We are sad to inform you that Rev. Oliver “Gene” Wells, 88, father of Deacon Rick Wells, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at his home near Cincinnati, Ohio, following a recent hospitalization. “Pastor Gene,” as he was known to many, was a retired minister of the United Methodist Church, having served the …
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 …
Diocesan Offices Parish Content April The Office of Communications has created a webpage for parishes in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to find free and shareable content that helps to evangelize, inspire, and unite our community. Click here to view parish content for April. Resurrection Cemetery Grand Opening April 26th The grand opening of the …
Diocesan Offices Resurrection Cemetery Grand Opening April 26th The grand opening of the newest diocesan cemetery, Resurrection Cemetery will take place on Friday, April 26th at 10 a.m. at 10668 E. Sligh Avenue, Seffner. Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to attend this historic event to witness the blessing and to see the beautiful and sacred …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Marian CongressSaturday, May 11, 2024 – A Day to be RenewedGive yourself and your family a day of rest and the time to be renewed! Join us for the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s 6th Annual Marian Congress. This year’s theme is Mary, Joseph, and the Eucharist: Forming a Holy Family. Make plans …
The diocesan Vocations Office has shared with our office that Mr. Norman Paul Dusseault, Sr., 93, passed away in the Lord on Monday, February 26, 2024. Mr. Dusseault was a strong supporter of vocations to the priesthood and was a founding member of the Serra Club in the Diocese of St. Petersburg (Note: The organization …
DIOCESAN OFFICES 6th Annual Marian Congress Saturday, May 11, 2024 – A Day to be Renewed Give yourself and your family a day of rest and the time to be renewed! Join us for the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s 6th Annual Marian Congress. This year’s theme is Mary, Joseph, and the Eucharist: Forming a Holy Family. …
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, …
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 …
Reverend Mario Vizcaíno, Sch. P., 89, founder and director of the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Piarist community of St. Joseph Calasanz, in Hialeah, while under the care of Catholic Hospice. He had been a member of the Piarist order for more than 60 years. A Funeral Mass will take …
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 …
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, …
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, …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Child sexual abuse is a great deal more prevalent than many imagine. In fact, studies tell us that one in ten adult men and one in five adult women say that they were molested before the age of 18. That means that, directly or indirectly, child sexual abuse will …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES New Documentary to Premiere: For the Sake of the GospelMore than twenty years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, a group of Franciscan missionaries left their homes in Spain to evangelize and minister to the indigenous people of the south Georgia coast. Between September 14 and September 17, 1597, all but one …
Sister Frances Mary Fitzpatrick, formerly known as Sister John Denise, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 88 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Frances Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Thomas and Mary (Farrell) …
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 …
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, …
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, …
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, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Young Adult Ministry Wonder, 6th Annual Tampa Bay Young Adult RetreatJoin us on February 10, 2024 as we seek a deeper sense of Wonder in the infinite and everlasting God. The retreat will be hosted at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd N.E. in St. Pete. It will include morning …
Word reached the Pastoral Center of the passing of Mrs. Patricia N. Licata-Amantia on December 16, 2023. Mrs. Licata-Amantia was the mother of Reverend Damian Amantia, T.O.R., Pastor of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg. She rejoins in heaven her beloved parents Felix and Elizabeth Colecchi Licata; a brother and five sisters, …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Internet Filter Software Is No Substitute for Parental Monitoring There is a lot of material on the Internet that is inappropriate for children. Parents can use filtering software to protect children from that material, but filters do not guarantee that children will not be exposed; a filter will never be a …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know?Internet Filter Software Is No Substitute for Parental MonitoringThere is a lot of material on the Internet that is inappropriate for children. Parents can use filtering software to protect children from that material, but filters do not guarantee that children will not be exposed; a filter will never be a substitute for …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES “Unwrap the Spirit” with Bishop ParkesBishop Parkes invites all to participate in “Unwrap the Spirit” in preparation for the greatest gift of all time: the birth of Christ. “Unwrap the Spirit” involves a commitment of prayer, penance and sacrifice, and can be done individually, with a group of friends, with the whole family …
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 …
Continue reading “Reverend Fracilus Petit-Homme, SMM ~ Update”
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 …
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 …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Way to Pray this Advent!Prepare for the birth of Jesus by reflecting on your faith journey with short inspirational messages sent to you each day via email or text! These messages are written by local Catholics who are eager to share their faith with you! To sign up, visit BeCourageousEachDay.org or …
The Chancellor’s Office received news of the passing of Reverend Jose Cleofe (Joy) Colina, 59, on November 14, 2023, in the Philippines. Father Colina was hospitalized with cancer at the time of his death. Since July 2022, he has been on disability retirement status, due to numerous health issues, after an extended leave of …
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 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES A New Way to Pray this Advent!Prepare for the birth of Jesus by reflecting on your faith journey with short inspirational messages sent to you each day via email or text! These messages are written by local Catholics who are eager to share their faith with you! To sign up, visit BeCourageousEachDay.org or …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Five Steps to Safer Environments The Diocese of St. Petersburg mandates that all people who work with children and youth in our parishes and schools must undergo child abuse prevention training through our diocesan Safe Environment Program. The training details five steps to prevent child sexual abuse: Know the warning …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Christopher Manko, 64, a longtime resident of Royersford, PA, and brother of Deacon Mark Manko, passed away on October 24, 2023 with his wife and family by his side.. Deacon Mark serves at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Homosassa. Christopher is a graduate of Ridley High School …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Prayer Service for Mater Dei Giving Society Members Members of the Mater Dei Giving Society will be receiving an invitation from Bishop Parkes to join him at an afternoon prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on November 19, 2023. A reception will follow the service. Our giving society recognizes …
We sadly announce the passing of Monsignor Thomas Francis Earner, 85, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Wednesday morning, October 18, 2023, at Empath Hospice, in Palm Harbor, following a lengthy period of declining health. Monsignor Earner was born on November 5, 1937, in Headford, County Galway, Ireland. Following graduation from …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Stanislaw Domek, brother of Reverend Kazimierz Domek, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Tampa. Mr. Domek was in his native Poland at the time of his passing. Funeral services will be held in the Domek family’s local parish, in Makowarsko, Poland, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Evening Prayer with the Conferral of the Saint Jude the Apostle MedalsSunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 p.m.Every year, the St. Jude the Apostle Medal is presented by our Bishop to a lay member from each of our parishes for distinguished and outstanding service. Whether it’s advocating for the life of the unborn, serving …
The Office of the Chancellor received word of the passing of Ms. Jo Ann Wade Matthews, 93, a native of St. Petersburg, on September 20, 2023 in Hospice Care at Mid Pinellas Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosalie Matthews, five siblings and their spouses; and is survived by …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Loreta Chavarria Tupa, 80 age old, mother of Reverend Allan Tupa, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Zephyrhills, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines. She was surrounded by her family, including her sons, Father Tupa, Brian and Charles Tupa at the time …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the DiaconateThe Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordain Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst (St. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Diaconate The Diocese of St. Petersburg is happy to announce that Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will ordain Paul Benfanti (St. Paul, St. Petersburg), John Gerdes (Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg), Charles Glass (St. Paul, Tampa), Joseph Grimaudo (Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’ Lakes), Michael Hurst …
DIOCESAN OFFICES St. Andrew’s Dinner We invite young men, 16th and older, to join us for a casual discernment event on October 25, 2023. Dinner and vocation stories with Bishop Parkes, Fr. Chuck, and other priests. Parents are also invited to join for a parent discussion and a meal. We will meet at St. Catherine …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mrs. Angela Amodeo, mother of Reverend Donald Amodeo, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. According to Father Amodeo, “[Angela] battled cancer for many years but was happy to see my ordination, and she offered her …