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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES CRS Rice Bowl As Masses are being suspended and schools closed, the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and sacrifice offer support on our journey. CRS Rice Bowl offers a variety of resources in both English and Spanish at crsricebowl.org or crsplatodearroz.org that can be done safely in the home with families accessing …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Theresa (Terry) Pellegrino, 100, mother of Monsignor Joseph Pellegrino, Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, passed away in the Lord on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, while under Hospice care in Palm Harbor. Mrs. Pellegrino is preceded in death by her loving husband Henry …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A VIEW FROM THE TOP In the March 26, 2020 edition of A View From the Top, Bishop Parkes addresses the many challenges and opportunities our parishes and faithful encounter in dealing with the Corona Virus. He addresses questions on Holy Week, alternatives to Mass attendance and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES SEND US YOUR SACRED TRIDUUM AND EASTER SUNDAY PHOTOSWe are looking for photos that show how your parish celebrated the Sacred Triduum and Easter Sunday. Possible photos to submit might be from your parish’s Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, from reenacting the Living Stations, photos from the Easter Vigil Mass, or from …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Hispanic Office POSPUESTOS ~ Talleres para el “Desarrollo de la competencia intercultural de los ministros” (BICM, siglas en inglés) Para salvaguardar el bienestar de nuestros feligreses, estudiantes y empleados y de apoyar a los funcionarios de la salud pública en su labor para reducir la propagación del nuevo coronavirus, los dos …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Harry McAteer, brother of retired priest Rev. James McAteer, passed away on March 10, 2020, in Ireland. He died peacefully with his family, including Father McAteer, with him. Beloved husband of Catherine and dear father of Bernard, John, Martin and James. He will be sadly missed by …
Marjorie Ann Ridenour, 98, mother of David Ridenour, Tribunal Coordinator, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Annandale, Virginia, following a brief illness. Mrs. Ridenour was a long-time member of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach. A Funeral Mass is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 27, 2020 at St. Ambrose, Annandale, …
We received the news of the passing of Sister Barbara Joseph, OSF, on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Wake will be Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at St Elizabeth Convent, 3000 N Perry Ave, in Tampa, followed by a funeral Mass. + May her soul and the souls …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Rodney Kissinger, S.J., 104, a retired member of the Society of Jesus, Central and Southern Province, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Father Kissinger was born on June 14, 1915 and enjoyed 66 years of priestly ministry and nearly 78 years as a member of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 3ra Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “ABRAMOS NUESTROS CORAZONES” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 18 de abril, 2020 en el salón social de la parroquia de Nativity, Brandon. Conferenciantes invitados: Padre Domingo Rodríguez y el Sr. Javier Maldonado. La Santa Misa será presidida por monseñor Gregory L. Parkes. Los boletos incluyen el almuerzo y el estacionamiento. Boletos individuales: $35. Combo de padre/hijo: $20 cada uno. En la puerta (si quedaran): $40. Para obtener boletos y más información visita: http://suncoastcatholicministries.com/espanol. // …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 3ra Conferencia Anual Hispana para Hombres “ABRAMOS NUESTROS CORAZONES” Presentada por la Diócesis de St. Petersburg y Suncoast Catholic Ministries. El evento será el sábado 18 de abril, 2020 en el salón social de la parroquia de Nativity, Brandon. Conferenciantes invitados: Padre Domingo Rodríguez y el Sr. Javier Maldonado. La Santa Misa será presidida por monseñor Gregory L. Parkes. Los boletos incluyen el almuerzo y el estacionamiento. Boletos individuales: $35. Combo de padre/hijo: $20 cada uno. En la puerta (si quedaran): $40. Para obtener boletos y más información visita: http://suncoastcatholicministries.com/espanol. …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Joyce Louise Brown, 88, mother of Reverend Stephan Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early Friday morning, February 28, 2020, at her home in Atlanta, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are as follows: A Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will …
December 21, 1927 – February 27, 2020 Reverend Nino G. Viviano, a retired priest of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at his long-time residence in Clearwater. Father Viviano was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Alexandria …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective March 9, 2020: MEDICAL LEAVE Reverend Dayan Machado, Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Dade City, granted temporary medical leave. APPOINTMENTS Reverend Pedro Zapata, from Parochial Vicar of St. Clement Parish, Plant City to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Rita Parish, …
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, …
Continue reading “Reverend Francis J. (Frank) Burshnick, S.C.J.”
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 …