The sacred purpose of the mission of the Diocese of St. Petersburg calls us to proclaim the Good News and invite all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.

 One way the Diocese of St. Petersburg is living out that call is through a :30 second Christmas commercial that has been produced featuring Bishop Gregory Parkes that airs December 10-24. The commercial (below) invites people to “pray with us and encounter God’s healing presence.”

Come Home for Christmas to a Catholic Church from Diocese of St. Petersburg on Vimeo.

The commercial is airing on Bay News 9, Fox News and NewsChannel 8 in all five counties of the Diocese. A radio version is airing on Spirit FM 90.5 and Peace Be With You Radio 102.1 FM in Pinellas Park. A version with Spanish subtitles will air on WAPA and CNN Español. The commercial will also be advertised on Facebook and YouTube.

The commercial directs people to visit a webpage to learn more: www.ParishNearMe.org or www.IglesiaCercana.org (for the Spanish version).

“Joseph and Mary were searching for warmth and shelter on that holy night when our Savior, Jesus Christ was born. I believe we’re all searching for something – or to be specific – someone – our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope this commercial helps people to feel welcome to come home for Christmas to a Catholic Church,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes.

Since Christmas is a time to welcome new and returning people, the Diocese is reminding parishes about best practices in hospitality by sharing this link.