August 27, 2018 WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this …
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued the following statement. Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “In communion with the Holy Father, I join the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in taking upon ourselves his exhortation, ‘this open wound [of …
August 23, 2018 WASHINGTON—To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first and only World Youth Day (WYD) in the United States (in Denver, Colorado, in August 1993), the official World Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon will make a five-city tour across the United States in August 2018. From August 19 to 27, the WYD …
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“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. …
Continue reading “Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People of God”
Jose Antonio Jimenez is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. for the 1992 murder of Phyllis Minas. In an August 9 letter to Governor Rick Scott on behalf of the bishops of Florida, Michael Sheedy, executive director, appealed to the governor to commute Jimenez’ death sentence to a life …
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Seeking to abolish the death penalty around the world because it is an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,” Pope Francis has revised the catechism’s paragraph on capital punishment, 2267. An article in L’Osservatore Romano (a Vatican newspaper) states that: “With the new formulation of n. 2267 of the Catechism, therefore, the …
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A group will gather to pray for an end to the use of the death penalty, and to give thanks that a stay of execution has been granted for Jose Antonio Jimenez. All members of the community are also invited to join in prayer. When: Tuesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. Where: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, …
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg is hosting an all-star lineup for the Family Faith Fest, a free music and faith festival event on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park and ALL are invited. Appearing on stage will be faith-filled musical artists: Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. …
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Pope Francis has ratified the members elected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to represent the United States at the upcoming XV Ordinary General Assembly: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. The Synod will take place October 3-28. The delegates are: Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, President of the United …
Sean Callahan, presidente y CEO de Catholic Relief Services (CRS), escribió lo siguiente como respuesta a la separación de las familias que ha estado ocurriendo en el borde de Estados Unidos y México. Adjunto hay maneras de ayudar a resolver la problemática de dicha separación. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who …
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Sean Callahan, the President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), wrote the following in response to the family separation happening at the US/Mexico border. Included in his reflection are ways that you can help. “In Mexico last week, I sat with a mother who explained the suffering she and her sons faced as they …
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Six Florida bishops and the papal nuncio (the pope’s ambassador to the U.S.) gathered with clergy, religious and nearly one thousand faith-filled Catholics for a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 16, 2018, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in honor of the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s golden jubilee. “Today is a day of …
During his general address on Sunday, June 10, 2018, Pope Francis prayed for the Korean people. The Holy Father also prayed that the upcoming summit between the leaders of the United States and North Korea “may contribute to the development of a positive path to assure a future of peace on the Korean peninsula and …
50 Years of Caring for the Community On June 17, 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment. Bishop Gregory Parkes has chosen the theme of “Gratitude, Joy and Hope” for the Diocese’s golden jubilee. He is asking all Catholics to remember the past with gratitude, celebrate the present …
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Three men. Three different paths. A Seminole, a Gator and a Bull all received the same call to serve God and his people as priests. On May 19, Bishop Gregory Parkes ordained the three to the priesthood before nearly 1,000 people at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. (Link to the video here.) The …
“Pope Francis-A Man of His Word” will open in theatres nationwide on May 18, 2018. This film is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. Pope Francis made himself available for hours of interviews and taping. The result is a personal and intimate visit with the …
Richard Peete had a family and a successful, middle-class life and he dreamed of a bright future. But things changed drastically in 1998 when his 28-year-old wife and four-year-old child died in a car accident. While still suffering from that trauma and pain, he lost his job because of the recession and housing market collapse. …
Continue reading “Stories of Hope Shared at Breakfast of Mercy with Catholic Charities”
PASTORAL BULLETIN — VOL. 33: NO. 14 ~ April 9, 2018 Announcements for Parish Bulletins DIOCESAN OFFICES ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain Deacons Kyle Bell, Louis Turcotte and Timothy Williford to the priesthood on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg. …
New document from Pope Francis! Read the full text of our Holy Father’s new apostolic exhortation, “Guadete Et Exsultate”, which means “Rejoice and Be Glad” in Latin, here. This document is about holiness in everyday life. Check out top five take aways from the new document as presented by Father James Martin, SJ and America The Jesuit Review …
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Hundreds of men, women and children will join the Walk for Life 2018 – On the Bay, along the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail at Ben T. Davis Beach along 1-mile, 2-mile, or 5K courses, on Saturday, April 14. The event creates awareness and helps raise funds for four Foundations of Life Pregnancy Centers (Tampa, St. …
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PASTORAL BULLETIN — VOL. 33: NO. 13 ~ April 2, 2018 Announcements for Parish Bulletins DIOCESAN OFFICES Vocations Office ALTAR SERVER APPRECIATION MASS On Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. the Office of Vocations will host the annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 Fifth Ave. N., …
Gathered in Miami for three days of intense reflection, 300 Catholics, mostly Hispanic, pondered problems and offered solutions to challenges faced by people in their communities. The Diocese of St. Petersburg had 34 delegates representing 20 parishes at the Regional V (fifth) Encuentro, which was the second largest contingency of participants. Bishop Gregory Parkes and …
Before you share a story on social media, what impact does the story have on our community and our world? Could you be spreading fake news or as Pope Francis describes it: “false information based on nonexistent or distorted data meant to deceive and manipulate the reader.” Pope Francis warns about the dangers of fake …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make a …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 (January 1, 2018- December 31, 2018) for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. …
As with many jubilee years, Pope Francis has instructed that a special plenary indulgence be available for the faithful throughout 2018 for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The faithful who commit to a complete detachment of sin may follow the steps below to receive this indulgence. For Able-Bodied Catholics Devoutly make …
Over 250 couples from over 60 parishes from the Diocese of St. Petersburg celebrating 25, 50 or more years of marriage participated in the Marriage Jubilee Mass on Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of St Jude the Apostle. One couple was celebrating 75 years of marriage. “You were here last year, right?” said Bishop Parkes …
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In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …
In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that he will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To consecrate means to dedicate or set aside for a …
The Season of Lent is observed this year from Feb. 14 – March 29. During this time, Catholics can reflect more deeply on the sacrificial love of Jesus that led to his dying on the Cross on Good Friday for the forgiveness of sins. (To view the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Office of Worship Lent …
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The 16 members of the Visioning Team of the Diocese of St. Petersburg met on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 for half-day sessions to continue the process of discerning a Mutually Shared Vision and develop a plan of priorities and goals that will guide the Diocese of St. Petersburg into the future with purpose, focus, …
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Bios of Visioning Team Members can be Found on These Pages: (click to view: Last Names A-O) Father Justin Paskert, Campus Minister, University of S. Florida/Parochial Vicar Corpus Christi Parish (Tempe Terrace) Father Justin Peter Paskert was ordained a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 18th, 2013 at the age of 32. He …
More than 900 people from over 18 parishes gathered at St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral on October 14 for the closing celebration of the V Diocesan Encuentro. The word Encuentro is Spanish for encounter and it refers to the process of meeting people in a friendly way to learn about their struggles and accompany them …
By joining the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN) you can help promote laws that are consistent with Catholic teachings on respect for life, concern for the environment and social justice. Here’s what you need to know! What is the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network? An online community that exists to connect, educate, and mobilize Catholics …
To prepare for next year’s international Synod on “Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment,” the Holy Father wants online feedback from all youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, from around the world, regardless of how active they are in the practice of the faith. Youth and young adults, ages 16 to 29, …
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October 3, 2017 – Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino became the 21st recipient of the Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award at the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. He was selected by his peers to receive the award in recognition of his dedicated ministry and service to the faithful and community of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino …
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A global campaign to be in solidarity with immigrants and refugees is now underway and support for this campaign comes from all the way at the top. Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience on Sept. 27, Pope Francis urged governments and all men and women of goodwill …
Pope Francis recently gave a TED Talk, urging people to make real connections with each other. “Good intentions and conventional formulas, so often used to appease our conscience, are not enough,” Pope Francis said. “Let us help each other, all together, to remember that the other is not a statistic or a number. The other has …
Have you ever considered participating in a pilgrimage with other young adults and Pope Francis to a World Youth Day? World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of young people from around the world to celebrate the love of Christ for humanity. WYD is a powerful opportunity to gather with over 1 million young people from around …
This year we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 7, 2017. The theme for this year is Led by the Spirit for Mission. The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his …
The Rev. Roy Edward Campbell Jr. was recently appointed by Pope Francis to serve as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. He will be one of three bishops in the archdiocese assisting Cardinal Donald Wuerl. As bishop, Rev. Campbell will replace Bishop Martin D. Holley, who served 12 years as auxiliary bishop in Washington …
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During Lent, we are encouraged to raise up the needs of the world in prayer, to sacrifice or fast by giving up food or material wants, and to offer our time, talent, and treasure as good stewards of the gifts God has given us. Pope Francis’ 2017 Lenten message USCCB Lenten Resources Parish Lenten/Easter Guidelines – English / Spanish See …
With great joy we announce that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida. Bishop Parkes succeeds the retiring Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who has served as Bishop of St. Petersburg since his installation in 1996. …
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September 4, 2016 – Sister Regina Ozuzu, H.H.C.J., principal of Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey, proudly represented the Bishop Larkin Catholic School family and our diocese in Rome as Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa of Kolkata a saint. Sister Regina joined an estimated 120,000 people from around the world in St. Peter’s Square for the Canonization …
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May 27 was Bishop Lynch’s seventy-fifth birthday. On that day, he signed and sent a letter to the Holy Father asking to retire after having reached the mandatory “age limit” for bishops. Our diocese is now in a waiting period to hear from the Vatican who our new bishop will be. Bishop Lynch will still be in office until we …
“Some of you said: this system can no longer be endured. We must change it; we must put human dignity again at the center and on that pillar build the alternative social structures we need. It must be done with courage, but also with intelligence, with tenacity but without fanaticism, with passion but without violence. …
More than 70 pilgrims from our diocese attended the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland. Some of the participating parishes include St. Timothy Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Nativity Parish, Resurrection Parish, and Sacred Heart Parish in Pinellas Park. WORLD YOUTH DAY PHOTOS Our pilgrims shared photos from …
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NABCA Press Release – July 18, 2016 Birmingham, AL, July 18, 2016– The National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA) strongly condemns the continuing disproportionate use of excessive and deadly force against Black men and women by law enforcement and any attacks on law enforcement officers in the United States. Racial bias in law enforcement …
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Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, was released to the public today, April 8, 2016. According to a news release by the Vatican News Service, this Apostolic Exhortation harvests the fruits of the two Synods on the family held in Rome in 2014 and 2015. …
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the papal honors of Chaplain to His Holiness, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and Benerementi. The recipients were honored during a private ceremony in April 2016 at the Bethany Center. The following priests have been named Chaplains to His Holiness: Rev. Monsignor Ronald Aubin Rev. Monsignor Dennis Hughes Rev. Monsignor Joseph Pellegrino …
February 19, 2016 – We are pleased to announce the recipients of the papal honors of Chaplain to His Holiness, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, and Benerementi. The recipients will be honored during a private ceremony in April at the Bethany Center. The following priests have been named Chaplains to His Holiness: Rev. Monsignor Ronald Aubin Rev. Monsignor …
Bishop Lynch will be leading eleven communal penance services around the diocese during Lent. The dates and locations are listed below. For more information about receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please read the brochure “A Short Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation” in English or Spanish. 10 Reasons to Go to Confession – USCCB blog post “My Side …
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In his 2016 Lenten message, Pope Francis asks us to reflect upon and put into practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Embrace his call to mercy by reaching out to those in need. Be attentive to the Lenten call to prayer; be generous with your time and treasure. “For all of us, then, the …
Saddened by yet another anniversary of the January 22, 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, the Catholic bishops of Florida recognize in their annual Roe v. Wade statement the courage of lawmakers who this past year sought to reduce abortion in our state. The bishops were deeply moved by the post-abortive women who …
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