The Chancellor’s Office has recently learned of the death of Mr. Jairo Restrepo, on October 16, 2024, in Medellin, Colombia. Mr. Restrepo is the brother of Reverend Nelson Restrepo, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Tampa. Funeral services took place on, October 17, 2024, in Colombia. Please keep Father Restrepo in your prayers as he travels …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Vocations St. Andrew’s Dinner Young men age 16 and older, are invited to join us for a casual dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Gregory Parkes, Father Chuck, Dornquast, Director of Vocations, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at Christ …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Disaster Relief Financial Contributions The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund is an ongoing fund offering assistance to people impacted by natural disasters as they occur: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. Since 2017, this fund has provided nearly $2 million dollars in disaster relief. Disasters occur quickly and unexpectedly, and our fund allows …
DIOCESAN OFFICES FCCB General Election Resources A series of helpful election materials and guidelines from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) may be found at this link.: https://flaccb.org/election-materials-and-guidelines. Voter Guides in English and Spanish are included on the link. To view a voter guidance video from Bishop Parkes, please click here: https://shorturl.at/tD8s6. A Gulf …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Evelyne Cheslock, 82, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. Mrs. Cheslock is the mother of Sue Huertas, former Administrative Coordinator for the Offices of the Diaconate and Prison Ministry, and mother-in-law of Deacon Wil Huertas, Business Administrator of St. Cecelia Parish. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cheslock are …
The Diaconate Office received word that Deacon Stephen F. Sablone, 79, a retired deacon of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord in Monday, September 23, 2024, while under Hospice care in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Deacon Sablone was ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information Sessions Amendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme! “We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sr. Pam Nolan, CSC, 69, retired, long-time Catholic Charities employee, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2024. Sr. Pam was the long-time leader of our Elderly Housing program and opened Mercy House (transitional housing for HIV/AIDS positive women) in 1997. Locally, there will be a Mass of Resurrection, on …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Reverend Michael J. Arkins, S.S.S., 79, on September 27, 2024 at Hillcrest Hospital after a week-long stay and health complications. He served in our Diocese as Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holiday, from 2009 ~ 2013. Father Arkins professed religious vows on August …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vote No on Amendment 4 Information SessionsAmendment 4 is deceptive! Amendment 4 is extreme!“We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also …
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jose Attias, 75, on September 16, 2024, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was the father of Mrs. Elena Attias, Administrative Assistant for Finance and Human Resources Offices at the Pastoral Center. Mr. Attias was an Accountant and Lawyer in the Dominican Republic. The funeral …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mr. Raymond Eugene Bassett, age 80, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. A master photographer, he was well known and trusted by families and companies in the Tampa Bay Area for more than 60 years. Ray photographed bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, business portraits, passport photos, …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Reverend Thomas G. Sarnecki, age 92, retired priest of the Diocese of Scranton, PA, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Bay Pines V.A. Hospital. He served as Chaplain at Bay Pines VA Hospital from 2008 – 2014, when he retired at age 82, and remained in …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Rita M. Conlin, 61, on Sunday, September 15, 2024 after a battle with cancer. She served as secretary at St. Rita Catholic Church, Dade City for many years. Mrs. Conlin is survived by her husband, David, and other family members. All funeral services will take …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz. Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Deacon Michael Joseph Solomon, 86, on September 3, 2024. He was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on June 28, 1997 and served at Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa, from 1997 to 2008. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, in January of 2010. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Zacharia Weria Kiwale, 102, passed away in the Lord on August 28, 2024, while hospitalized in his native Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Kiwale is the father of Reverend Theobald (Theo) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Elizabeth (101 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocation Ministry WorkshopWe are excited to announce that Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan, the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Diocese Vocations Ministry Workshop at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Drive, Lutz. Mrs. Sullivan brings a wealth of …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. George L. Bondar, D.O., 70, husband of the late Cathryn (Cathi) Bondar (d. 6/5/2021), long-time employee of St. Patrick Parish, Largo and bookkeeper/financial consultant to many parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Dr. Bondar died suddenly on Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Ephraim E. Nyong, father of Reverend Anthony Nyong, C.M., Chaplain at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg and in residence at St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg. Mr. Nyong passed away in the Lord on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements have …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Together in Holiness Formation Series – Married CouplesThe Together in Holiness Formation series is a year-round marriage enrichment, specifically designed for those in their early years of marriage or with children in the home. If you’re looking to be a part of a small community of couples where you receive formation, support, and tools not …
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Rafael Eduardo Martos Nimer, 64, Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Advent Health Hospital, Tampa, following a months-long battle with cancer. Father Martos was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and was ordained to the priesthood …
We have received word that Mrs. Norma Signore, 106, mother of Pastoral Center’s retired employee Phil Signore, passed away on July 31 2024. She was a life-long Roman Catholic, a member of Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater, for 42 years, and a member of St. Michael The Archangel Parish, Clearwater, since 2023. She was an …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy incardinations: Reverend Rafael Martos, [formerly of Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba], Administrator of San Juan Diego Mission, Dover, incardinated into the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective August 15, 2024. Reverend Jesús Martínez, [formerly Diocese of Santa Clara, Cuba], Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mrs. Katharina Chacko, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in India. Mrs. Chacko is the mother of Reverend Saji James, M.S.T., Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her seven children and other extended family members. …
The Chancellor’s Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Sheryl Boyle, 73, mother of Reverend Ryan Boyle, J.C.L., a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on loan to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. Mrs. Boyle passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Mrs. Boyle is survived by her spouse of …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Misa Hispana Diocesana AnualLa Asamblea Hispana Diocesana te invita a la Misa Hispana Diocesana anual. Este año la misa será en honor a la Inmaculada Concepción, patrona de Estados Unidos de América y será presidida por Mons. Gregory Parkes, Obispo de St. Petersburg. Te esperamos el sábado, 12 de octubre de 2024 a …
Our office received news that after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Father Dennis Dale Donovan died on July 25, 2024, at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New York City, N.Y. Father Dennis, 70, was a member of the Marian Shrine community in Haverstraw-Stony Point, N.Y., and had served as director from July of …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Ms. Rowena G. Wilkinson, 70, passed away on June 5, 2024, after an extended illness. Ms. Wilkinson worked as a music director at several Catholic parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and completed the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) Program, earning her Foundational Pastoral Ministry Leadership certificate. Early …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Homeless Clients of Catholic Charities and others are Impacted by Hurricane Debby While spared a direct hit, some of our local families, individuals, charities, parishes, and schools are trying to recover from flooding and storm damage. Hurricane Debby has caused significant damage at two homeless shelters operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Ms. Crystal Dunn, 73, of Treasure Island, on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Tampa General Hospital. She was a long time organist and vocalist at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach, and also worked as Music Director at Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, and …
Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Denis Kitenge, 60, passed away in the Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief hospitalization for complications due to melanoma. Father Kitenge was a priest of the Diocese of Tshumbe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, who served in residence at Our Lady …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Community Impact Grant Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2024 cycle of the Community Impact Grant Program. This program, funded through donations to the annual End of Year Giving Challenge and administered by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, will provide awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 to …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Atrévete Retreat for Spanish-speaking Young Adults Pastoral Juvenil Hispana of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, is offering the Atrévete Retreat in Spanish for Hispanic young adults between 18-35 years old. The retreat will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 10110 N. Central Avenue, Tampa, from October 25 …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Sister Rose Christina Momm (Eleanor Momm), SNJM, on May 16, 2024, at Teresian House in Albany, NY, after more than 7 decades of service as a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Sister Rose Christina celebrated 88 years of life and 69 years …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? From the Diocesan Safe Environment Office: Listen to Your Children Summer is just around the corner! When your children are out of school and on different schedules, meeting new people and going to new places, make sure that you talk to them often about their experiences and the people they’ve …
We received news of the passing of Mrs. Ruth Stentz, 97, grandmother of Brittany DeHaan, Communications Coordinator, Diocesan Office of Communications, on June 17, 2024. She lived a long life as a faithful Catholic. She was preceded in death by her husband Milton and is survived by her two children (Jane and MaryAnne), three of …
The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Blaney, wife of the late Deacon Jim Blaney, St. Luke the Evangelist, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at age 95. She was a long-time member of Our Holy Redeemer Parish, New York, where she worked in the school for many years, and of St. Luke’s, Palm …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A Special Celebration for Bishop Gregory Parkes All are invited to join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bishop Parkes’ 25th ordination to the priesthood. The Anniversary Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. If …
DIOCESAN OFFICES New Parish Resources Available for Effort to Defeat Amendment Four A new video from Bishop Gregory Parkes titled, “Four Reasons to Vote No on Amendment 4” and other resources to educate Catholics about Amendment 4 are now available on the Diocese of St. Petersburg website. Visit, www.dosp.org/voteno to view these materials and to …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop’s BBQWe invite all men in High School and older, to join us for a casual discernment event. The Bishop’s BBQ will take place at Bethany Center in Lutz on June 5th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Get to know Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and our seminarians. There will be games, prayer, food, …
The Chancellor’s Office has just learned of the sudden death of Mrs. Emilia Amadi, mother of Reverend Cosmas Amadi, Parochial Vicar of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Tampa. Mrs. Amadi passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Nigeria. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Rev. Cosmas …
The Chancellor’s Office received word from Reverend Garry Welsh, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, San Antonio, that his brother, Mr. John Welsh, 61, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Mr. Welsh resided in Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom and is survived by his wife, Carol, and their four …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishop’s BBQWe invite all men in High School and older, to join us for a casual discernment event. The Bishop’s BBQ will take place at Bethany Center in Lutz on June 5th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Get to know Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and our seminarians. There will be games, prayer, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Herbert G. (Herb) Brown, 100, passed away in the Lord on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, while at home. Herb was the husband of Mrs. Diane Brown, founder of Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer©, in Clearwater, as well as the Marian Servants of Divine Providence©. Mr. …
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 …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Spring 2024 Stewardship Workshop Series: “Calling Youth to Stewardship” Our diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development will offer a workshop on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. This FREE event is sponsored in part by Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) …
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. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Thomas Lind, S.C.J., 92, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024. Father Lind was a member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart since professing his first vows in 1951. He was ordained for the order in 1958. Since 2016, Father Lind resided with the Sacred Heart Fathers’ …