March 30, 1937 – February 21, 2020Reverend Francis (Frank) Burshnick, S.C.J., 82, a retired member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, February 21, 2020, at the Sacred Heart Residence, in Pinellas Park, where he has resided since October 2007.During his 12-plus years in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, …
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DIOCESAN OFFICES Sunday Gospel Reflection by Bishop Gregory Parkes Now Available for Bulletins Invitation to Worship, the bishop’s Sunday Gospel reflection that airs on Spirit FM 90.5 is now available to be published in your church’s bulletin starting March 1, 2020. Parishes can receive the reflection via email (about 250 words) as a Word document …
Mr. Bernard P. (Bernie) Schneider, 83, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020. Mr. Schneider was a teacher at Bishop Barry High School, St. Petersburg from 1964 to 1973. He also served in the Stewardship Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1972 to 1983, after which he served in the same capacity in …
Mrs. Carol Ann Young, 65, wife of Mr. Terry Young, Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020. Mrs. Young is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Terry, along with four children, ten grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters and extended family members. A memorial service …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers (BICM) Workshops Presented by the Multicultural Ministry and Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute offices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. BICM is an initiative from the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church designed to introduce ministry leaders to a basic awareness and proficiency in the area of …
Birth: March 27, 1936 Religious Profession: September 8, 1957 Death: February 10, 2020 We sadly announce to all of you the passing of Brother Joseph V. Tortorici, SDB in the early morning of Monday, February 10, 2020. Visitation will be held at Mary Help of Christians Church in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 …
January 1, 1943 – February 3, 2020Monsignor Gerard M. (“Father Gerry”) Finegan, 77, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice, passed away in the Lord on February 3, 2020, surrounded by his sisters and close friends. Prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Venice in 1984, Monsignor Finegan assisted in the Diocese of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers (BICM) Workshops Presented by the Multicultural Ministry and Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute offices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. BICM is an initiative from the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church designed to introduce ministry leaders to a basic awareness and proficiency in the area of …
We sadly inform the passing of Mr. Paul D. Ortelli, Jr., 58, brother of Mrs. Tammie Laurito, Payroll Manager at the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg. He passed away at home on Monday, January 27, 2020. Mr. Ortelli is survived by his loving wife Brenda, daughters Jessica Velez (Rey), Stephanie Dangerfield (Gary) and Shannen Walker (Derrick), …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SEND US YOUR ASH WEDNESDAY PHOTOS Ash Wednesday is “the day when a smudge on the forehead, for those who understand it, means I’ll try to do better. I’ll do what Lent asks: more prayer, more sacrifice, more almsgiving” – Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, RSM. Share you Ash Wednesday photos with us as …
The Chancellor’s Office has been notified of the death of Mrs. Mary Carruthers, 95, mother of Monsignor Michael Carruthers, Parochial Administrator of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, late Monday evening, January 27, 2020, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Place, St. Petersburg. She had experienced a rapid decline in health since last August. Mrs. Carruthers was …
November 30, 1922 – January 23, 2020 The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the death of Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, 97, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, on Thursday January 23, 2020, while under nursing care in New Canaan, Connecticut. He resided in the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1979 to 2007, during …
Deacon Julio Vazquez, 72, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of 33 years. Deacon Vazquez was ordained for the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut, on June 13, 1992 and moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March, 1999. He was assigned to Incarnation Parish in Tampa until …
We are sad to announce that Deacon Rudolph “Rudi” Fernandes, 70, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Queenie, of 38 years. Deacon Fernandes was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 19, 2013 and assigned to St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs. In September 2014, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Lenten Prayer Opportunity: Receive “Be Courageous Daily Reflections” Sign up for the Be Courageous Daily Reflection! These reflections examine the Scripture of the day, including a question to think about in relation to your own life and a prayer intention for the day. The reflections feature a variety of writers from around the Diocese of …
Deacon Frank Chiappetta, 84 passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020. He is survived by his wife Doris, of 62 years. Deacon Chiappetta was ordained for the Diocese of Bridgeport on June 13, 1981 and moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in June 2014, where he was assigned to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES What Happens When Abuse Is Reported? All people who hold positions of trust in Catholic institutions are mandated by law to report child abuse. Teachers, teacher’s aides, and counselors in our schools; clergy, directors of faith formation and youth ministers in our parishes; therapists and social workers in our counseling agencies; nurses and …
Word has been received of the death of Sister Alice Belanger, RC, 90, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Sister Alice was a long time resident of St. Petersburg, most recently living at the Fountains in St. Petersburg. She was employed by St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg, from 1982 to 2004, and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES What Happens When Abuse Is Reported?All people who hold positions of trust in Catholic institutions are mandated by law to report child abuse. Teachers, teacher’s aides, and counselors in our schools; clergy, directors of faith formation and youth ministers in our parishes; therapists and social workers in our counseling agencies; nurses and doctors …
The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Mizener, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Countryside Lakes Assisted Living Facility, Port Orange, Florida, following a lengthy illness. He had resided at Countryside Lakes since 2014. Father Mizener was one of five children born …
Mrs. Carol Ann Russell, 84, passed away in the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, following a lengthy decline in health. She was the mother of Mrs. Heidi Varley, Assistant Director of our diocesan Office of Vocations and Mrs. Marie Reed, a fifth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, …
Mrs. Mary Lou Goldych, 84, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday, December 15, 2019. Mrs. Goldych retired from the Diocese on July 2004. She worked as the Secretary of the Catholic Formation and Education Office from November 1995 until her retirement in 2004. She was born on December 20, 1934, in Matawan, New Jersey, to Mary …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Marriage and Family Life (Please put the following in your parish bulletin and pulpit announcements as many times as possible prior to the deadline.) The Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving with Bishop Gregory Parkes will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr. Arogyam Anthony, 79, stepfather of Reverend Edison Bernavas, I.C., Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seffner. Mr. Anthony passed away on December 10, 2019, in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He is survived by his wife, Elthrow, six children, including Father Bernavas, and eleven grandchildren. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES CHRISTMAS EVE MASS WITH BISHOP GREGORY PARKES TO BE LIVE VIDEO STREAMED FOR THE HOMEBOUND The joyous celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg will be live-streamed starting at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. To view on your …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective November 11, 2019: Upon notification by Very Rev. Timothy Zak, S.D.B., Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco: APPPOINTMENT Rev. John Bosco Lee, S.D.B., appointed as Parochial Vicar, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Tampa. RELIEF Rev. Benjamin Kim, S.D.B., relieved as …
DIOCESAN OFFICES CHRISTMAS EVE MASS WITH BISHOP GREGORY PARKES TO BE LIVE VIDEO STREAMED FOR THE HOMEBOUND The joyous celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg will be live-streamed starting at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2019. To view on your …
The Chancellor’s Office was recently notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Andre Grauls, S.D.B., 84, Saturday morning, November 30, 2019, at Suncoast Care Center, St. Petersburg. For the past year, he was under nursing care at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. Before his transfer to Maria Manor, Father Grauls lived with his fellow …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Days at the Capitol Make the Trip and Make a Difference! January 28-29, 2020, returning January 30th. 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. We will also be joined …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Mrs. Amy E. Lounsbury on November 19, 2019. Mrs. Lounsbury was former Director of Transfiguration Early Childhood Center, St. Petersburg. She is survived by husband, Douglas, two boys, Nathaniel and Jonathan, parents and sisters. Funeral arrangements have not been made public. Please keep her family …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Days at the Capitol Make the Trip and Make a Difference! January 28-29, 2020, returning January 30th. 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. We will also be joined …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Reverend John Joseph Braun, M. Afr., 88, on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg, following a major stroke. Prior to his hospitalization and transfer to nursing care, Father Braun (aka “Father Joe”) lived with his fellow Missionaries of Africa at …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Congratulations St. Jude Medal Award Honorees On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to representatives from parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service to the community. To see the list of this …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Congratulations St. Jude Medal Award Honorees On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes will present the St. Jude Medal Award to representatives from parishes for their distinguished and outstanding service to the community. To see the list of this …
Our office has received word of the passing of Brian J. Moschetto, son of Deacon Sam & Pat Moschetto from St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs, on October 31, 2019. The viewing for Brian will take place on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dobies Funeral Home located at …
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The Chancellor’s Office received word of the death of Mr. James Joseph Potocnak, 76, younger brother of Most Reverend Joseph Potocnak, S.C.J., retired Bishop of De Aar, South Africa and in residence with the Sacred Heart Fathers, Pinellas Park. Mr. Potocnak was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and a retired police officer. Additional biographical details …
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The Chancellor’s Office has received word that Mrs. Trinidad Chavez Belgica, 80, mother of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on October 31, 2019 in the Philippines. Information on her family and address for expressions of sympathy can be found in the notice at this link. Please …
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Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective November 1, 2019: RELIEVINGReverend Carlos J. Borgos [San Cristobal, La Habana, Cuba] as Parochial Vicar of St. Rita Parish, Dade City. Father Borgos has accepted a position as Parochial Vicar of Holy Child of Jesus Parish, Richmond Hill, NY.
DIOCESAN OFFICES A Promise to Protect Occasionally, parishioners and parents of Catholic school students will inquire about the safety of our parishes and schools when it comes to prevention of child sexual abuse. Please see the following link (PDF doc.) to find a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the commitment of our Diocese to …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Urge Governor DeSantis to stay execution of James Dailey, a veteran with evidence of innocence James Dailey is scheduled to be executed on November 7th. Dailey, who was sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, has a strong case for innocence. The Catholic bishops of Florida have written to …
As a result of the pending merger of Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg with the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Pastoral Mission, Largo, resulting in the newly named Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective October 21, 2019: APPOINTMENT Pastor Reverend Nguyen Vu …
DIOCESAN OFFICES National Vocation Awareness Week The Office of Vocations invites you to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life during National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9, 2019. The theme for this year is Family: the Foundation for Vocations. Vocation awareness week is an opportunity to promote a culture of vocations across the Diocese. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Do You Have Courageous Faith?Living our faith is counter-cultural and we need inspiration from others who are on the same journey. That’s what Courageous Faith, the e-newsletter from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, seeks to provide. If you are a ministry leader who is searching for ways to evangelize the culture or if you are …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Religious Jubilee MassOn Sunday, October 13, 2019, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the Religious Jubilee of twelve men and women who have reached milestones in their commitment to the Church through their Congregations. Representing a total of 715 years of consecrated service to the People of God, the religious will renew …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Tune In To Spirit FM 90.5 and Listen to Bishop Gregory ParkesBe sure to tune in to Spirit FM 90.5 radio for the program, A View from the Top with Bishop Parkes each Friday at 11:30 a.m. This radio program provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. Also, you can subscribe to the …
We are saddened to announce that Deacon William “Bill” Diaz passed away on Sunday September 22, 2019. He is survived by his wife Violet of 68 years. Deacon Bill was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 2, 1987 and was assigned to Christ the King Parish in Tampa. During his active years …
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DIOCESAN OFFICES Tune In To Spirit FM 90.5 and Listen to Bishop Gregory Parkes Be sure to tune in to Spirit FM 90.5 radio for the program, A View from the Top with Bishop Parkes each Friday at 11:30 a.m. This radio program provides a candid and hopeful conversation on current events. Also, you can …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Chosen by Him – A Day of Reflection & Discernment for Women The Office of Vocations will host Chosen by Him – A Day of Reflection & Discernment for Women, on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 am until 2 pm at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Hear …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Monsignor Avelino Garcia The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Monsignor Avelino Garcia, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on September 1, 2019, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy Life, Justice and Advocacy Day Saturday, October 5, 2019, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. St. Patrick Parish (4518 S. Manhattan Ave. Tampa). How to Talks to Kids about Things No One Wants to Talk About- Dr. Lori Puterbaugh will help parents and parish leaders learn …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of Life, Justice & Advocacy For Immediate Attention As you may know, the State of Florida executed a Death Row prisoner last Thursday. Please share the following Prayers of the Faithful with the person that prepares your prayers for daily and weekend Masses. It is important that we pray for …
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mrs. Sophie Carroll The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Mrs. Sophie Carroll, age 81, on July 23, 2019. Mrs. Carroll was a long-time employee of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg, as well as …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Catholic Bulls Are Invited to Help Kick-Off the New School Year! The Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida is having a Welcome Home Weekend for students, parents, alumni, and friends of the CSU. Saturday, August 24, 5:00 p.m. – Vigil Mass followed by a followed by a festive event with …
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 …