The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Deacon Mike Ruffner on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Deacon Ruffner was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago on April 25, 1992 and relocated to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March of 2005. He served at St. Anthony Parish in Brooksville, St. Theresa Parish in …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Communications Office Listen Like Mary – Be A Part of the Fourth Annual Marian Congress on Saturday, May 14thOur Blessed Mother is the perfect example of a good listener and Mary’s way of listening is what we are called to do as disciples. At this year’s Marian Congress on May 14th at the …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse, Saturday, April 23, 2022Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be held on …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mary Sidney Twachtmann (Stansfield) 88, on March 3, 2022. Born in Wauchula, Florida, October, 20 1933, to Mary Nelson Stansfield and Sidney “Captain Sid” Stansfield, she was a graduate of Plant High School, Stephens College and Florida State University where she was a member of Pi …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend Sidney J. Figlia, S.D.B., 91, a member of the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in St. Philip Residence at Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa. “Father Sid” was a native of Brooklyn, New York. Following graduation from high school, he …
Word reached our offices about the passing of Philip Andrew Spada, the son of Elle and Mark Spada, on Friday, March 4, 2022. Philip was 23. His mother, Elle, is the long-time hostess of Spirit FM’s Kids Kingdom program, Sunday Praise show, as well as other duties. Philip was a frequent visitor to Spirit FM. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse Bishop Parkes will celebrate a Mass of Healing for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical or emotional, and those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family and friends. The Mass will be held on Saturday, April 23, 11:00 …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Follow the Real Bishop Gregory Parkes Please be sure you are following the official social media accounts for Bishop Gregory Parkes and not an imposter account. We have been informed of fake social media accounts that appear to be Bishop Gregory Parkes, but they are not. The official accounts are listed below. Report …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Regina M. Dwyer, mother of Deacon Kevin Dwyer from Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Tampa, on February 12, 2022. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on February 17, 2022 at St. Timothy Parish in Lutz. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to Deacon Kevin & Denise …
The Office of Catholic Schools and Centers informs the passing of Mrs. Lorraine Davis, 96, mother of Dr. Ann Davis, Associate Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools, on February 17, 2022. Funeral services and burial took place in St. Louis. Obituary at this link. Please keep Mrs. Davis and her family members in your …
We sadly report that Rev. Robert Chabot, SSS, 84, passed away on February 20, 2022 after a 7-month battle with cancer. He will be missed for his devotion to the Eucharist, his kindness and hospitality, his commitment to social justice and fair housing, and his warm and loving presence with everyone. Father Chabot was born …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
It is with sadness that the Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mrs. Anita Gratkowski, on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Anita was the wife of Deacon Dan Gratkowski, now retired from St. Stephen Parish, Riverview. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in April 2021. Deacon Dan was present at her passing. The services for …
DRIVING PILGRIMAGE AROUND THE DIOCESE BrochurePrepared in 2011, this brochure features 25 pilgrimage sites around our diocese. We invite you to spend time in prayer visiting these sites that are important to our local church’s history.Download the Catholic Driving Pilgrimage brochure here.
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Did you know that outreach to victims of sexual abuse is one of the ministries offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg? The diocesan Victim Assistance Minister provides assistance towards healing by means of therapy, spiritual direction, and mutual support groups. If now, or at …
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Cecilia Bemis, 96, wife of Mr. Al Bemis, Maintenance Technician for the Pastoral Center, on Thursday, January 13, 2022, after a brief illness. She and Al were married for over 55 years. In addition to her husband, Al, Mrs. Bemis is survived by …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Attention Faith Formation & Parish Leaders: FORMED Webinars Offered! We are pleased to announce that all parishes in the Diocese of St Petersburg that do not presently have a FORMED subscription may register to participate in a special grant opportunity to reduce the cost of a one-year subscription by as much as much …
Mr. Enrico “Rico” Tremante, age 65, husband of Annette Tremante, Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous two year battle with lung cancer. Rico was predeceased by his parents, Amedeo & Fortunata, and brothers Pepino and …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Life Justice & Advocacy Courage & Encourage Day of Recollection – MARCH 5, 2022 The Courage Apostolate offers support for men and women who experience same sex attraction and desire to live chaste lives following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship …
(Wisdom 3:1)The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the death of Mr. Ronald G. Bento, 86, on Friday, January 21, 2022, in St. Petersburg. Mr. Bento formerly worked in the Real Estate Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th …
The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the death of Mr. Ronald G. Bento, 86, on Friday, January 21, 2022, in St. Petersburg. Mr. Bento formerly worked in the Real Estate Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. All funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1600 54th …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? @TEOTD Are Your Kids AATK? Do you understand the sentence above? Chances are your kids do. The Internet is a great resource for information and fun; but like nearly everything else these days, cyberspace brings with it its own set of challenges for parents. Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Thomas P. Jones, O.F.M., 89, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Father Jones made his final profession with the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1956 and received Holy Orders in 1959, having served nearly 62 years in the priesthood. He has resided at St. Anthony Friary, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? @TEOTD Are Your Kids AATK? Do you understand the sentence above? Chances are your kids do. The Internet is a great resource for information and fun; but like nearly everything else these days, cyberspace brings with it its own set of challenges for parents. Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use …
Sister Dorothy Guettler, formerly known as Sister Marian Vincent, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 86 years of age and in the 67th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Dorothy was born in Fort Pierce, Florida, to Vincent and Lillian (Heitkamp) …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade The Bishops of Florida Statement on the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade in English and Spanish should be shared in bulletins and with your online networks the weekend of January 22/23. Please use this opportunity to again encourage the faithful …
Br. Karl Koenig, OFM,80, a professed Franciscan friar for 56 years, died on December 29, 2021 at Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Care Center, St. Petersburg. Due to health reasons, Br. Karl retired from full-time ministry in 2017 and moved to St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated …
Mr. Thomas DeJulio, 77, brother of Reverend David DeJulio, pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in Rensselaer, New York. Surviving family members include his wife, Marilyn, son, Gregory DeJulio, daughter, Felicia (Vincent) Luca, five grandchildren, brothers, Felix (Lois) DeJulio, Frank (Terri) DeJulio, and Father David …
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy and Pastoral Center appointments: APPOINTMENTSUpon presentation by Very Reverend Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., Provincial Minister, Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, Reverend Michael P. Jones, O.F.M. from Parochial Vicar to Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, effective January 17, 2022. Dr. Lois …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Spirit FM’s 7th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Please plan to join Spirit FM and over a 2,000 of your closest girlfriends from throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg for a day of faith, friendship, food, and shopping. Our speakers are: Sr. Rita Clare Yoches and Deby Sansone Schlapprizzi. Tickets are on sale at www.myspiritfm.com/WomensConference or call Marci at 813.289.8040, ext. 231. Promotional graphic at …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Brother Jerry Meegan, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at St. Philip Residence, Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, where he had resided since last year. Brother Meegan was an educator, who served as Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from …
DIOCESAN OFFICES From the Office of the Bishop Christmas Video – O Come All Ye Faithful In his 2021 Christmas video, Bishop Gregory Parkes shares Christmas hope and introduces a very special musical presentation. Multicultural choirs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg perform a beautiful rendition of the Christmas carol classic, O Come All Ye …
The Diaconate Office has received word of the unexpected passing of Bob Davis, brother of Susan D’Angelo, wife of Deacon Geoff D’Angelo from St. Stephen Parish in Riverview. All services will take place out of state and are not available at this time. Please keep the D’Angelo family in your thoughts and prayers at this …
Sister Suzanne Hixson (Sister Rita Christine), a Sister of the Holy Names, entered into eternal life on December 7, 2021. Sister Suzanne was a member of the American Association of Teachers of French and taught French at the Academy of Holy Names, Silver Spring, MD, as well as in Tampa, FL. Sister is survived by …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat The Office of Vocations will host the Advent Men’s Discernment Retreat at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This will be a one-day retreat and there is no cost to attend! The theme …
Mr. John Z. Kiwale, brother of Reverend Theobald (“Theo”) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, following a brief hospitalization in his home country of Tanzania. Mr. Kiwale had struggled with cancer in the months leading up to his death. Please keep Father Weria, his parents, …
Sr. Josephine Helen Slabinski, age 99, of Tampa, passed peacefully to be with Our Lord Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 25, 2021. Josephine Helen was born on March 14, 1922, in Hudson, Pennsylvania. She entered religious life at age nineteen with the Roman Catholic order of nuns, Little Sisters of the Poor, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She …
Ms. Patricia A. McCarthy, 72, of Tampa, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Patricia was born March 10, 1949. She worked as the Music Director for Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Temple Terrace until her retirement in 2019. Obituary at this link. Please keep Ms. McCarthy and her family in your thoughts and prayers. …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection: Religious Retirement Fund Help Aging Religious Sisters, Priests and Brothers The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 11 – 12, 2021. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C. Proceeds help religious communities across the country to …
Thanksgiving Holiday The Pastoral Center Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday starting on Wednesday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m. through Friday, November 26th. We will reopen on Monday, November 29th, at 8:30 a.m. May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed and safe holiday!
DIOCESAN OFFICES Special Collection: Religious Retirement Fund Help Aging Religious Sisters, Priests and Brothers The Diocese of St. Petersburg will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection December 11 – 12, 2021. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C. Proceeds help religious communities across the country to …
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Peter Abacusy Mganga, 56, brother of Reverend Claudius Mganga, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness, on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, in Tanzania. Mr. Mganga was the third of Father Mganga’s family members who have died within the past year. His mother, Cecilia …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Resources for Year-End and Beyond To assist parishes working to promote legacy giving, end of year generosity and/or new, creative options for giving with parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has created camera ready, downloadable materials and pre-drafted text for message development. Please visit the Parish Resource Page to download the following materials: bulletin …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Parish Resources for Year-End and Beyond To assist parishes working to promote legacy giving, end of year generosity and/or new, creative options for giving with parishioners, the Catholic Foundation has created camera ready, downloadable materials and pre-drafted text for message development. Please visit the Parish Resource Page to download the following materials: bulletin …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Did You Know? Dangers of Cell Phone Cameras Cell phones with photographic capability are a mixed blessing. Forget your camera? Whip out the cell phone, and your toddler’s first step, friend’s goofy mishap, or fenderbender is captured for posterity. But cell phones are also being used in a sinister way—to silently take pictures …
Reverend Francis Brou, S.J., 92, former faculty member of Jesuit High School, Tampa, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 19, 2021, at the infirmary for the Central and Southern Province of the Jesuits, in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Father Brou entered the Society of Jesus 74 years ago and dedicated the past 60 years of his …
Mr. Nelson Darnell, 69, Sales Manager at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 20, 2021, at Morton Plant Hospital, from complications due to COVID-19. Mr. Darnell served at Calvary for over 18 years before falling ill earlier this month. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, and is …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Synod-It’s a Church Thing The Catholic Church is journeying together to grow in communion, participation and mission as we look towards the future. This process, called for by Pope Francis, is known as the Synod on Synodality. Synod is an ancient word in the Tradition of the Church, whose meaning draws on the …
The Chancellor’s Office has once again received the sad news of the passing of yet another priest. Reverend Roger Labonte, M.Afr., 86, passed away in the Lord on Monday, October 11, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. Since November 2019, Father Labonte was in residence at the Missionaries of Africa Residence, in St. Petersburg, …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Third Annual Diocesan African Mass The African Catholics Ministry invites all to celebrate the third annual Diocesan African Mass. The Mass will be presided by Bishop Gregory L. Parkes on November 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg. Come and experience …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Vicente Tomas C. Vera, 56, brother of Reverend Jude Vera, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, in the Philippines. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. Please keep Father Vera and his loved ones in your …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Reverend Michael Rock, O. de M., 62, Vicar Provincial of the Mercedarian Friars, U.S.A., on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Funeral Masses will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in Philadelphia, where he had been serving as Pastor, and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel …
DIOCESAN OFFICES Mass of the Angels The annual Mass of the Angels for children (born or unborn) who have gone to be with the Lord, will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the St. James Chapel at Bethany Center (18150 Bethany Center Drive Lutz). Families are invited to bring a …
The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Sherry Nash, mother of Deacon Greg Nash, of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor, on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The funeral services will take place in Ohio and a memorial will be planned local at a later date. Expressions of sympathy made be sent to Deacon …