Announcements ~ February 10, 2025
February 10, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2024/25 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant Recipients The Office of Life, Justice, and Advocacy is pleased to announce the 2024/25 Diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Mini Grant recipients. These grants of up to $1,000 are made possible by 25% of local CRS Rice Bowl contributions retained for diocesan use, over $90,000 has been distributed to outreach ministries in the Diocese …

Rev. Msgr. Joseph F. McCahon
February 6, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office learned of the passing of Monsignor Joseph Francis Xavier McCahon, 81, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain, on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his home in Tampa, Florida. Monsignor McCahon was born to Joseph and Martha (McNichol) McCahon on August 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, …

Clergy Change ~ January 27, 2025
February 3, 2025

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective February 1, 2025: RELIEVING Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers from Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, to the Pastoral Center with residence at St. Stephen Parish, Riverview.

Announcements ~ February 3, 2025
February 3, 2025

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage ConferenceMarried and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship …

Mrs. Therese Tylus
January 21, 2025

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Therese Tylus, 97, mother of Dr. Lois T. Locey, D.Min., Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, died peacefully in her sleep in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, January 20, 2025, surrounded by her daughters.  Mrs. Tylus began her service in the church in …

Reverend John R. Peterson
January 21, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Rev.  John R. Peterson, 88, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025.  Father Peterson was a priest from the Episcopal Church and the Father-in-Law of Mrs. Teresa Peterson, Director of Diocesan Information and Communications. Fr.  John Peterson is predeceased by his parents John and Marjorie …

Deacon Raymond Dever
January 13, 2025

The Diaconate sadly informs the passing of Deacon Raymond Dever, 74, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, while under Hospice care in Tampa.  Deacon Dever was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 3, 2009 and served at St. Paul Parish, Tampa until 2022.  He was subsequently incardinated into the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky in …

Mrs. Jeanne Woodke
January 6, 2025

The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Mrs. Jeanne Woodke, grandmother of Father Drew Woodke, Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, while under Hospice care. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, on Friday, January …

Mrs. Joyce Morgan
January 6, 2025

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office to the passing of Mrs. Joyce Morgan, 85, on January 3, 2025, following a recent illness.  She is the mother of Father Thomas Morgan, Rector of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, and Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg.  She is also the mother of Mrs. …

Announcements – December 2, 2024
December 2, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Marriage and Family Life Together in Holiness Marriage ConferenceMarried and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on March 8, 2025 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, FL. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your spouse and discover God’s plan for …

Announcements ~ November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Retirement Fund for Religious Collection December 7-8, 2024 Donations to this collection, will provide for the essential care, medicine, and daily needs of senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who have served for decades—usually for little to no pay.  Show your appreciation by supporting those who have given a lifetime. Donate to …

Clergy Changes ~ November 4, 2024
November 4, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointments: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Peter Okojie, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, as Chaplain for the African and Black Catholic Community in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective October 29, 2024, while continuing all other assignments. Deacon John Carter, from the …

Mr. Daniel T. Wright
October 28, 2024

We received word that Mr. Daniel T. Wright, of Gerald, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, after a long battle with liver disease and cancer. He is the brother of Mr. David Wright, Planning and Research Consultant for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Daniel is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon, …

Mr. Jairo Restrepo
October 21, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has recently learned of the death of Mr. Jairo Restrepo, on October 16, 2024, in Medellin, Colombia.  Mr. Restrepo is the brother of Reverend Nelson Restrepo, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Tampa. Funeral services took place on, October 17, 2024, in Colombia. Please keep Father Restrepo in your prayers as he travels …

Announcements ~ October 15, 2024
October 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Financial Contributions The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is an ongoing fund offering assistance to people impacted by natural disasters as they occur: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Since 2017, this fund has provided nearly $2 million dollars in disaster relief. Disasters occur quickly and unexpectedly, and our fund allows …

Announcements ~ October 7, 2024
October 4, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES FCCB General Election Resources A series of helpful election materials and guidelines from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) may be found at this link.: https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines.  Voter Guides in English and Spanish are included on the link. To view a voter guidance video from Bishop Parkes, please click here: https://shorturl.at/tD8s6. A Gulf …

Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock
September 30, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock, 82, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024.  Mrs. Cheslock is the mother of Sue Huertas, former Administrative Coordinator for the Offices of the Diaconate and Prison Ministry, and mother-in-law of Deacon Wil Huertas, Business Administrator of St. Cecelia Parish. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cheslock are …

Deacon Stephen F. Sablone
September 30, 2024

The Diaconate Office received word that Deacon Stephen F. Sablone, 79, a retired deacon of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord in Monday, September 23, 2024, while under Hospice care in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Deacon Sablone was ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and …

Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC
September 30, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC, 69, retired, long-time Catholic Charities employee, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2024.  Sr. Pam was the long-time leader of our Elderly Housing program and opened Mercy House (transitional housing for HIV/AIDS positive women) in 1997. Locally,  there will be a Mass of Resurrection, on …

Mr. Jose Attias
September 23, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jose Attias, 75, on September 16, 2024, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was the father of Mrs. Elena Attias, Administrative Assistant for Finance and Human Resources Offices at the Pastoral Center.  Mr. Attias was an Accountant and Lawyer in the Dominican Republic. The funeral …

Mr. Raymond E. Bassett
September 16, 2024

  The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mr. Raymond Eugene Bassett, age 80, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.   A master photographer, he was well known and trusted by families and companies in the Tampa Bay Area for more than 60 years.  Ray photographed bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, business portraits, passport photos, …

Mrs. Rita Conlin
September 16, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Rita M. Conlin, 61, on Sunday, September 15, 2024 after a battle with cancer.  She served as secretary at St. Rita Catholic Church, Dade City for many years.  Mrs. Conlin is survived by her husband, David, and other family members. All funeral services will take …

Announcements ~ September 16, 2024
September 16, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …

Clergy Appointment ~ September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment: Very Rev. Dermot J. Dunne, V.F. as Administrator pro tempore of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, effective September 14, 2024, continuing with all other assignments.

Deacon Michael J. Solomon
September 9, 2024

The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Deacon Michael Joseph Solomon, 86, on September 3, 2024.   He was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and served at Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa, from 1997 to 2008.  He was incardinated into the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, in January of 2010. …

Announcements ~ September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz.  Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …

Dr. George L. Bondar
September 3, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. George L. Bondar, D.O., 70, husband of the late Cathryn (Cathi) Bondar (d. 6/5/2021), long-time employee of St. Patrick Parish, Largo and bookkeeper/financial consultant to many parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Dr. Bondar died suddenly on Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was …

Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong
September 3, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong, father of Reverend Anthony Nyong, C.M., Chaplain at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg and in residence at St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg.   Mr. Nyong passed away in the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements have …

Announcements ~ September 3, 2024
September 3, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Together in Holiness Formation Series – Married CouplesThe Together in Holiness Formation series is a year-round marriage enrichment, specifically designed for those in their early years of marriage or with children in the home. If you’re looking to be a part of a small community of couples where you receive formation, support, and tools not …

Rev. Rafael E. Martos ~ Update
August 19, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Rafael Eduardo Martos Nimer, 64, Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Advent Health Hospital, Tampa, following a months-long battle with cancer. Father Martos was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and was ordained to the priesthood …

Mrs. Norma Signore
August 19, 2024

We have received word that Mrs. Norma Signore, 106, mother of Pastoral Center’s retired employee Phil Signore, passed away  on July 31 2024. She was a life-long Roman Catholic, a member of Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater, for 42 years, and a member of St. Michael The Archangel Parish, Clearwater, since 2023.  She was an …

Clergy Changes ~ Incardination
August 19, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardinations: Reverend Rafael Martos, [formerly of Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba], Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective August 15, 2024. Reverend Jesús Martínez, [formerly Diocese of Santa Clara, Cuba], Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia …

Mrs. Katharina Chacko
August 19, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Katharina Chacko, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in India. Mrs. Chacko is the mother of Reverend Saji James, M.S.T., Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her seven children and other extended family members. …

Mrs. Sheryl Boyle
August 19, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Sheryl Boyle, 73, mother of Reverend Ryan Boyle, J.C.L., a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on loan to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. Mrs. Boyle passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Mrs. Boyle is survived by her spouse of …