DIOCESAN OFFICES Diocesan Audit Results Did you know that an independent audit conducted in September 2020 determined that the Diocese of St. Petersburg is once again in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Among the information revealed during the audit, it …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top On this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about 40 Days for Life and the upcoming election. Also discussed is the recent arson at a local parish, Bishop Parkes’ reflection on his brother being ordained Bishop of Savannah, and the use of social media …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual White Mass The annual White Mass will be held on Saturday October 24, 2020 for physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals in our diocese. Vigil 4:00 pm Mass will be presided over by Bishop Gregory Parkes at the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross located on the campus of Jesuit High …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend John Vakulskas, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, passed away at Mercy One Hospital, in Sioux City, Iowa on Sunday evening, September 27, 2020, following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Father Vakulskas assisted in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Beware of Imposter Social Media Accounts If you receive a social media direct message or Facebook message from Bishop Gregory Parkes, please be aware that is an imposter account. Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media using Facebook Messenger or direct messaging. Also, please be sure you are following the official …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Alice “Louise” Nkoy, 81, mother of Reverend Emery Longanga, Ph.D., Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her death occurred after a battle with cancer. No …
Word reached our office that Reverend Conrad Harkins, O.F.M., 85 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 65 years and a priest for 59, died on August 31, 2020 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where he had lived since last year. He spent most of his religious life in academia and was …
Reverend Simeon Thole, O.S.B., age 85, died peacefully in the Saint Raphael Hall retirement center at Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN, on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Simeon (James) Thole was born in Moorhead, MN, April 21, 1935, made his profession as a monk of Saint John’s Abbey July 11, 1956 and was ordained on June 2, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about diocesan disaster relief assistance, the blessing of catechists in the church, Catholic cemeteries and respect for the body, and good study bibles and habits of study. To listen to the podcast, visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/bishop/a-view-from-the-top/. …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Sister Irene Lucy Onyai, 56, of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, Uganda (LSMIG), on Friday, September 4, 2020, in Kampala, Uganda. Her tragic death resulted from complications due to COVID-19. Sister Irene has been a friend of the Diocese of St. Petersburg since …
Word reached our office that Brother Bill Orosz, O.S.B., 90 years old, passed away on September 10, 2020. A viewing with mid-afternoon prayer will be celebrated in the Saint Leo Abbey Church, 33601 State Rd 52, St Leo, FL 33574, on Tuesday, September 15, at 3:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at 4:00 pm. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In the newest episode of A View from the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares memories of his grandparents, discusses how important language is for the validity of Sacraments, the inspired Word of God, the Season of Creation that Pope Francis is asking Catholics to observe and the return …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s A View From the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes addresses keeping the Lord’s Day holy, how the church addresses political issues and candidates, and the two-year update on the diocesan vision, Courageously Living the Gospel. To listen to the podcast please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3m0Z4L4. How …
Word has been received of the death of Brother Valerian Vaverehak, OFM, on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Maria Manor in St. Petersburg. Funeral arrangements for Brother, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years, are pending. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Monsignor George W. Cummings, 102, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and Pastor Emeritus of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Citrus Springs, early Saturday morning, August 8, 2020, at the Sturgill Hospice House, Brooksville. Please see complete obituary at this link.
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s A View From the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares the joy from the ordination of Bishop David Toups, the opening of Catholic Schools in our diocese, the day of fast and prayer to end racism, and how to pray. To listen to the podcast please …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s A View From the Top podcast, Bishop Gregory Parkes teaches on the Solemnity of Assumption of Mary, the passing of two diocesan priests, the ordination of three priests, the diaconate, and the return to schools for our local students. Click here to listen. How To …
We were saddened to learn that Reverend James Alfred Bucaria, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away suddenly at his home in Largo, presumably due to cardiac arrest. His date of death is listed as Thursday, July 30, 2020. Father Bucaria was born in Weatherford, Texas on December 1, 1944, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this episode of A View From the Top, we present “the best of” Bishop Gregory Parkes podcasts and you will hear how Bishop Parkes discusses the role of the Church in the upcoming elections, Encuentro, Focus 11 and his personal call to the priesthood. Click here to …
The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mrs. Mary Punakkattu, 86, mother of Reverend Sojan Punakkattu, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Citrus Springs, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, August 2, 2020, in Calicut, Kerala, India, following a lengthy period of illness. Mrs. Punakkattu is survived by eight children, including Father Punakkattu, thirteen grandchildren …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this episode of A View From the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes reflects on his brother, Father Stephen Parkes, being named Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah. Bishop also speaks on the economic impact of the COVID pandemic on churches and government assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, as well …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2020: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by the Right Reverend Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey, Reverend Joseph M. Paek, O.S.B. as Parochial Vicar of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs.
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the TopIn this episode of A View From the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks out about the recent destruction of St. Junipero Serra statues in California. Plus, he speaks about the need to preserve our religious freedom so we may freely live and teach the faith. He also reflects on …
We are saddened to announce the passing of Reverend Mario Marzocchi, S.S.S., 84, a retired priest of the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament. He passed away in the Lord at Regina Health Center, Richfield, Ohio on Friday, June 26, 2020, following a brief illness. Father Marzocchi, was born in New York City. He was …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In this week’s “Best of” edition of A View from the Top, we look back on New Year’s resolutions, setting priorities in our lives, the value of spiritual retreats and what the church says about vices. Follow the following link to listen to the podcast: shorturl.at/lvBC2 Preventing Child …
We are saddened to announce the passing of Deacon Joe Polcari on Saturday, June 13, 2020. He was a retired deacon from St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Clearwater. His wife Teresa passed in 2014. Deacon Joe was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 2, 1982. He moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg …
We are saddened to share this notice from Saint Leo Abbey: “Early this morning [June 10, 2020], our confrere, Father Robert Velten, OSB, died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Father Robert was born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1926. Before joining our monastic community in 1948, he bravely …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2020: APPOINTMENTS School Pastor Reverend Kyle Bell as Pastor of Guardian Angels Interparochial Catholic School, Clearwater, continuing with other assignments. Dean/Vicar Forane Very Reverend Arthur J. Proulx as Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery, continuing with other assignments. RELIEVE Rev. Msgr. …
We received the sad news that Mrs. Claire E. Norman, 96, mother of Laurie Fleming, from Internal Services Administration of the Pastoral Center, passed away this weekend. Private services will be at Memorial Park, St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Expressions of condolence to Laurie and family can be send to her at Diocese …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the TopIn the June 3, 2020 edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Gregory Parkes addresses the return to Sunday Mass, the civil unrest stemming from the George Floyd death, communication censorship and overcoming fear to courageously carry out God’s mission for you. Follow the following link to listen …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View From the Top In the May 20, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes announces the resuming of Sunday Masses at Pentecost, discusses the recent video roundtable on the document Laudato Si, the diocesan and parish finances during the pandemic and his encounters with Saint Pope John Paul …
We have been informed that Mrs. Mary C. Wartenbe, 94, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Mary worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1978 to 1994, having served as Secretary in the Stewardship Office and as diocesan Archivist. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Griffin. Funeral services will …
The Chancellor’s Office received the sad news that Mr. John Wiles, husband of Mrs. Terri Wiles, passed away on May 17, 2020. Terri works in the Finance Office of the Pastoral Center. Mr. Wiles was diagnosed with double pneumonia late last week and was admitted to the hospital. For the past few months, he endured …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective August 1, 2020: Upon presentation by the Very Reverend Joseph J. Lehman, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Reverend Alberto Bueno, T.O.R., as Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa.
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Frances Ortiz, 84, wife of Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz, retired from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, on May 4, 2020. She is pre deceased by her son, David Ortiz; she is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Augie …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top Podcast In the May 6, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes talks about resuming daily Masses at diocesan parishes, Mother’s Day and moms, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Listen to the podcast at this link: https://bit.ly/2LhXeUK. PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Saint …
PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Saint Leo University Offering Free Online Enrichment Courses During Pandemic Saint Leo University is offering free enrichment courses to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Faculty representing many degree programs will teach 10 self-paced courses on topics ranging from budget baking and backyard birding to quarantine spirituality for the family. The …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective July 1, 2020: Upon conferral with Very Reverend Pasala Jojappa, A.L.C.P., Provincial Superior of the Apostolic Life Community of Priests, India Province, Reverend Mathew K. Abraham, A.L.C.P., from Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills. Father Abraham is being transferred to …
Reverend Gerald Dolan, O.F.M., 89, who resided at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg from 2009 to February 2020, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 after testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. Father Dolan was a professed member of the Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province for 68 years and a priest for over 63 years. …
Mrs. Patricia Ann (Sullivan) Kayajan, 86, mother of Reverend Daniel Kayajan, C.S.C., Pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, passed away on April 30, 2020, in New Hampshire. Mrs. Kayajan was a resident of Middleboro, Massachusetts. Private funeral services took place on Saturday, May 2, 2020 with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Middleboro, Massachusetts. More …
Monsignor John Vargas, 83, former Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Troy, Michigan. He was a priest of the Diocese of Virac, Philippines, and was ordained in 1966. He served at Incarnation from 2002 to 2006, and also assisted while in residence in 2007 …
Mrs. Annie Sebastian, 78, mother of Reverend Henry K. Sebastian, I.C., Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, passed away suddenly on May 3, 2020, due to a heart attack. Mrs. Sebastian lived in Ezhupunna, India, at the time of her death. She was the wife of Konnoth Sebastian and is survived by one daughter, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Fraudulent Social Media Activity We have become aware that at least one person was contacted by someone using Instagram pretending to be Bishop Gregory Parkes. Please be advised that Bishop Parkes does not contact individuals on social media. If you become aware of any suspicious activity of this type, …
This past weekend, the Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Midili) Plazewski, 87, mother of Very Reverend Leonard Plazewski, V.F., Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2020, in Zephyrhills. Mrs. Plazewski was born in San Antonio, Florida in 1932 and was a lifelong …
On Thursday, April 23, 2020, we learned of the death of Reverend Arcangelo Manzi, O. de M., 81, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, due to complications from the COVID-19 coronavirus. Father Manzi resided with the Mercedarian community at the St. Peter Nolasco Residence and served as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral Parish of St. Jude …
DIOCESAN OFFICES OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Protection from the Pandemic – Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us Bishop Gregory Parkes invites all to gather together via Livestream on Saturday, May 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for prayer and devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As one Church, we will place …
Sister Caroline J. Cerveny, SSJ-TOSF, 76, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. She lived in Clearwater and was a member of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor. She was a long-time member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Sister Cerveny …
The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Jose Belgica, 88, father of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in his native Philippines. Mr. Belgica was preceded in death by his wife, Trinidad, who passed away last October. Mr. Belgica is survived by his …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2020, unless otherwise indicated: APPOINTMENTS Pastors Reverend John J. Blum, from Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach and Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery to Pastor of St. Timothy Parish, Lutz. Reverend Timothy Sherwood, from …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Easter Message from Bishop Gregory ParkesTo view the bishop’s Easter Video Message and to view all of the Holy Week liturgies with Bishop Gregory Parkes, follow this link https://bit.ly/2V5MfDW. A View from the Top PodcastIn the April 10, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes shares his thoughts on the …