Clergy Change ~ March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy change, effective March 10, 2021: APPOINTMENT Upon presentation by the Very Reverend Valerian Charles Fernandes, S.A.C., Provincial Superior, Society of the Catholic Apostolate, Assumption of the B.V.M. Province, Reverend Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C. as Parochial Vicar of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm …

Rev. Msgr. Anton C. Dechering
March 8, 2021

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Monsignor Anton Clemens Dechering, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Friday morning, March 5, 2021, while under Hospice care at Bayfront Hospital, St. Petersburg, following a lengthy illness. Anton Clemens Dechering was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June …

Announcements ~ March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Chrism Mass Livestream or Radio Broadcast on March 30th at 11:30 a.m.| During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Parkes will consecrate the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. The bishop will …

Mrs. Cecilia Shija Mganga
March 8, 2021

We were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mrs. Cecilia Shija Mganga, 77, mother of Reverend Claudius Mpuya Mganga, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness.  Father Claudius received word of his mother’s death in her native Tanzania, shortly after midnight today, February 23, 2021.  While Mrs. Mganga was in relatively …

Announcements ~ March 1, 2021
March 1, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Listen to Bishop Gregory Parkes via Podcast On Proclaim, Invite and Encounter, Bishop Parkes speaks about God’s grace and mercy, stewardship, forgiveness and more. Click here to listen. Catholic Campus Ministry ~ USF Catholic Bulls New Talk Show Episode On a new episode of Catholic Bulls Late Night, a spin …

Matthew Shirina Sr.
March 1, 2021

The Diaconate Office received word of the passing of Mr. Matthew Shirina Sr.,  age 91, father of Deacon Matt Shirina from Incarnation Parish in Tampa, on Friday February 26, 2021. All services will take place in Tennessee, with the Funeral Mass on March 7, 2021. Deacon Matt, his wife Nancy, and their family will be …

Announcements ~ February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . …

Announcements ~ February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES What Is “Relational Bullying”? Relational bullying is unwarranted, persistent, unwelcome behavior in the form of criticism, isolation, or fabricated allegations that can damage relationships. Examples include social exclusion (“You can’t be with us”), spreading rumors (“Did you hear . . . ?”), and withholding friendship (“I won’t be your friend if you . …

Announcements ~ February 1, 2021
February 1, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications New Podcast/Radio Series: Proclaim, Invite and Encounter Bishop Gregory Parkes is offering a new series on Spirit FM 90.5 and on your favorite podcast app that provides inspiration and insights for living our Catholic faith.  Proclaim, Invite and Encounter is a daily reflection and commentary on Courageously Living the Gospel …

Announcements ~ January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021

DIOCESAN OFFICES Zoom Chat with SeminariansMen, ages 15-35 are invited to attend our next discernment opportunity, Zoom Chat with Seminarians, on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7 pm.  Fr. Chuck will be the host and each month includes vocation stories from different seminarians. Please see the flyer at this link:  https://bit.ly/3ocG38p for more information and …

Monsignor John F. Neff
January 25, 2021

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Monsignor John F. Neff, 87, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Wednesday afternoon, January 20, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. John Francis Neff was born in Cairo, Illinois on May 21, 1933, to Herbert and Cecelia Neff. …

Deacon Gerald McGory (updated)
January 19, 2021

The Diaconate Office sadly informs the passing of Deacon Gerald McGory, 89, retired, from Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg.  Most recently, he attended the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.  He passed away in the Lord on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Funeral Services on Monday, January 25th at the Cathedral of St. Jude the …

Sister Ruth Barthle, OSF
January 19, 2021

Sadly we inform the passing of Sister Ruth Barthle, OSF, a native of Pasco County and long time religious in this diocese.  She died this morning, January 11, 2021 at the Motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, where she has been living for the last 3 years. Originally from San Antonio, Florida, she …

Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM
January 11, 2021

Word reached the Diocese that Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM, 83, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Concordia Healthcare Center, Tampa, of complications from COVID 19. A native of Florida, Sister Mary Patricia entered the SNJM community after graduating from the Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa, in 1955. Her roles in education …

Reverend Eric Hunter
January 11, 2021

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Eric Hunter, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early this morning, January 11, 2021, at his residence in Largo, while under Hospice care. Father Hunter was granted retirement status in July 2019, after serving as Pastor of St. Brendan …

Mary Ann Iadanza
January 11, 2021

Our office has received word of the passing of Mary Ann Iadanza, wife of Deacon John Iadanza from St. Mary Parish in Tampa. Deacon John and Mary Ann were high school sweethearts, married for 58 years. They relocated to Florida in 1998 from New Jersey. She was 78. Services are as follows: Visitation will take …

Glenn Kloiber
January 4, 2021

The Diaconate Office office has received word of the passing of Mr. Glenn Kloiber, 96, father of Laurie Dever, wife of Deacon Ray Dever from St. Paul Parish in Tampa. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the Laurie Dever and family in care …

Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown
January 4, 2021

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Rev. Dr. Frederick Brown, father of Reverend Stephan T. Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg. Dr. Brown passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021, while at home in St. Petersburg, under Hospice care, following a steady decline in health in recent months.Dr. …

Luis Alfonso Riveros
January 4, 2021

Sadly, the Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Luis Alfonso Riveros, 62, youngest brother of Reverend Belisario Riveros, Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon, passed away on Christmas morning, Friday, December 25, 2020, in Bogotá, Colombia, following a lengthy battle with Leukemia.  Mr. Riveros is survived by his wife, Flor Riveros and three children: Alfonso, Carolina …

Sister Barbara Rose Arduengo
December 21, 2020

We have received word of the death of Sister Barbara Rose Arduengo, SNJM, 89, in Tampa, on December 17, 2020.  Please keep Sister Barbara Rose and the members of her community in your prayers. May Sister Barbara Rose and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Announcements ~ December 14, 2020
December 14, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Bishop Parkes Christmas Message Bishop’s 2020 Christmas Message is available for publication in your bulletins. We have the following versions: English PDF: https://bit.ly/3nh0mlq and PNG: https://bit.ly/2Wa9NqV Spanish PDF: https://bit.ly/2LzNPLT  and PNG:  https://bit.ly/3oUOjKZ If you need another format, contact Teresa Peterson, tlp@dosp.org. Christmas With Bishop Gregory Parkes Those who are unable …

Lucille M. LaRose
December 7, 2020

Word reached our office that Mrs. Lucille M. LaRose, mother of Deacon Ed LaRose from St. Timothy Parish in Lutz, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020. She was 92. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 21, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, FL 33558. Expressions …

Deacon Maximo E. Montayre
December 7, 2020

Word reached our office that Deacon Maximo “Max” Montayre, retired from Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Tampa and the Apostleship of the Sea, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, he was 84. The Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. …

Clergy Changes ~ December 7, 2020
December 7, 2020

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Theobald Weria, A.L.C.P., from Parochial Administrator of St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa to Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. Deacon James (“Ben”) Hooks, to Coordinator of Pastoral Care pro tempore, St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa. …

Mrs. Nancy Manko
November 30, 2020

Mrs. Nancy Manko, mother of Deacon Mark Manko from St. James the Apostle, Port Richey, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, November 29, 2020 in Pennsylvania. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the Manko Family in care of St. James the Apostle Parish, 8400 Monarch Dr., Port Richey, FL 34668.  Please keep Deacon …

Announcements ~ November 30, 2020
November 30, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the recently released McCarrick and Florida State Attorney Reports and the virtual meeting of the U.S. Bishops. Marriage and Family …

Clergy Changes ~ November 30, 2020
November 30, 2020

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy changes, effective January 1, 2021: APPOINTMENTS Reverend Bradley Reed, from Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater to Parochial Vicar of Nativity Parish, Brandon. Reverend Dayan Machado, from Pastor of St. Rita Parish, Dade City to the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg, with residence …

Announcements ~ November 23, 2020
November 23, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Communications from Bishop Gregory ParkesIn this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8doO_FTIZ5UBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Thanksgiving message and expresses his gratitude for your prayers and support.In this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b_0NfVEsU0&feature=youtu.beBishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful. In this podcast – https://bit.ly/2J8EABeBishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the …

Mrs. Phyllis Ytuarte
November 23, 2020

We sadly announce the passing of Mrs. Phyllis Ytuarte on Thursday, November 19, 2020.  Mrs. Ytuarte is the mother-in-law of Deacon Ed Anctil, Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Tampa. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:00 am at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. Please pray for …

Reverend Terence K. Fleming
November 23, 2020

We were saddened to learn that Reverend Terence Kaner (“Terry”) Fleming, 79, a retired priest of the Diocese of Rochester and long-time resident in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Oldsmar on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Father Fleming was born on August 10, 1941, in Rochester, New York to …

T.J. Chakko
November 16, 2020

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr. T.J. Chakko, 92, father of Reverend Saji James, M.S.T., Parochial Vicar of Our Lady Queen of Peace, New Port Richey.  Mr. Chakko passed away peacefully in the Lord on Saturday, November 14, 2020, while at home in India.  Funeral services took place yesterday, November …

Helen Marie Ross
November 16, 2020

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Helen Marie Ross, died on November 9, 2020.  Mrs. Ross was a former Music Director of St. Brendan Parish, Clearwater Beach and St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater. Please keep all of her family members and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.   Complete obituary is available at …

Announcements November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES Office of Communications Fit Faith Into Your Crazy Busy life with New YouTube SeriesFather Connor Penn brings a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church’s comprehensive calendar of celebrations, solemnities, and saints’ feast days through your Catholic Planner. Each episode will offer practical suggestions for encountering Christ in the week ahead! Visit the diocesan …

Announcements ~ November 9, 2020
November 9, 2020

DIOCESAN OFFICES A View from the Top In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes discusses praying for victories, superstitions and faith, election takeaways, the beatification of Father Michael McGivney, COVID-19 and holidays and a salute to veterans.  To listen to the podcast, follow this link:  https://bit.ly/32qABGE. Our Diocesan Commitment to Safe Environments …

Julia Rebel
November 9, 2020

Recently, the Chancellor’s Office was contacted by Father Patrick Rebel, Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Spring Hill, to inform us of the untimely passing of his niece, Julia Rebel, 20, who died in an automobile accident on Thursday, October 29, 2020.  Julia was the daughter of James and Kathy Rebel, of Wesley Chapel.  …

Robert Francis Perillo
November 9, 2020

The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mr. Robert Francis Perillo, died on October 29, 2020 in New York City.  Mr. Perillo was a Master Voice Teacher and has trained actors for over a quarter of a century.  He has given seminars and workshops to choral groups, readers of scripture and to other teachers of voice …

Donna M. Hoffman
November 2, 2020

We sadly inform the passing of Donna Marie Hoffman, age 55, of Inverness, on October 4, 2020 at Citrus Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness.  Donna was the sister of Debbie Sosnicki, Office Manager of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Inverness. Donna was born in Staten Island, NY on September 18, 1965. She and her …