Dr. John O’Brien ~ Update
May 6, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Dr. John O’Brien, brother of Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, earlier this morning, May 6, 2024, following a lengthy illness. Mr. O’Brien did not live locally. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Thomas …

Mrs. Antonina (Nina) Rosin
May 6, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Nina Rosin,, 85, mother of Reverend Richard Rosin, Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in New York, after a prolonged illness. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Massapequa Park, New York, on …

Ms. Patricia Landry
April 29, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the passing of Ms. Patricia Anne Landry on April 13, 2024 at the age of 79.  Patricia was first and foremost an educator and life-long learner.  She earned masters degrees in Religious Studies and Educational Leadership. Patricia became a sister in the Adorers of the Blood of Christ …

Announcements ~ April 29, 2024
April 29, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry CourageCourage is a group of Catholics who experience same-sex attractions and who are committed to helping one another to live chaste lives marked by prayer, fellowship and mutual support.  To see our Goals please visit this link: https://www.dosp.org/life/courage-ministry/. This confidential support ministry is sponsored by our …

Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2024
April 17, 2024

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2024, unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Reverend Paul Kochu, from Pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor, granted retirement status. Reverend Eric G. Peters, from Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey, granted retirement status. …

Mr. Thomas Washburn
April 15, 2024

We received word from our Vocations Office that Mr. Thomas C. Washburn, 82, of Port Richey, passed away on Friday evening, April 12, 2024. Mr. Washburn is the father of Mr. Vincent Washburn, a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, currently enrolled at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach. He is also …

Announcements ~ April 15, 2024
April 15, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Youth Minister-Meet UpThe Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry invites all those acting as youth ministers to a Youth Minister Meet-Up on April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Youth Room,  1955 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater.   This event will consist of a short reflection on planning for effective youth ministry …

Announcements ~ April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how you …

Mrs. Alice Flanagan
April 2, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mrs. Alice Flanagan, 96, on March 27, 2024.  Mrs. Flanagan is the mother of Ms. Sheila Osorio,  Receptionist and Bulletin Editor at St. Brendan Catholic Church, Clearwater Beach and of Ms. Kathleen Flanagan, teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Dunedin. The Funeral Mass will …

Announcements ~ April 2, 2024
April 2, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? April is Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better season than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how …

Miss Patricia A. Vigue
April 2, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Miss Patricia A. Vigue, on March 20, 2024. In 2001, Pat prepared a sample obituary for herself. Much of the obituary below was penned by her own hand and heart. Patricia Vigue, long known as Miss Pat to her students and colleagues, passed away on March …

Mercedes Cedeño-Pitre ~ Update
March 25, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Mrs. Mercedes Cedeño, 65, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Mercedes worked at Transfiguration Parish as the Director of Religious Education from 2013 to 2019. In 2019, she was hired as the Administrative Assistant for Intercultural Ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. She completed …

Sr. Rosa Ulloa
March 18, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Sr. Rosa Ulloa, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from Honduras, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Sr. Rosa worked at La Clinica Guadalupana in Clearwater for 10 years. She also served at St. Cecilia Parish as an Extraordinary Minister of …

Mr. Joseph Gangolu
February 26, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Joseph Gangolu, 88, on February 26, 2024 in India. Mr. Gangolu is the father of Reverend Robert Romaine, Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Parish, St. Petersburg. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 200 78th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, on March 16, …

Mrs. Katherine Hibbs
February 26, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received news of the passing of Mrs. Katherine Hibbs, 95, in Jacksonville, on Friday, February 16, 2024. Mrs. Hibbs is the maternal grandmother of Reverend Ryan C. Boyle, J.C.L. She will be inurned in Arlington National Cemetery at a later time. Please keep Father Boyle and his family in your thoughts and …

Announcements ~ February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024

PARISHES/ORGANIZATIONS Walk-4-Water 5k and Walk-A-Thon March 23, 2024 James Brian Thomas StadiumClearwater Central Catholic High School, 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd., ClearwaterSimulating the journey taken by millions around the world  who walk for hours each day in search of water, “Walk 4 Water” is your opportunity to assist the non-profit organization Water 4 Mercy in raising funds to …

Announcements ~ February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod Listening SessionBishop Gregory Parkes cordially invites you to a Synod Listening Session focusing on church structures and our pastoral vision.  This event will be at St. Timothy Parish, 17512 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and it is open to all parish ministry leaders, including directors/coordinators of faith formation, religious education, …

Announcements ~ February 12, 2024
February 12, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod Listening SessionBishop Gregory Parkes cordially invites you to a Synod Listening Session focusing on church structures and our pastoral vision.  This event will be at St. Timothy Parish, 17512 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and it is open to all parish ministry leaders, including directors/coordinators of faith formation, …

Mr. Ralph D’Angelo
February 5, 2024

The Diaconate Office sadly informs that Mr. Ralph D’Angelo, 74, father of Deacon Geoff D’Angelo, of St. Stephen Parish in Riverview, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was in hospice care after being diagnosed with cancer last month. Ralph is survived by his wife, Yoko; his three children from a previous …

Deacon Lionel Roberts
February 5, 2024

The Diaconate Offices sadly informs the passing of Deacon Lionel Roberts, 97, of Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Petersburg, on January 31, 2024.  “Deacon Lionel,” as he is known, was ordained to the diaconate in 1977 for the Diocese of Brooklyn. During his 47 years of diaconal ministry, he served from 1977 to 1984 in the …

James A. Sebesta
February 5, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office informs of the passing of James (Jim) A. Sebesta, 88, of St. Petersburg, on January 29, 2024, after a brief battle with dementia.  Jim was a former employee of the Pastoral Center. He was born in Pontiac, Illinois and attended Loyola University for his undergraduate degree and then earned an MBA from …

Mrs. Julie Alvarez
January 29, 2024

The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Julie Alvarez, 77, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.  She is the wife of Deacon John Alvarez, of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, and former Director of the Diaconate.  Her funeral was held on January 18, 2024 at Espiritu Santo Parish. Mrs. Alvarez was born …

Mr. Virgilio Diaz, Sr.
January 29, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Virgilio Diaz, Sr., father of Reverend J. Glenn Diaz, Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa Springs, on January 26, 2024 in the Philippines, following a lengthy battle with kidney cancer. He was 89 years old. Mr. Diaz is survived by his wife, Clotilde, his six …

Announcements ~ January 29, 2024
January 29, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES Divine Renovation Unlocked:   St. PetersburgPriests and active parishioners across the Diocese of St. Petersburg want to see their parishes come alive. The problem is that changing the way we “do church” can be intimidating. We get it-prioritizing mission over maintenance can feel scary. This is why you’re invited to DR Unlocked: St. Petersburg …

Announcements ~ January 16, 2024
January 16, 2024

DIOCESAN OFFICES National Eucharistic CongressA limited number of free tickets are available to attend the National Eucharistic Congress. Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg have the opportunity to receive a free “full pass” ticket to the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. The limited number of free tickets were purchased by Bishop …

Mrs. Beverly Ann Tenten
January 8, 2024

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Beverly Ann (Mucerino) Tenten, age 87, of Seminole FL, mother of Mrs. Michele Williams, Parish Business Manager of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 30th 2023, at Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg FL.  Beverly’s life was a testament to love, kindness, …

Dr. Lynn Ann Lydon
January 8, 2024

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office on the unexpected passing of Lynn Ann Lydon, M.D., 70, sister of Reverend Michael Lydon, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at her home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Dr. Lydon served in the medical profession for many years, having worked in Stuart, …

Mrs. Carole Reitzel
January 8, 2024

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Carole Reitzel, 83, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2023.  Mrs. Reitzel is the sister of Reverend Brian McColl, a retired priest of the Diocese of Peterborough, Ontario, with seasonal residence in Prince of Peace Parish, Sun City Center. A Funeral Mass was held on December 28, …

Mrs. Fran Gibson
December 18, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we notify you of the unexpected passing of Mrs. Fran Gibson, wife of Deacon Jim Gibson, ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2009. Before moving to the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2019, Jim served at Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater, and later at St. Brendan Parish in …

Sr. Janet Finley, O.S.F.
December 11, 2023

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Sr.  Janet Finley, O.S.F., 89 years old, on December 4, 2023.  Sister Finley served as principal of St. Paul Catholic School, St. Petersburg, from 1978 to 1990. Sister Finley was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1956 and professed her final vows on August …

Reverend Fracilus Petit-Homme, SMM ~ Update
December 4, 2023

The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the death of Reverend Fracilus Petit-Homme, S.M.M., 81, a priest of the Montfort Missionaries and former Administrator of the Immaculate Conception Haitian Mission, Tampa from 2004 to 2007.  Father Petit-Homme passed away in Miami, Florida, on Friday, December 1, 2023, following a battle with prostate cancer. After leaving …

Mrs. Barbara Aubin
November 27, 2023

The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mrs. Barbara Aubin, 76, sister-in-law of Monsignor Ronald Aubin, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg,  on Saturday, November 25, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. She was a long-time resident of Miami, where she resided at the time of her death. She was preceded in …

Announcements ~ November 27, 2023
November 27, 2023

  DIOCESAN OFFICES Annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection: December 9-10, 2023The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg on the weekend of December 9-10, 2023. In 2022, parishioners from the Diocese of St. Petersburg contributed $220,671.12 to the …

Rev. David Engbarth ~ Update
November 27, 2023

The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the unexpected death of Reverend David R. Engbarth, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, who resided in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since his retirement in 2014. His death was discovered on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home in Largo. Father Engbarth was a …

Mr. Donatus Amadi
November 13, 2023

The Chancellor’s Office informs that Mr. Donatus Amadi, father of Reverend Cosmas Amadi, Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa, passed away on the Commemoration of All Souls, November 2, 2023, in Nigeria.  Funeral arrangements for Mr. Amadi are pending, and all services will take place in Nigeria. Expressions of sympathy may be …