Obituary ~ January 3, 2017
January 3, 2017

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers: Mr. Michael Kosiba Mr. Michael Kosiba, 66, former diocesan chair of the Committee on Catholic Scouting, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, while at Tampa General Hospital.  Mike and his wife, Judy were parishioners of Christ …

Obituary ~ December 19, 2016
December 19, 2016

  Mr. Ronald J. Pacana Mr. Ronald J. Pacana, 65, husband of Mrs. Kim Pacana, Secretary at the Tribunal Office, passed away on December 6, 2016.   Mr. Pacana is survived by wife, Kim; children, Nicole (Ron), Heather (Steve), Eric (Katie); three grandchildren; loving siblings. Funeral Mass was celebrated on December 16 at Light of Christ …

Obituary ~ December 5, 2016
December 5, 2016

Reverend Elmer McDonald (1924 – 2016) We recently learned of the passing of Reverend Elmer McDonald, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rochester, on Sunday, December 4, 2016.  Father McDonald spent most of his retirement years in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, providing assistance to St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach and serving as …

Clergy Changes ~ November 21, 2016
November 21, 2016

  Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective November 20, 2016: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial , Reverend David J. Tickerhoof, T.O.R., as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg.

Obituaries ~ October 17, 2016
October 17, 2016

Mrs. Carolyn Lanier We received word that Mrs. Carolyn Lanier, mother of Father Fred McGuire (deceased), passed away peacefully October 14, at a nursing home in Cincinnati, OH. Her funeral is Tuesday, October 18, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Trenton, OH where the family has worshiped for many years. Condolences to Carolyn’s …

22 Students from Espiritu Santo Catholic School Qualify for Duke TIP
October 14, 2016

Congratulations to the 22 seventh grade students whose excellent performance on the Iowa Assessments has qualified them for the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). For two years in a row, over 40% of Espiritu’s students in grade seven have qualified for this nationally-recognized program. When students are given the opportunity to learn in an …

Event Cancellation ~ The Power Of God’s Mercy
September 26, 2016

Please note: The presentation by Sr. Helen Prejean scheduled for Sunday, October 16, 2016, at St. Lawrence Parish has been cancelled. Sr. Helen is spending time with her sister in her sister’s final days of life. Please pray for the Prejean family.    

Obituaries ~ September 6, 2016
September 6, 2016

Rev. Msgr. Laurence E. Higgins, Pastor Emeritus, St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa Click here for more information. Well done good and faithful servant.

Clergy Changes ~ August 22, 2016
August 22, 2016

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: Appointment Rev. Francisco Hernandez, Diocese of Caguas, Puerto Rico, as Parochial Vicar, Incarnation Parish, Tampa, effective August 1, 2016. Relieve Reverend Joseph H. Chong, S.D.B. as Parochial Vicar of Mary, Help of Christians Parish, Tampa, effective July 5, 2016.  Father Chong …

Deacons Update
August 8, 2016

The Diaconate Office informed the following changes: Deacon Matthew and Joyce Skulicz granted Inactive/Retired status effective June 1, 2016. Deacon Bill and Joann Gorman, from St. Brendan, Clearwater, assigned to the Office of the Diaconate, effective July 1, 2016. Deacon David and Sandy Lesieur reassignment from Corpus Christi, Temple Terrace, to St. Mary, Tampa, effective …

Clergy Changes ~ July 11, 2016
July 11, 2016

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: RELIEVE AND OTHER CHANGES Rev. Victor Amorose, from Parochial Vicar of Nativity, Brandon, and assigned to the Pastoral Center, effective July 1, 2016.  Father Amorose will be studying in Rome. Rev. Jairo L. Atehortua, C.M., from Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, …

Prayers for the Orlando Victims
June 13, 2016

USCCB President Reacts to “Unspeakable Violence” in Orlando A statement from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  WASHINGTON – Waking up to the unspeakable violence in Orlando reminds us of how precious human life is. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and all those …

Obituaries ~ June 13, 2016
June 13, 2016

Mrs. Linda Holtfreter We received word of the recent passing of Mrs. Linda Holtfreter, 69, sister of Father David Engbarth, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, residing and assisting in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. A Memorial Mass for Mrs. Holtfreter was held today, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, …

Clergy Changes ~ May 31, 2016
May 31, 2016

  Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes: APPOINTMENT Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Carruthers [Archdiocese of Miami] as Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia, Clearwater, effective July 1, 2016. Rev. Stephan Brown, S.V.D. as Parochial Vicar of St. Paul, Tampa, effective August 1, 2016. Upon presentation by …

Obituary ~ May 9, 2016
May 16, 2016

Rev. Matthew Cyvas Fr. Cyvas, a retired priest from St. Casimir Lithuanian Mission, passed away on May 2, 2016. Click here for more information.   * * May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace.

Obituary ~ April 25, 2016
April 25, 2016

  Brian J. Sweeney, Calvary Cemetery Mr. Sweeney, 73, bookkeeper at Calvary, passed April 21, 2016. He is survived by children, Tim and Maureen Nelson of St. Pete Beach, Christopher Sweeney of Archdale, NC, and Marc and Kathleen Hoefler of Beavercreek, OH, and other relatives. Funeral Services –Visitation on April 25, at Brett Funeral Home, …

Obituary ~ April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016

Deacon Winston McDonald Word reached the Office of the Diaconate that Deacon Winston McDonald, from St. Justin Martyr Parish in Seminole, passed away last night, April 17, 2016. The Funeral Services are as follows: Wake Service: Sunday, April 24th, 2016 from 2 pm – 7 pm, Vigil Service at 6:30 pm at Serenity Gardens, 13401 …

Obituary ~ April 11, 2016
April 11, 2016

Mrs. Rosa Varkey, mother of Rev. George P. Varkey, M.S.T. We were recently informed that Mrs. Rosa Varkey, 93, passed away in the Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in India.  She is the mother of Father George Varkey, MST, Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey. Please pray for a safe journey …

Clergy Changes ~ April 11, 2016 (Updated)
April 11, 2016

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2016, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT Rev. Msgr. Avelino Garcia, from Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, granted retirement status. Rev. Gregory Andrews, from Pastoral Center [assisting parishes], granted retirement status. Rev. Ralph Argentino, from Director, Catholic …

Obituary ~ March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016

Rev. Angelus Migliore, T.O.R. Pastor Emeritus, St. Patrick Parish, Tampa Word has reached the Chancellor’s Officce that Rev. Angelus Migliore, T.O.R., Pastor Emeritus of St. Patrick Parish, Tampa, has passed away very peacefully today, Monday, March 28, 2016. More details here. The funeral arrangements are as follows: Thursday, March 31 at St. Patrick Parish, 4520 S. …

Holy Week and Easter
March 21, 2016

May this Holy Week be a time of reflection and thanksgiving. May we reflect in the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice in the cross for us and may we use this time to thank God, once more, for the gift of salvation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And as we sing “Alleluia” in celebration of …

Obituary ~ March 14, 2016
March 14, 2016

Richard (Dick) Klein  Mr. Klein passed on Saturday, March 5, 2016 in Seminole Florida.  Dick was an active member of St. Justin, Martyr Parish, and a past recipient of the St Jude Award.  He is survived by his family, including his sister, Sister Suzanne (Sue) Klein, O.P. of St Petersburg. Funeral arrangements, under the Direction of …

Obituary ~ March 7, 2016
March 7, 2016

Reverend Raymond Vega, S.C.J. We received word that Father Raymond Vega, SCJ, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at the retirement community house of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, in Pinellas Park.  Father Vega was ordained for the Sacred Heart Fathers in 1973.  He served as Associate Director of the community’s retirement …

Clergy Appointment ~ February 1, 2016
February 1, 2016

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective February 1, 2016: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend Kevin J. Mullen, O.F.M., Provincial Minister, Reverend Michael T. Reyes, O.F.M., as Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa.

Obituary ~ February 1, 2016
February 1, 2016

Paul Kenneth Jastrem Mr. Jastrem, age 68, St. Petersburg, formerly of Lawrence, MA, passed away December 29, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.  He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1964.  In 1973, Paul moved to St. Petersburg and continued his career as organist at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and …

Obituary ~ Jan 25, 2016
January 25, 2016

We received word that Father Alfonso Pagliara, O.F.M. Cap., 90, passed away in the Lord early Tuesday morning, January 19, 2016.  “Father Al,” as he was known, served as Parochial Vicar of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa for 23 years, from 1986 to 1995 and again from 1998 until the Capuchins left the parish in …

Vocation Awareness Workshop
January 5, 2016

VOCATION AWARENESS WORKSHOP The Office of Vocations would like to invite all who are interested in promoting vocation awareness to a special workshop, Creating a Culture of Vocations By Living a Life of Joy and Fulfillment. Location:    Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Dr., Lutz, FL 33558 Date:            Saturday, January 23, 2016, from 8:00a.m. ? 1:30 …

Clergy Changes ~ December 2015
December 21, 2015

Clergy Appointment   Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective December 12, 2015:   APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by Very Reverend William Miller, I.C., Provincial Superior, Institute of Charity, Reverend Christopher J. Fuse, I.C. as Parochial Vicar of St. Theresa Parish, Spring Hill.

Special Collection
December 7, 2015

Special Collection: Retirement Fund for Religious December 12-13, 2015 Aging religious need your help. In the United States today, there are more than 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. These religious worked tirelessly in Catholic schools, hospitals, and agencies, usually for little to no pay. As a result, many religious communities lack …

Happy Thanksgiving!
November 23, 2015

  Pastoral Center Office ~ Thanksgiving Holiday The Pastoral Center Offices will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. May you have a blessed and safe holiday! Thanksgiving Prayer Lord, we thank you for the goodness of our people and for the spirit of justice that fills this nation. …

CCHD Special Collection
November 16, 2015

November 21 and 22, 2015 The collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) provides funding for groups that make lasting change and uplift the poor in the United States. CCHD’s grants improve education, support economic development, and create affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods. Help us continue to defend human dignity and build communities …

Interreligious Dialogues
November 2, 2015

50 Years of Nostra Aetate, Interreligious Dialogues AFTER NOSTRA AETATE: UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN INTERFAITH RELATIONS The Second Vatican Council’s 1965 Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, entitled, Nostra Aetate, called for dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions and ushered in a historic era of positive relations between …

2015 Convocation for Priestly Renewal
October 5, 2015

Celebrating Priesthood since the Second Vatican Council October 5 – 8, 2015 Let us keep our Bishop, priests and presenters in our prayers as they gather together for their annual convocation for priestly renewal.  

Clergy Changes ~ Aug 10, 2015
August 10, 2015

Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective August 15, 2015: DEANS (Vicar Forane): West Central Deanery Appoint Very Reverend Richard Jankowski, V.F. as Dean. Relieve Reverend Michael Cormier as Dean.