August 8, 2019 – #GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. What is #GivingTuesday you might ask? #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Immediately following our national day of thanks (Thanksgiving), retailers get us focused on HUGE sales (Black Friday, Cyber …
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The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Thursday, August 15 in 2019. On this holy day of obligation, we commemorate when Mary’s body and soul were assumed into heaven and she passed into eternal life. In the mystery of her Assumption, Mary experiences immediately what we all will experience eventually, a …
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Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, and President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting last night in Dayton, Ohio. Full statement follows: “We extend our …
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Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. The full statement follows: “This Saturday, …
As a parish youth minister for more than a decade, I know well the innate desire for justice and the natural ability to create change that is inherent within many youth and young adults. They know injustice when they see it and want to say or do something about it. In his recent Post-Synodal …
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“Grown in Love, Strengthened by Faith and Protected by the Loving Hands of Jesus Christ” is how St. Stephen Parish in Riverview is describing their new Family Ministry that started as a response to the diocesan vision, Courageously Living the Gospel. Anthony & Cindy Basilicato, parents of two young children, are leading the initiative and have …
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Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development has issued a statement on the federal government’s decision to resume the use of the death penalty. The full statement follows: “In his address to Congress during his 2015 Apostolic visit to the …
In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis refers to a parish as a “center of constant missionary outreach.” St. Patrick Parish & School in Largo demonstrated one way to do missionary outreach by co-sponsoring a block party with the City of Largo on Saturday, July 20th to celebrate the reopening of Trotter Road. The …
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Our parishes are called to equip parishioners as missionary disciples and in order to do this, leaders need insight into how the Catholic faith and identity are connected to culture. That’s why the Diocese of St. Petersburg has introduced an initiative to help parishes improve how they welcome, receive, and encourage diverse cultures and invite …
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What started as a Lenten devotional opportunity has become a daily practice at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The Cathedral now offers Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and it has brought new blessings and graces upon the parish community. The bold leap of faith to introduce …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend James F. Toal, O.F.M. June 7, 1932 – July 24, 2019 The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Reverend James F. Toal, O.F.M., 87, on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Beware of Text Message and Social Media Scams It has come to the attention of the Diocese of St. Petersburg that parishioners have been receiving text messages asking for money and gift cards from people pretending to be our priests. Our priests and staff do not contact individuals via text message or social …
Diocesan radio station Spirit FM 90.5 hosted its very first, “Sounds FUN!” radio summer camp this summer. Three camp sessions were held for middle school students from our diocesan Catholic schools and local homeschool groups. Each session was two days long and offered students a glimpse of how a radio station operates. During the camp, …
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It has come to the attention of the Diocese of St. Petersburg that parishioners have been receiving text messages, emails or direct messages asking for gift cards from people pretending to be our priests or sisters or even Bishop Parkes. Our priests, religious and staff do not contact individuals via text message or social media …
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Join Bishop Gregory Parkes and pro-life supporters from across the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the Foundations of Life Gala & Silent Auction on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful Higgins Hall (5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa). This extraordinary evening of hope will feature guest speaker Melissa Ohden, an abortion survivor …
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Catholic Church recognizes the right of sovereign nations to control its borders and our Church also teaches that the basic human rights of each person should never be violated. That is why the images we have seen and the stories we have heard recently about immigrants arriving in …
Continue reading “A Statement from Bishop Parkes on the Immigration Crisis in the U.S.”
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the following statement in response to the climate of fear created by the Department of Homeland Security’s announced immigration enforcement actions and the Administration’s new Interim Final Rule to drastically limit asylum, which was published today: (Click here to download a PDF of …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Rev. Jaime de Jesus Diaz We sadly report the passing of Reverend Jaime de Jesus Diaz, age 87, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Bogota, Colombia, on Monday, July 1, 2019 in Brandon, Florida. Father Diaz was ordained …
This reflection was written by Kathleen Billings for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here to download a PDF of this article. As a family, one of our favorite summer activities is swimming in our pool. Having an inground pool within a few steps of our backdoor has been a sweet blessing. We splash, …
Continue reading “Creating and Maintaining Balance in Your Marriage”
Floridians Pray for an End to the Use of the Death Penalty Robert Joseph “Bobby Joe” Long is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. for the 1984 murder of Michelle Sims. Long additionally pled guilty to, and received life sentences for, seven other murders. In a May 20 letter to …
Continue reading “Catholic Bishops Urge Governor DeSantis to Spare the Life of Death Row Inmate”
Youth and young adults from the Tampa Bay area are about to experience a life-changing event: World Youth Day in Panama, January 22-27. This encounter with the pope, Jesus and thousands of other Catholics is a time of deep and spiritual renewal. More than 200,000 participants from 155 countries are expected at this year’s World …
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A new leadership model has been introduced at St. Petersburg Catholic High School to more intently advance the mission of the school. Effective July 1, 2019, Dr. Daniel Zepp will serve as newly appointed president, while Ross Bubolz will join him in shared leadership ministry continuing as principal of the school. This expanded model was …
On May 16, 2019, Tampa Catholic received its largest donation ever. In fact, the $7-million gift from alumnus Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren is believed to be the largest single gift to a Catholic school in Florida’s history. Bellini is Founder of tech firm ConnectWise and a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic. The company …
Continue reading “Tampa Catholic High School Has 7 Million Reasons to Celebrate”
Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build …
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a new website to share information on prevention, protection and accountability relating to the clergy sex abuse crisis. “The purpose of this website is to serve as a source of information and provide resources regarding the safety of children and vulnerable persons, victim assistance, and frequently …
Continue reading “New Website Highlights Steps to Confronting Clergy Sex Abuse”
Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly August 22, 1934 – June 26, 2019 (See complete obituary here.) Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Rev. Msgr. James Bernard Caverly, age 84, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. His first assignment in the Diocese of St. …
We are sad to announce that Monsignor James Bernard Caverly, age 84, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg. Visitation: 10:00 …
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for the 2019 Spring General Assembly in Baltimore, June 11-14. During the assembly, the bishops discussed and voted on bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis and also heard reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National Review …
Continue reading “Q & A Resource from the USCCB June Meeting”
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Eric Hunter from Pastor of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Parochial Administrator Monsignor Michael G. Muhr to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater, while continuing other assignments. Parochial …
In November 2018, the Diocese of Buffalo released a statement concerning allegations of the sexual abuse of minors by Rev. Michael P. Juran, placing him on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Father Juran is a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, who resides within the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He served as …
Brother Lucius Amarillas, O.S.B., a junior Benedictine monk of Saint Leo Abbey, will profess solemn vows during Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Saint Leo Abbey. Professing solemn vows will bind Brother Lucius to the monastery and the Benedictine order for the remainder of his life. All are invited to attend …
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Ana Luisa Jahuey de St. Cecilia, Andrés Hernández de St. Paul en Tampa y Christian y Matthew Obando de Nativity recibieron becas de SEPI para asistir al Programa de Verano para Jóvenes Latinos sobre la Doctrina Social Católica. Este es uno de dos programas de verano para adultos jóvenes hispanos de la región sureste creado …
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The Congregation for Catholic Education has published “Male and Female He Created Them: Towards a path of dialogue on the question of gender theory in education.” The new document is intended as an instrument to help guide Catholic contributions to the ongoing debate about human sexuality and to address the challenges that emerge from gender …
Continue reading “New Papal Document Highlights Educational Crisis on “Gender Theory””
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a new website to share information on prevention, protection and accountability relating to the clergy sex abuse crisis. “The purpose of this website is to serve as a source of information and provide resources regarding the safety of children and vulnerable persons, victim assistance, and frequently …
Continue reading “New Website Highlights Steps to Confronting Clergy Sex Abuse”
Public sessions of the general assembly discussions and votes will be available via live stream at http://www.usccb.org/live During the Spring General Assembly, the bishops will discuss and vote on bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis and will also hear reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National …
Continue reading “U.S. Bishops to Meet June 11-14 in Baltimore”
Funeral Services for Deacon Angelo J. Pignataro, 92, retired, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019. (see obituary published on May 28, 2019 at this link.) The viewing for Deacon Angelo Pignataro will take place on Monday June 10, 2019 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm. The Funeral …
Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2018/2019 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Lauren Dingle Sydney Lowman Salutatorian Katherine Taulbee Bishop McLaughlin Catholic …
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …
Notre Dame de Namur and Saint Leo universities now enrolling students for fall 2019 Two established Catholic universities have come together to make it easier for education, healthcare, law enforcement, and other public-service professionals to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement. Through a collaborative effort, Saint Leo University will provide prospective students with an …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Nicholas DeSanto, 31, son of Deacon Frank and Kathy DeSanto of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Our …
Diane Kledzik, the director of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Marriage and Family Life Office, recently received Clearwater Central Catholic (CCC) High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award for her accomplishments in the area of “Living Faith.” Diane graduated from CCC in 1980 and she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources with a …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Paul C. Schneider This past weekend, we received word that Mr. Paul C. Schneider, 62, brother of Rev. Robert Schneider, Pastor of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, passed away peacefully at his home in Salina, Kansas on Friday, May …
Over 19,000 donors from all 80 parishes and missions have committed to more than $6,726,953 to the 2019 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Together we have achieved 57% of the shared diocesan goal of $11.8 million to date, which supports the vitality, strength and growth of our parishes, missions, schools and local Church. This generosity displays …
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After many years of preparation through prayer, study and discernment, Anthony Astrab, Ralph D’Elia and Joshua Hare were ordained to the Catholic priesthood on May 18, 2019 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in front of nearly 1,000 friends, family and supporters. All three were born in the Tampa Bay area. (Click here …
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On May 16, 2019, Tampa Catholic received its largest donation ever. In fact, the $7-million gift from alumnus Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren is believed to be the largest single gift to a Catholic school in Florida’s history. Bellini is Founder of tech firm ConnectWise and a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic. The company …
Continue reading “Tampa Catholic High School Has 7 Million Reasons to Celebrate”
Bishop Parkes will ordain Deacon Anthony Astrab, Deacon Ralph D’Elia and Deacon Joshua Hare to the priesthood on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. All are invited to attend this joyous occasion! Scroll to the bottom of this page to see videos of the three deacons …
Continue reading “Ordinations to the Priesthood on Saturday, May 18”
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2019, unless otherwise noted: RELIEVING Reverend Philip D. Gyapong [Donkorkrom, Ghana], from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’ Lakes, effective May 27, 2019. Father Gyapong will be returning to his home territory in …
Religious Freedom Week takes place from June 22 – 29 each year. It begins with the feast day of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. This year, the week also includes the Solemnity of the Most Holy …
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Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …
Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux Mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build upon the …