Obituary ~ August 27, 2018
August 27, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Ms. Teresa Nakibule Ms. Teresa Nakibule, grandmother of Reverend Francis M. Lubowa, Parochial Administrator of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 10, 2018, in Uganda.  A Funeral Service was held for Ms. Nakibule …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment for Greater Effectiveness and Transparency in Disciplining Bishops
August 27, 2018

August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment for Greater Effectiveness and Transparency in Disciplining Bishops
August 27, 2018

August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …

President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment for Greater Effectiveness and Transparency in Disciplining Bishops
August 27, 2018

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …

Inaugural Commencement Ceremony was Held for Gannon University’s Ruskin Campus
August 27, 2018

Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D., recognized graduates of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program as they become a part of Gannon history and received their diplomas at the University’s inaugural Commencement Ceremony at its Ruskin, Florida Campus. The Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 25 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and featured feature keynote …

Clergy Changes ~ August 27, 2018
August 27, 2018

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective September 5, 2018: APPOINTMENTS Upon presentation by Very Reverend Richard L. Davis, Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Reverend James Morman, T.O.R. to Parochial Vicar of St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg.

Call for Volunteers for Family Faith Fest
August 24, 2018

Hundreds of people will be volunteering at the Family Faith Fest to ensure a great experience for all participants. There are some volunteer positions that still need to be filled and the application process is available online: www.familyfaithfest.org/volunteer-information Volunteers are asked to have a welcoming attitude, the joy of the Lord in their hearts and …

Ministries of Mercy Leaders Gather at the Bethany Center
August 23, 2018

Representatives from various Ministries of Mercy initiatives and programs around the diocese gathered for the annual Mass and luncheon at the Bethany Center in Lutz on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Ministries of Mercy initiatives around our diocese include various parish ministries, the various programs of Catholic Catholic Charities, various chapters of the Society of St. …

Bishop Parkes Asks Parishes to Read This Statement
August 18, 2018

During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement

Bishop Parkes Asks Parishes to Read This Statement
August 18, 2018

During all the Masses on August 18 and 19, 2018, Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked that a statement from him be read to the congregation, The statement is in response to tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light over the past few weeks. English Statement Spanish Statement Vietnamese Statement  

Saint Leo University Welcomes More than 700 New Students
August 17, 2018

Volunteers, including new president, help make the move-in process easy ST, LEO, FL ­ ­– Home sweet home: More than 700 new students moved to Saint Leo University’s main campus on Thursday, August 16. They were welcomed by orientation leaders, faculty, staff, administration, student-athletes, and coaches. As a car loaded with back-to-school gear would pull …

Vatican responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury abuse report
August 17, 2018

On Thursday evening (8/15/18), the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, issued the following statement regarding the report of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury issued earlier this week in the United States over the sexual abuse of minors. “Regarding the report made public in Pennsylvania this week, there are two words that can …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Announces Effort That Will Involve Laity, Experts, and the Vatican as U.S. Bishops Resolve to Address “Moral Catastrophe”
August 16, 2018

August 16, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement after a series of meetings with members of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and other bishops. The following statement includes three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a …

Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes concerning the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
August 15, 2018

I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …

Statement from Bishop Gregory Parkes concerning the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
August 15, 2018

I am saddened and angry to learn of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that spans a 70-year period and details tragic incidents by priests accused of abusing and exploiting children. In response to this report and also the recent allegations against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, I recommit my efforts to protecting youth and vulnerable adults …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference and Committee Chairman Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
August 15, 2018

August 14, 2018 WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is hosting a series of meetings this week responding to the broader issue of safe environments within the Church. An update will be offered upon their conclusion. In response to today’s Pennsylvania grand jury report, Cardinal DiNardo …

Obituaries ~ August 13, 2018
August 13, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Mulligan Monsignor Edward J. Mulligan, 87, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and founding pastor of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg and St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater Beach, passed away in the Lord at Suncoast …

The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle Announces First-Ever ADORE Event
August 13, 2018

On Monday, August 27 from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm all are invited to the Cathedral of St. Jude for ADORE, an evening of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer accompanied by contemporary praise and worship music. “ADORE is a time of adoration, prayer, praise, and worship intended not only for our parish community but for all people within …

Catholic bishops urge Governor Scott to spare the life of Jose Antonio Jimenez
August 10, 2018

Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez’ death sentence to a life …

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Issues Statement on Course of Action Responding to Moral Failures on Part of Church Leaders
August 9, 2018

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement noting the steps the U.S. Bishops Conference will take in addressing the failures of the Church in protecting the people of God. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “The accusations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick …

Pope Francis Updates Catechism Teaching on the Death Penalty
August 9, 2018

Seeking to abolish the death penalty around the world because it is an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Pope Francis has revised the catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267. An article in L’Osservatore Romano (a Vatican newspaper) states that: “With the new formulation of n. 2267 of the Catechism, therefore, the …

Prayer Vigil for an End to the Death Penalty will be held on August 14
August 9, 2018

A group will gather to pray for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to give thanks that a stay of execution has been granted for Jose Antonio Jimenez.   All members of the community are also invited to join in prayer. When:               Tuesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Where:             St. Vincent de Paul Parish, …

Bishop Parkes Announces Implementation Plan for Courageously Living the Gospel
August 3, 2018

As was announced at parishes on June 17, 2018, the new Mutually Shared Vision for the Diocese of St. Petersburg is Courageously Living the Gospel – an invitation for each of us to be bolder in how we live our faith. Our new Vision defines our sacred purpose (also known as a Mission Statement), three …

Faith Filled Artists to Perform at Unprecedented Free Event:  “Family Faith Fest”
August 2, 2018

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting an all-star lineup for the Family Faith Fest, a free music and faith festival event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park and ALL are invited.  Appearing on stage will be faith-filled musical artists: Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. …

Saint Leo’s First Provost Elected University’s 10th President
July 30, 2018

 Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese Creating Plans for National, International Growth Jeffrey D. Senese was elected as president of Saint Leo University on July 26 by the Board of Trustees. Senese is the university’s 10th president. He has served as the acting president of the university since the retirement of William J. Lennox Jr. on April …

Obituaries July 30, 2018
July 30, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. William Joseph Stuart The Chancellor’s Office received word that William Joseph Stuart, 90, stepfather of John Morris, Station Manager of Spirit FM, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, while in the care of Hospice. Mr. Stuart was a …

U.S. Bishop Delegates Approved for Upcoming Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment
July 30, 2018

Pope Francis has ratified the members elected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to represent the United States at the upcoming XV Ordinary General Assembly: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.  The Synod will take place October 3-28. The delegates are: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, President of the United …

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Celebrates Golden Anniversary
July 30, 2018

Local Worldwide Marriage Encounter leaders are planning a Marriage Anniversary Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the founding of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. The gala will be held at Higgins Hall in Tampa on November 10, 2018, in partnership with Spirit FM. The theme of their …

New Morally Acceptable Vaccine for Shingles is Now Available
July 27, 2018

The only vaccines readily available in the United States for some contagious diseases (e.g., rubella and Hepatitis A) have been manufactured using fetal tissue from induced abortions. However, the FDA recently approved a new shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) that does not use aborted fetal cell lines, and has given it a preferential recommendation over the only …

Obituary ~ July 16, 2018
July 16, 2018

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Joan Velott The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing on Monday July 2, 2018 of Mrs. Joan Velott, wife of Deacon Pete Velott from All Saint’s Parish in Clearwater; she was 86. The Funeral Mass was held …

Church Celebrates Gift of Married Love and Transmission of Life
July 16, 2018

July 25, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, a papal encyclical written by Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1968 that provides beautiful and clear teaching about God’s plan for married love and the transmission of life. In Humanae Vitae, Blessed Pope Paul VI reflects upon how God designed the nature of married love. …

Clergy Appointment ~ July 2, 2018
July 2, 2018

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2018: APPOINTMENT With the consent of Most Reverend Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, S.V.D., Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom, Ghana, Reverend Philip D. Gyapong to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Land O’Lakes.

Reflexión del Presidente de Catholic Relief Services sobre la crisis en el borde…
July 2, 2018

Sean Callahan, presidente y CEO de Catholic Relief Services (CRS), escribió lo siguiente como respuesta a la separación de las familias que ha estado ocurriendo en el borde de Estados Unidos y México.  Adjunto hay maneras de ayudar a resolver la problemática de dicha separación. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who …

Teens Make a Difference During Week One of the Good Samaritan Project
July 2, 2018

Teens from around Tampa Bay have chosen to spend part of their summer vacation serving others as part of the Good Samaritan Project (GSP), a week-long service retreat located in our diocese. During GSP, middle and high school teens from around the Diocese work, pray, and have fun together for the betterment of the community and …

President of Catholic Relief Services Responds to the Border Crisis
July 2, 2018

Sean Callahan, the President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), wrote the following in response to the family separation happening at the US/Mexico border. Included in his reflection are ways that you can help. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who explained the suffering she and her sons faced as they …

Local Priest Turns 100
July 2, 2018

Studies have shown that a strong faith can help you to enjoy a long, healthy life.  If you have met Monsignor George Cummings, you would be convinced that this is true! On June 21st, the retired priest gathered with 150 of his closest friends, brother priests and Bishop Gregory Parkes to celebrate his 100th birthday. …

Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties Share Praise for the Diocese of St. Petersburg
July 2, 2018

The Diocese of St. Petersburg was recently recognized by the Pinellas County Commission and the Hillsborough County Commission for service to the community during the last 50 years. Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long and County Administrator Mark Woodward presented a proclamation to Bishop Gregory Parkes designating June 17, 2018 as Diocese of St. Petersburg Day. …

Annual Hispanic Mass Celebrates Faith and Diversity
June 27, 2018

Who:               Bishop Gregory Parkes, Hispanic Catholics and clergy What:             Annual Hispanic Mass, to be celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Carmel of the Maipú, the patroness of Chile. When:             Saturday, October 14, 4:00 p.m. Where:            Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg Why:               The annual Hispanic Mass is …

Welcome to our New Seminarians
June 22, 2018

Bishop Parkes, per the recommendation of the Seminarian Admission Board, has accepted four new seminarians who will begin their seminary studies at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in August. The new seminarians are as follows: Paul Ciulei – home parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin Phillip Dvorak – home parish: St. John Vianney, St. …

Community Invited to Prayer Vigil on June 20th for Families Separated at the U.S./Mexico Border
June 20, 2018

Bishop Gregory Parkes will lead a prayer vigil for an end to the separation of families at the  U.S./Mexico Border and to lift up the hearts of those families who have already been separated. When:                 Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 8:30 p.m. (World Refugee Day) Where:              San Jose Mission, 3204 San Diego Lane, Dover, …

5 Ways to Help with the Immigration Crisis at the Border
June 19, 2018

The ongoing practice of separating children from their parents has already, as of May, left nearly 2000 children separated from their parents.  As Bishop Parkes reminds us, as a nation and people of faith, we can and must do better. FIVE WAYS TO HELP STOP FAMILY SEPARATION Pray: You can find a prayer for migrant children here. On Wednesday, June …