10th Annual Tampa Bay Men’s Conference: Get Inspired, Informed, and Energized
January 15, 2020

Join a thousand other Catholic men from parishes around West Central Florida for a day of prayer, reconciliation, learning and fellowship! This conference will feature two dynamic, nationally-known speakers: DR. TIM GRAY: President of the Augustine Institute, plus, PETER HERBECK: TV/radio host, author and vice president of Renewal Ministries. Seize the opportunity to learn more …

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Renewed Call to a Culture of Life on the Tragic 47th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade: A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Florida
January 10, 2020

Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, in collaboration with the seven other bishops in Florida, has written the following statement: “January 22, 2020 marks a sad anniversary: the U.S. Supreme Court’s tragic decision legalizing the deliberate taking of unborn human life through elective abortion. Judicial sanction of the termination of life in …

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Ten Things You Can Do to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants
January 8, 2020

This backgrounder from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Migration and Refugee Services provides suggested actions that you can take to support undocumented migrants, in lieu of hosting or providing physical shelter. Included are links to further information, which will assist your effort to launch some of the suggested initiatives. For assistance with any …

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The President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls for Peace in Wake of Escalated Tensions with Iran
January 8, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, released a statement on the situation in Iran last night which was shared on social media. Full text of the statement follows: “In the face of the escalating tensions with Iran, we must pray urgently that our world’s leaders will …

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President of U.S. Bishops Conference Sends Message of Support to President of Australian Catholic Bishops Conference amidst Devasting Wildfires
January 8, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, sent the following message of support to Archbishop Mark Coleridge, BA, DSS, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2020: “Your Excellency: Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I …

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President of U.S. Bishops Conference Expresses Sorrow for Earthquake Aftermath in Puerto Rico
January 7, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, has issued a statement following the earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the reported aftermath of infrastructure and property damage. Full text of the statement follows: “I wish to express my prayerful solidarity on behalf of the bishops of …

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Christmas Joy
January 5, 2020

Catholic Charities of the Diocese St. Petersburg brought Christmas joy to the residents of Bethany Family Apartments, where we help families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Click here or on the video below to learn more.

Margaret Rogers Named New Catholic Charities Executive Director
December 19, 2019

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg President, Frank Murphy and the Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Margaret (Maggie) Rogers has been appointed by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes to Executive Director effective December 13, 2019. She has served as Interim Executive Director since September 2018. Maggie joined Catholic Charities in 2013 …

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Dec. 7-8 Collection Helps Religious Communities Care for Aging Members
December 3, 2019

The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 7-8 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), and proceeds help hundreds of U.S. religious communities to care for aging members. Some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit. Last …

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At Annual Fall Assembly in Baltimore, U.S. Bishops Approve Action Items on Their Agenda
November 14, 2019

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting this week for their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore have voted on nine action items.  The bishops voted to approve the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation for use in the dioceses of the United States with 226 votes in favor, 4 against, and 3 abstentions. The vote …

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Pro Life Committee Chairman Invites Bishops to Join Initiative Serving Pregnant and Parenting Mothers in Need
November 11, 2019

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas, and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the body of bishops at the annual November plenary meeting of bishops about the need for improved pastoral responses to women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies.    “The challenges can …

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U.S. Bishops Convene for Annual General Assembly in Baltimore
November 11, 2019

The Catholic bishops of the United States convened their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore this morning. The meeting began with remarks by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops delivered his last address as president of the Conference. The …

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All Are Invited to the 2nd Annual Diocese of St. Petersburg African Mass
November 4, 2019

The AfricanMass on Sunday, November 10, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. will be an opportunity to unite the African Community of the Tampa Bay region and to celebrate the faith of local African Catholics The Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, (1203 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa) with prayers and music …

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Clergy Change, November 4, 2019
November 4, 2019

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective November 1, 2019: RELIEVINGReverend Carlos J. Borgos [San Cristobal, La Habana, Cuba] as Parochial Vicar of St. Rita Parish, Dade City.  Father Borgos has accepted a position as Parochial Vicar of Holy Child of Jesus Parish, Richmond Hill, NY.

USCCB Launches National Civility Effort through 2020 Election
November 1, 2019

One year ahead of the 2020 national elections, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is launching a year-long initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor, and respectful dialogue. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on …

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USCCB Pro-Life Chairman Urges Congress to Support Dignity for Aborted Children Act
November 1, 2019

Legislation calls for dignified treatment of human remains On October 31, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities sent a letter to Members of Congress supporting S. 2590 and HR 4934, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act. In the letter, Archbishop Naumann cited the recent discovery …

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Vocation Awareness Weekend
October 29, 2019

Is the Lord inviting you to take a step toward him? The Office of Vocations is offering you the opportunity to visit the minor seminary to experience the life of our seminarians. The weekend will take place November 8-10, 2019. Transportation is provided and there is no cost to you. For more information please contact …

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James Dailey granted stay of execution until Dec. 30
October 29, 2019

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has granted a temporary stay of execution to allow Mr. Dailey’s newly appointed federal counsel time to present his substantial claims of innocence. Dailey was scheduled to be executed on Nov. 7 for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio. The eight Catholic bishops of Florida …

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Catholic bishops plead to Governor DeSantis to stay execution of James Dailey, a veteran with evidence of innocence
October 23, 2019

Update as of 10/24/19: James Dailey granted stay of execution until Dec. 30 The eight Catholic bishops of Florida have written to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of James Dailey. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence. “While …

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Clergy Changes ~ October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019

As a result of the pending merger of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg with the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Pastoral Mission, Largo, resulting in the newly named Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective October 21, 2019: APPOINTMENT Pastor Reverend Nguyen Vu …

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Chairmen of U.S. Bishops’ Committees Comment on Federal Study Released on Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws to Persons with Disabilities
October 16, 2019

Last week, the National Council on Disabilities (NCD) released a federal study revealing that assisted suicide laws are dangerous to people with disabilities. In its report, “The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws,” NCD provides several policy recommendations including urging states to not legalize any form of assisted suicide or active euthanasia. The NCD is an …

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Transfiguration Parish Community Experiences Loss and Transformation
October 9, 2019

Transfiguration Parish will close on October 21, 2019 and will reopen in 2020 as Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish. When Father Carlos Rojas learned that his parish, Transfiguration, would be closing its doors, he went through a period of mourning, prayer and discernment. He agonized over what would happen to his tiny but mighty community …

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Father Jacob Monteleone Receives 2019 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award
October 9, 2019

Reverend Jacob Monteleone was announced as the recipient of the 2019 Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award on Tuesday, October 8, during the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. This award is given annually to a priest serving in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who best exemplifies selfless and dedicated service to the people of God. The recipient of the award …

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U.S. Bishops to Meet November 11-13 in Baltimore, Maryland
October 2, 2019

Bishop Gregory Parkes and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2019 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-13.   News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials will be posted to www.usccb.org/meetings during the general assembly. Those wishing to follow the meeting on social media …

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Diocese of St. Petersburg Donates $250,000 for Hurricane Dorian Relief in the Bahamas
September 27, 2019

On September 25, 2019, Bishop Gregory Parkes issued a check in the amount of $250,000 to provide support to the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. The check was mailed to Archbishop Patrick Pinder of the Archdiocese of Nassau for the specific purpose of relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas following the devastating …

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Apply Now for 2020 CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grants
September 16, 2019

The Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy is pleased to announce the beginning of our annual grant process for funding hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in the Diocese.  Ministries from parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities can apply for up to $1,000.00 to assist with programming and advocacy efforts to eradicate hunger. Twenty-five percent of …

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Churches Honor Men & Women Who Serve and Protect with a Blue Mass
September 9, 2019

The BLUE Mass is an Ecumenical and Interfaith event to honor the men and women serving the Tampa Bay region as federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and emergency responders, including Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Sheriff Deputies, Police Officers, Troopers, Special Agents, Security Professionals and 9-1-1 Operators. Family members, friends, and all supporters are …

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Uplifting Spirits: Local Deacon Serves Travelers at Tampa International Airport
September 9, 2019

Reflection by  Deacon Joseph Krzanowski, CAC As a deacon who serves as a chaplain at Tampa International Airport, I am privileged to meet many people who have various needs. I think back, for example, to a woman who was standing near the Traveler’s Aid window. She was with her son who was fast asleep. As we …

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Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle to Host Praise and Worship Event: Holy Spirit Explosion
September 1, 2019

Faithful from throughout the five-county Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg are expected to take part in a day of Praise and Worship featuring prayer, music, liturgy and nationally renowned speakers Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg. According to event co-coordinator Frank Esposito, Jr., of …

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Hurricane Dorian Updates
August 30, 2019

Please watch local news for updates about Hurricane Dorian. We will post the latest updates affecting our Diocese on this blog post. Our Diocesan radio station Spirit FM 90.5 will broadcast those updates as well. Should the radio station go off the air, please stay tuned to your television at WFLA Channel 8 for updates. Find helpful …

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Gannon University Dedicates Second Academic Building at Florida Campus
August 26, 2019

Gannon University formally opened a new 80,000-square-foot academic building at its Ruskin, Fla. campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. About 220 people attended the Dedication and Blessing Ceremony at the campus, which is south of Tampa. “Today is a monumental step in the development of Gannon University’s effort in Ruskin, Fla. to advance the quality of healthcare delivery …

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Parishes Gather for Ministries of Mercy Annual Event
August 23, 2019

Representatives from various Ministries of Mercy initiatives and programs around the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered on August 17, 2019 for the annual Ministries of Mercy Mass and Luncheon at the Bethany Center in Lutz. The purpose of the event is to thank these leaders for their faithful service, update them on diocesan initiatives and …

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Foundations of Life Brings Hope & Healing to Women while Honoring the Sacredness of Life
August 23, 2019

In what seemed a crushing blow to the pro-life movement, earlier this year states began to pass laws that permit unrestricted access to abortion. But according to Rose Llauget, there is still reason for hope. “These laws are accelerating the end to abortion because even the staunchest pro-abortion supporter realizes that this is too far,” …

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National Child and Youth Protection Leader Affirms Diocese of St. Petersburg
August 14, 2019

During the week of July 8, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg welcomed a visit from Deacon Bernie Nojadera, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, based in Washington D.C. The purpose of the visit was for Deacon Nojadera to learn how the Diocese of St. …

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U.S. Bishops Call for Change in Language and Rhetoric of All Americans after Hate Filled Violence
August 12, 2019

Today, Bishops from three committees at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed their deep concern about racism and xenophobia that apparently motivated this weekend’s massacre in El Paso and that have motivated numerous other recent mass shootings in the United States. The Chairmen called on our elected officials to exert leadership in …

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2019 ICSC Conference in Chicago
August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019 –  Registration is open for 57th Annual International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC)  Conference scheduled for October 6-9, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, and journeying through our diocesan mutually-shared vision, Courageously Living the Gospel, this year’s ICSC Conference offers us tremendous resources, experiences, and professional testimony on how …

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