Deacon Melvin Dunphy
September 6, 2022

Word reached the Pastoral Center that Deacon Melvin Dunphy, 91, from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey, passed away in the Lord early Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his residence in New Port Richey.  “Deacon Mel,” as he is known, was born and raised in Vermont.  He began his career in education as an …

Mr. Mark Dufva – Update
September 6, 2022

Word reached the Pastoral Center that Mr. Mark Dufva died on September 6, 2022, after a short but highly debilitating illness.  Mark was the Executive Director of Catholic Charities from 2014-2018.  He had a great passion for helping others and serving God through everything he did, especially through our work at Catholic Charities. A Funeral …

Mrs. Theresa Gerstner
September 6, 2022

We sadly inform the passing of Mrs. Theresa (Terri) Gerstner, 75, on August 21, 2022.  Terri was the Office Manager of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater.  She had been struggling with health issues for the last couple of months, but her condition quickly turned worse the week of her passing. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, …

Mrs. Cecilia Pujol
August 22, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mrs. Cecilia Pujol, 69, grandmother of Ms. Jasmine Pujol, Secretary of the Office of Vocations, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Funeral services took place at St. Theresa Parish in Spring Hill. Please keep Jasmine and her family in your prayers during this difficult time. Expressions of …

Mrs. DeLois Brown
August 22, 2022

The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. DeLois Brown, 89, widow of the Late Deacon Joseph Brown from St. Stephen Parish in Riverview. She passed on Monday August 8, 2022. The Funeral Mass took place on August 17, 2022, at St. Stephen Parish. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the …

Mr. Philip Greco
August 22, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mr. Philip (Phil) Greco,  74, of Seffner, husband of Mrs. Kathy Greco, long-time secretary at Corpus Christi Catholic School, on August 10, 2022.  Funeral arrangements took place at Corpus Christi Parish, Temple Terrace on August 15, 2022 followed by interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Expressions of sympathy …

Mrs. Mary Jane Moody
August 22, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Jane Moody, 98, who passed away in June 24, 2022 and whose funeral took place on August 13, 2022.  She was a long-time employee of St. Patrick’s, Largo. Please see obituary at this link:  https://shorturl.at/tKSV6. ++++ May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed …

Mr. Vincente Tejada
August 22, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office has been notified of the death of Mr. Vincente Tejada, 63, brother of Reverend Jose (Jojo) Tejada, Parochial Vicar of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, on Friday, August 5, 2022.  Mr. Tejada died while in the hospital after a long illness, near his hometown of Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines.  All funeral …

Announcements ~ August 22, 2022
August 22, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Life, Justice and Advocacy OfficeStatewide Culture of Life Conference October 14-15, 2022Bethany Retreat Center, 18150 Bethany Center, LutzYou are invited to attend the 2022 Florida Culture of Life Conference hosted by the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the Florida Catholic Conference. The conference will provide an in-depth look at how Christ …

Mr. Leo Brown
August 8, 2022

Word reached our office that Mr. Leo Brown, brother of Ms. Dale Brown, Director of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute/SEPI, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. No other information is available at this time.  We will post more information here at it becomes available. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Ms. Dale Brown, …

Sr. Jeanne Williams, O.S.F.
August 8, 2022

The Office of the Vicar for Religious informs that Sister Jeanne Williams, O.S.F., passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Sister Williams, a native from Providence, Rhode Island, has been active in our Diocese for many years, serving at St. Anthony Hospital and the Franciscan Center. Complete obituary at this link. Please keep Sister Williams …

Announcements ~ August 8, 2022
August 8, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Safety Rules Bear Repeating Research reminds us that teaching children how to resist the overtures of a potential molester requires repetition and reinforcement. Children and young people need to know the rules, and they need to hear them over and over and over again so that the rules become part of a thought …

Mrs. Maria Luisa Romero
July 25, 2022

Mrs. Maria Luisa (Ita) Romero, 96, grandmother of Mrs. Katie Camario, Digital Communications Manager for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Conroe, Texas. Please keep Katie and her family in your kind thoughts and prayers during this time.

Mr. Frank Oliver
July 25, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office learned that Frank Michael Oliver, 82, husband of Mary Sue Oliver, Notary for our diocesan Tribunal Office, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.  The funeral arrangements for Mr. Oliver are as follows: Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian …

Ms. Rebecca Pound
July 24, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Ms. Rebecca Pound passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022.  Ms. Pound was the former Adult Faith Formation Director at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness.  She had been in a nursing home for several years. She is survived by her granddaughter Angela McHugh, 5 sons, 4 daughters, 12 …

Mr. Joseph Grimaudo
July 24, 2022

Word reached the Chancellor’s Office that Mr. Joseph Grimaudo, age 90, passed away on July 21, 2022.  Mr. Grimaudo was the father of Annette Tremante, who is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness.He arrived in Florida in the early 80’s and was a banker and a business owner.  He …

Sister Grace Dougherty, O.P.
July 24, 2022

We received word that Sister Grace Dougherty, baptized Mary Elizabeth, died on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 84 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Grace ministered over 14 years in elementary education in Detroit, …

Announcements ~ July 25, 2022
July 24, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES An Invitation from the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute (LPMI) The LPMI program, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church; equips Catholics with knowledge and skills to carry out ministry competently, collaboratively, and professionally.  Through an integrated process of education and ongoing faith formation, we provide an opportunity for Catholics across the …

Announcements ~ July 11, 2022
July 11, 2022

PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS Friends of the Seminary GalaOctober 21, 2022Please mark your calendars to participate in our Friends of the Seminary Gala, in person or via our on-line experience! You will find information at www.svdp.edu/friends2022 and this page will continue to update as we get closer to the event. This event is our largest fundraiser …

Reverend Carl J. Melchior, Jr.
July 11, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office received the devastating news that Reverend Carl Joseph Melchior, Jr., 59, Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Parkes and Chaplain of St. Petersburg Catholic High School, died suddenly on Thursday, June 30, 2022 of cardiac arrest after boarding a flight in Philadelphia, preparing to fly to Greece for a pilgrimage. The youngest of three …

Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez
July 11, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Maria Julia Rodriguez, 95, mother of Father Francisco Hernandez, Parochial Vicar of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from respiratory complications due to COVID-19.  At the time of her death, Mrs. Rodriguez lived in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.  Please keep …

Mr. Martin McAteer
June 27, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office receive the news that Mr. Martin McAteer, nephew of Reverend James McAteer, I.C., passed away on June 25, 2022 in Ireland. Father McAteer will travel to Ireland for the Funeral Services. Please keep him and all their family in your prayers. Expressions of sympathy can be mail to Rev. James McAteer, I.C., …

Clergy Change ~ June 13, 2022
June 13, 2022

Clergy Appointment Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective June 13, 2022: APPOINTMENT Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Muhr to Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, continuing all other assignments.

Rev. Brendan Lawlor
June 13, 2022

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Reverend Michael Patrick “Brendan” Lawlor, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Tulla Parish, County Claire, Ireland, following a recent decline in health. Father Lawlor was born to Stephen and Mai (Foley) Lawlor in …

Clergy Changes ~ May 31, 2022
June 2, 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022, unless otherwise indicated:  APPOINTMENTS Very Reverend James B. Johnson to Pastor of St. John Paul II Catholic School, Lecanto. Relieved from Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, continuing all other assignments. Reverend Sojan J. Punakkattu to Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery, …

Mrs. Betty Craig
May 31, 2022

We informed the passing of Mrs. Betty Craig, 89, grandmother of Michael Craig, Director of the Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband Elbert Craig, Sr and two sons Wayne (Noreen) and Michael (Debbie) parents Walter and Lillie Jordan and 4 sisters. Betty is survived …

Donovan Patrick Sisler
May 31, 2022

The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers has been informed of the passing on May 25, 2022 of Donovan Patrick, son of Debbie Kleinberger, former employee of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Donovan was born on October 13, 2013. He was born with a rare chromosome disorder which caused him to have severe physical and …

Announcements ~ May 23, 2022
May 23, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass   Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe,  Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …

Announcements ~ May 16, 2022
May 16, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Memorial Day Mass   Join us on May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., for the Memorial Day Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater. Reverend Hugh Chikawe,  Chaplain for Catholic Cemeteries, will be the main celebrant. Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who gave their …

Announcements ~ May 9, 2022
May 9, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Clergy Appointment, May 2, 2022
May 2, 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2022: APPOINTMENTReverend Pius T. Mathew [Kanjirappally, India], to Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, also assisting with Hispanic Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater. Father Mathew has assisted with ministry to English- and Spanish-speaking faithful …

Announcements ~ May 2, 2022
May 2, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Ordination to the Priesthood The Diocese of St. Petersburg joyfully announces the upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Mr. Zachary E. Brasseur and Reverend Mr. Donald J. Amodeo. Deacons Brasseur and Amodeo will be ordained by Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Clergy Changes ~ Spring 2022
April 25, 2022

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective July 1, 2022 unless otherwise indicated: RETIREMENT STATUS Monsignor Joseph A. Pellegrino, from Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Tarpon Springs, granted retirement status. Reverend Michael T. O’Brien, from Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Plant City, granted retirement status. Reverend Jose George, from …

Announcements ~ April 25, 2022
April 25, 2022

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 …

Mrs. Tereca Flores
April 11, 2022

Mr.  John Morris, Manager of Spirit FM, informs about the passing of Mrs. Tereca Flores, 97, April 9, 2022 in Medellin, Colombia. She was the mother of Gonzalo Jaramillo, who has been the Spirit FM Spanish Radio producer for 20 years. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mr. Gonzalo Jaramillo at Spirit FM, 717 …

Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP
April 11, 2022

Sister Mary Jane Herlik, OP, a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister, went home to God on Wednesday, April 4, 2022.  A resident in this diocese since 1996, all funeral services will take place at the Motherhouse, in Wisconsin. Professed in 1950, she taught in several Catholic schools within the USA.  She also served as pastoral minister at …

Jack Gordon Hutchinson
April 11, 2022

We were informed of the passing of Jack Gordon Hutchinson, 13 years old, grandson of Bob Hutchinson, Real Estate Office,  on March 23, 2022.   Jack lived In Jacksonville with his dad and mom, Bob’s son Bryan and daughter in law Erin. Jack is survived by his parents, Robert “Bryan” & Erin “nee Boyle” Hutchinson, his …

Announcements ~ April 11, 2022
April 11, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES 2021 APA Annual Report More than 22,000 generous donors provided more than $9 million in support of more than 50 diocesan ministries and services through the 2021 Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA). Their donations support larger ministry and outreach throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  All are invited to visit dosp.org/2021-annual-report to view the …

Announcements ~ April 4, 2022
April 4, 2022

DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022 Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, spiritual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be …

Mrs. Mary Rogers
March 28, 2022

The Human Resources Office informs the passing of Mrs. Mary Rogers, former employee of the Diocese of St Petersburg as a cook for Bishop William Thomas Larkin, on March 18, 2022 at Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor, FL. She was 81. Please keep Mary and her family in your prayers. Obituary at this link. ++++May …

Reverend Timothy Murphy
March 28, 2022

The Diocese of Venice is mourning the loss of Father Timothy Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice who passed away March 19, 2022, at the age of 97. Father Murphy most notably served as Pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral for 21 years and later founded St. Andrew Catholic School. …

Mrs. Bobbie Connors
March 28, 2022

The Diaconate Office informs the passing of Mrs. Bobbie Connors, 92, widow of the late Deacon Bill Connors from Sacred Heart Parish in Dade City, on March 23, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Sacred Heart Parish, 32145 St. Joe Road, Dade City, at 11:00 AM. As it is our …