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 …
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 …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Brother Peter P. Mahady, SSS Brother Peter Patrick Mahady, SSS, just turning 87, Blessed Sacrament Brother died on April 15, 2019 at Regina Health Center, Richfield, OH, surrounded by the loving staff of Regina and Western Reserve Hospice and members …
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 …
World Day of Prayer for Vocations is recognized on Sunday, May 12, 2019. The message for the 2019 World Day of Prayer for Vocations is entitled “The Courage to Take a Risk for God’s Promise” To read Pope Francis’ message, in its entirety, in English, please click here and in Spanish please click here The purpose of the …
The Saint Leo University community came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2019 with two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, April 27. The university awarded more than 1,250 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees. The festivities kicked off on Friday, April 26, at the main …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2019 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Dennis Hughes from Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Trinity, granted retirement status. Reverend Eugeniusz Gancarz from Pastor of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, granted retirement status. APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend Michael Cormier from …
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement on the deadly shooting that has taken place at Chabad of Poway Synagogue near San Diego. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “I, along with my brother bishops, am greatly saddened and deeply concerned over …
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Many around the world watched in sadness as a fire tore through historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris causing severe damage to the centuries old-structure. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. has set up a fund to help the Cathedral resurrect and rebuild. The Shrine, whose board members …
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Open House Planned for May 4 for Those Interested in Study Florida Transfer Scholarship Saint Leo University is offering a new scholarship to ease the transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree. The Study Florida Transfer Scholarship, which awards students who have earned an associate degree a 50 percent tuition discount, is …
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On Saturday, April 6, USF graduates from the last 50 years gathered at Bellarmine Hall, the faith-based housing complex on the campus of the Catholic Student Center. The alumni social was an introduction to the newly formed Catholic Bulls Alumni Society, an organization that seeks to strengthen the future of the USF Catholic community by …
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Our mutually-shared vision of Courageously Living the Gospel calls us to think outside the walls of our churches in pursuit of ministering to families and young people and serving those in need. That’s why Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked parishes to address local community issues and mobilize cross-parish creativity to make a difference! These projects …
Continue reading “Parishes Share New Plans for Catholic Impact Initiatives”
Saint Leo University is helping youth and young adults to courageously live the Gospel. They have produced a video called “Day-to-Day Tips for Living Your Faith.” Sarah Bermudez, a graduate of St. Petersburg Catholic High School and an Education Major at Saint Leo is featured in the video. This is the first time she has …
One out of every six adults in the U.S. experiences some form of mental illness each year and Florida ranks 44th in the nation for access to mental health treatment, according to the Florida Behavioral Health Association. In light of these and other sobering statistics, ten parishes in Pinellas County are joining forces to increase …
The following Holy Week celebrations with Bishop Gregory Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle will be live streamed. Tuesday, April 16, Chrism Mass, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 19 Passion of the Lord 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20 Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 p.m.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration endorsed the “Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act of 2019, S. 874 and the “Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression & Emergency” (SECURE) Act of 2019, S. 879. The DREAM Act of 2019 would provide permanent legal protection and a pathway …
As Christians, we are called to be persons of hope. But how do we do this amid the gloom and doom that sometimes pervades the daily news-and our personal lives? Join us for a spring retreat to explore the nature of hope and its relation to faith and love. Saturday, April 21, 2019 (deadline to …
On April 2, U.S. Representative Steve Scalise filed a discharge petition to force a vote on Representative Ann Wagner’s bill, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. If the petition receives 218 signatures, House members will vote on legislation ensuring that any child born alive following an abortion attempt receives the same degree of care as …
As the United States celebrates National Robotics Week (April 6-14), Saint Leo University is expanding its summer robotics camp programs for youths. The university began offering the popular Girls Can! Robotics Camp in 2015, under the direction of Dr. Monika Kiss, professor of mathematics. Last year, a camp for boys was added to Saint Leo’s …
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In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 65th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Jose G. Gonzalez He was born in Asturias, Spain and moved with his family to Havana, Cuba while …
In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Msgr. Antonio Diez He was born in Robledo de la Valduena, Spain and was ordained for the Diocese …
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In 2019, 8 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. James Gordon, I.C. He is originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. On June 9, 1969, he was ordained as …
In 2019, 3 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Michael T. O’Brien He is a St. Petersburg native and was baptized at nearby St. Paul Parish. He …
In 2019, 8 priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their ordination. They will be recognized by Bishop Parkes during the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16. They are: Rev. Erwin Belgica He was born in Malinao, Philippines and was ordained for the Diocese of Sorsogon on July …
The pro-life movie Unplanned is now out in movie theaters! The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. View the trailer below and learn more about the movie …
Continue reading “Pro-life Movie UNPLANNED in Movie Theaters Now”
Raoul G. Cantero, III, former Florida Supreme Court Justice, was honored on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, with the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The award was presented at the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon attended by the Catholic bishops of Florida, current Florida Supreme Court Justices, state lawmakers, and nearly …
The Diocese of St. Petersburg has learned that George B. Dyer, O.P., has been listed in a recent report released by Jeff Anderson & Associates, P.A., as a priest against whom an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in the State of Illinois has been deemed credible. Father Dyer was ordained in 1961 …
Gathering of all Priests, Blessing and Consecration of Holy Oils At this year’s Chrism Mass, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes will be joined by Bishop Emeritus Robert Lynch, Bishop Joseph Potocnak, S.C.J. (retired), Abbot Isaac Comacho, O.S.B, approximately 170 priests and 50 deacons, as well as religious sisters and brothers, seminarians, and other representatives from …
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After historic devastation and loss of life brought on by Cyclone Idai to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Reverend Laurence Uhlman, T.O.R . to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg, effective March 22, 2019. RELIEVING …
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and is a reminder to all Catholics that the ultimate responsibility of an adult is to ensure that abuse does not occur. Therefore, we should always be vigilant and aware. In an effort to promote education and to assist parishes and families in making child safety and abuse prevention …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Sr. Helen Lange, O.S.B. Sr. Helen Lange O.S.B., 105, of St. Leo, FL, passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 in Dade City. She was born September 28, 1913 in Olfen, TX to Joseph & Helena Matthiesen Lange. She came …
In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Safe Environment Office oversees a comprehensive program of child abuse prevention that is focused on background checks and training of all adults entrusted with the care, responsibility and/or supervision of minors or vulnerable adults. “Our obligation to protect minors and all vulnerable persons and to prevent sexual abuse …
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Prospective students and the community are invited to learn more at an Open House on April 7. ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has announced it will offer a significant new scholarship to help make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. Available for students beginning in the Fall …
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After historic flooding brought devastation to parts of the Midwest, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed grief over the lives lost and threatened by the floods and offered prayers for recovery. The full statement follows: “We are deeply saddened by …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Reverend Emeric Slezak, OFM We were informed of the death of Reverend Emeric Szlezak, O.F.M., 101, a retired priest of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Father Szlezak was a resident of …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective March 15, 2019: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Thomas R. Bheemareddy, O.C.D., Provincial Superior of the Discalced Carmelite Order, Telangana, India, Reverend Vijaya B. Polamarasetty, O.C.D. to Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park. Father Polamarasetty formerly served in …
More than 800 people from parishes across the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg for the Rite of Election on Sunday, March 10. The Rite of Election is the ceremony when parishes present their catechumens to the bishop as they begin their final spiritual preparations …
Continue reading “More Than 350 People Are Preparing to Become Catholic This Easter”
The Diocesan Hispanic Assembly 2019-2021 celebrated its first meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in St. Petersburg with 67 members in attendance. The agenda included a presentation about the Rice Bowl from CRS and guest speakers from the FAST and HOPE organizations. Assembly members learned about the Historical Memory of …
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Special screenings for the soon-to-be release movie UNPLANNED are coming to our area. The movie is a dramatization of Abby Johnson’s life – following her as she becomes the youngest clinic director in the history of Planned Parenthood, then through the life-changing experience that turns her into an anti-abortion activist. NOTE: Content of this movie is …
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Rebecca Lorenzen said she was Catholic for 20 years before she became a missionary disciple. “I sort of lived my faith by checking the boxes but Christ was pulling me deeper,” she said. In 2011, she consecrated herself to Jesus through Mary. Soon after that, she attended a workshop presentation by Sherry Weddell on the …
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Deacon Roger Lind Deacon Roger Lind, 79, went home to the Lord on March 5, 2019. He is survived by his wife Heidi of 59 years. Deacon Lind was ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York on May 31, 1980. He moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1982 and was assigned to …
Results Include More Confidence for Students and Improved Learning What has 116 strings and pinkies on top? The new violin program at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Dunedin. Started last year with 18 students, it has now grown to include almost 50 violin students in Grades 3 and 4. Connor Littlejohn is …
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The U.S. Senate recently failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an attempted abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her or his life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same …
Catholic communicators are invited to attend the Catholic Media Conference at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel June 18-21, 2019. The theme is Navigating Communications and the sessions are designed to provide a roadmap for our rapidly changing media culture. “How people communicate is changing and in order to fulfill the mission of the Church, we …
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National Catholic Sisters Week (NCSW) is an annual celebration that takes place from March 8 through March 14. Created to honor women religious, it is a week to bring greater focus and attention to the lives of these incredible women and to recognize all they have done for their communities, the world, and the Church. …
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Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …
Continue reading “Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions”
All are invited to participate in Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee from March 26-27, 2019. This two-day event provides the opportunity to put into action our faith’s call to political responsibility and allows us to strengthen the presence of our Catholic values in the public square. The group will be joined by Bishop …
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Printable PDF version: English | Spanish My dear brothers and sister in the Lord, Lent is a time for us to prepare our minds, hearts, and souls to celebrate the great feast of Easter. We do so through the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Each of these in a particular way help …
Christians, Catholics to Take Part in 40-Day Observance, Poll Indicates SAINT LEO, FL –Americans say they will stash the Reese’s Cups and drop their daily Dunkin doughnuts as Lent begins Wednesday (March 6) and they give up candy, sweets, and chocolate for 40 days. A new Saint Leo University Polling Institute survey shows that 29.2 …
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All are invited to attend the “A Weekend of Healing and Hope with Immaculé Ilibagiza” retreat on Friday, March 8 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The retreat is being hosted by the Magnificat St. Petersburg Florida Chapter. Tickets and itinerary information are available through …
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WASHINGTON–Monday night, the Senate failed to advance the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that prohibits infanticide by ensuring that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. The …
You are invited to sign up to receive daily Scripture reflections on Courageously Living the Gospel that will provide suggestions and prayers for more boldly living your faith! You can choose to receive the reflections via email or text starting on Wednesday, March 13. Sign up to be courageous, visit www.dosp.org/be-courageous-daily-reflection.
“Pope Francis is calling on the faithful not to let the Lenten season of grace pass in vain, and to live as children of God acknowledging and obeying His law, in particular in regards to our brothers and sisters and to creation. In this year’s Lenten message, the Pope invites believers to prepare to celebrate …
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Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Mary (Collofello) Munchalfen Mrs. Mary (Collofello) Munchalfen, 90, mother of Terri Wiles, from the diocesan Accounting Office at the Pastoral Center, went home to the Lord on February 17, 2019. Please keep Terri and her family in your …