastating impacts of climate change on the most …

Students of St. Cecelia Celebrate Clearwater’s 100th Birthday
June 12, 2015

Jason Poulos a 2nd Grade student of St. Cecelia Catholic School has a summer birthday and as a result does not get to celebrate his birthday during the school year.  Jason’s mother in conjunction with the 2nd grade teachers decided to plan a celebration for Jason and other classmates who also have summer birthdays.  Mrs. …

Our Lady Lourdes Catholic School Students Live the Gospel of Jesus
June 12, 2015

“The 2nd grade class from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Dunedin recently visited Nurses Helping Hands and Mease Manor Continuing Care assisted living facilities. The students sang and engaged the residents by teaching them the songs, sign language, clapping and chant patterns. After their performance, the children interacted with the residents and drew …

Student Awarded The 25th Annual Esther & Jack O’Brien Family Scholarship
June 12, 2015

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Brett Brattvet, a student at the Cathedral of St. Jude Catholic School, received the Esther and Jack O’Brien Family Scholarship. For 25 years, the scholarship has been awarded to a local 8th grade graduate from the school. The scholarship provides a deserving student the opportunity to continue their Catholic education …

Stanley Cup Challenge: Archbishop Cupich puts Chicago Deep Dish Pizza on the Line against Bishop Lynch’s Florida Grapefruit for Charity
June 9, 2015

Tampa, FL, June 9, 2015 – The leaders of the home Catholic dioceses for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning have bet iconic foods from their cities on the outcome of the National Hockey League championship. Archbishop Blase J. Cupich has promised enough Chicago deep dish pizzas to feed the 300 guests of …

Clergy Changes ~ May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2015: APPOINTMENT Upon notification by Very Rev. Thomas A. Dunne, S.D.B., Provincial for the Salesians of Don Bosco, Reverend Richard F. Rosin, S.D.B., from Director of Guidance to President of  St. Petersburg Catholic High School, St. Petersburg. RELIEVING …

Five New Priests
May 18, 2015

Reverend Ryan Boyle, Reverend Curtis Carro, Reverend Steven “Chuck” Dornquast, Reverend William “Bill” Santhouse, and Reverend Anthony Ustick were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert N. Lynch on Saturday, May 16 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. This is the largest ordination class in our diocese since 1991. Reverend Ryan Boyle will return to Rome after his …

Meet Your New Priests
May 13, 2015

Learn more about our five soon to be priests below. Deacon Ryan Boyle Ryan Christopher Boyle, of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, was born at Yokota Air Base, Japan in 1976.  He grew up in a military family with his parents Gary and Sheryl, and his younger brother, Matthew. After his graduation from Bloomingdale High …

Clergy Appointment ~ May 11, 2015
May 12, 2015

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1,  2015: Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Cesar Petilla [Palo, Philippines] from Parochial Vicar, St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, to Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills. —— Vol. 30 No. 18 May 11, 2015  

Action Alert: Low-income Floridians Continue to suffer due to a Lack of Access to Quality Health Care
May 10, 2015

Florida lawmakers will be deciding in June whether to expand health care coverage to close to a million low-income, working Floridians. Our community has a responsibility to ensure accessible, quality health care for all. Please take action by sending a message to your state legislators, urging them to extend health coverage to uninsured, low-income Floridians. …

10 Guardian Angels Middle school students receive Award
May 8, 2015

Each year, Raytheon’s MathMovesU® awards 150 middle school students nationwide $1,000 scholarships to attend math and science camps and programs, or to save the money for college. Raytheon also donates a $1,000 matching grant to each winning student’s middle school for their math program. http://mathmovesu.org/about-mathmovesuscholarships/mathmovesu-middle-school-scholarship Guardian Angels Catholic School began participating in this program in …

OLL STUDENTS SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF NEPAL EARTHQUAKE TRADGEDY
May 8, 2015

With the tragedy of the Nepal earthquake, students at OLL are putting their focus and efforts into helping Catholic Relief Services support those most in need. “The Student Council has taken the reins in leading our student body in putting our ‘Faith into Action’.” In lieu of the Middle School Dance, the Mother’s Day Carnation …

2015 St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Graduates
May 7, 2015

Deacon Curtis Carro, Deacon Steven “Chuck” Dornquast, Deacon William “Bill” Santhouse, and Deacon Anthony Ustick graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach on Thursday, May 7, 2105. See photos from the graduation here. Deacons Carro, Dornquast, Santhouse, and Ustick, along with Deacon Ryan Boyle (who …

Three Seminarians Graduate from St. John Vianney College Seminary
May 6, 2015

Our seminarians William Augensen, Ralph D’Elia, Connor Penn, and Drew Woodke graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami on May 6. William, Ralph, Connor, and Drew will begin their studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach in the fall. Please keep them in …

Service to Others Theme for Saint Leo Baccalaureate Mass
May 4, 2015

The Most Reverend Robert Lynch, ’97, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, urged Saint Leo University’s Class of 2015 to serve others during Baccalaureate Mass at University Campus on Friday, May 1. “Offer your hands, hearts, and lives in the service of humanity. Live your life for others,” Bishop Lynch said. In addition to …

International Mass at Blessed Sacrament
April 30, 2015

The students at Blessed Sacrament had an International Mass. The Spanish teacher, Mrs. Bauer, prepared the Liturgy. The students dressed up from their different heritages and brought up flags from those countries at the Offertory. They also spoke in different languages and sang in Spanish.  

Nepal Earthquake Relief
April 27, 2015

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and their partner agency Caritas are responding to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal just before noon on Saturday, May 2. The official death poll is over 5,000, with thousands more injured. Few outlying villages have been reached and widespread destruction, especially in hillside settlements, is feared. CRS has committed a minimum …

April 27, 2015 ~ Clergy Appointment
April 27, 2015

Clergy Appointment Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2015: Parochial Administrator Reverend George Iregi [Eldoret, Kenya] from Parochial Vicar, Christ the King Parish to Parochial Administrator of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport.   ______ Reference: Vol. 30: No. 17 ~ Apr. 27, 2015

April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2015, unless otherwise indicated. RETIREMENT Reverend Jacob Monteleone from Pastor of Light of Christ, Clearwater, granted retirement status. Reverend Ignatius Tuoc from Pastor Epiphany of Our Lord , and Priest in Charge, St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission, Tampa, granted …

St. Cecelia Seder Meal
April 10, 2015

On Monday, March 23, our 2nd and 6th grade classes celebrated a Seder Meal under the direction of Father Jack Marino. The Seder Meal is the traditional retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt as found in the Book of Exodus. Our students first celebrate this meal here in 2nd grade as …

Our Lady of Lourdes Celebrate Mass with Mease Manor Residents
April 8, 2015

The fourth grade choir class along with teachers, Ms. House and Mrs. Wong-Stark, celebrated Mass with the residents at Mease Manor Assisted Living facility. The students sang as choir with Father Gary Dowsey as celebrant on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25th. Under the direction of their teacher, the students prepared …

Guardian Angels Future Cardiac Surgeons
April 8, 2015

Meet the future cardiac surgeons in the 7th grade science class at Guardian Angel’s Catholic School.  Culminating the Cardiovascular unit in class, the students dissected a lamb heart.  They are able to identify the main structures of the heart; the 4 chambers, the main blood vessels, valves, chordae tendineae (heart strings), muscle, pericardium etc.  They can also …

Easter Blessings
April 2, 2015

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear. May Christ, our Risen Saviour, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.