In case you missed it, we share some good news stories about the Diocese of St. Petersburg that were included in various news outlets around town.

September 26, 2024 – Residents of Pinellas Hope Evacuate Before Helen

March 30, 2024 – Bringing ‘Hope’ to Citrus County: More Than Tents for the Homeless Population

March 26, 2024 – New Florida Law Requires Local Government-Funded Homeless Camps

March 14, 2024 – Gov. DeSantis Expected to Sign Public Sleeping Bill – WFLA

March 14, 2024 – Bill to Ban Sleeping in Public Parks, Streets Lands on Governor’s Desk – Bay News 9

March 8, 2024 – Florida Cottages Provide ‘Hope’ to the Homeless – EWTN

March 7, 2024 – Florida Bill Could Ban Homeless from Sleeping on Public Property and in Parks – ABC Action News

March 5, 2024 – Homeless Camps? Florida Has Tried — with Mixed Success – Tampa Bay Times

June 19, 2023 – NBA Veteran Kevin Knox Inspires Young Players at Tampa Catholic

June 6, 2023 – Ukrainian Family Helped by St. Patrick Catholic Schools

April 27, 2023 – Bringing Church and Prayer Inside Local Jails

November 17, 2022 – Our Lady’s Food Pantry Helps Families in Need – Fox 13

November 22, 2022 – Homeless Residents Find Hope During Holidays At Tampa Shelter – Patch Media

October 18, 2022 – Affordable apartments for seniors planned – Tampa Bay Times

October 11, 2022 – Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church celebrates 70 years – The Laker/Lutz News

September 27, 2022 – Florida bishop calls for prayers ahead of Hurricane Ian – Catholic News Agency

September 27, 2022 – Florida bishop Invites All to Pray for God’s Protection From Hurricane Ian – The Tablet

September 23, 2022 – Diversity of religions, cultures in New Tampa – ABC Action News

September 15, 2022 – New affordable housing complex opening in Tampa for 20 families – News Channel 8

September 15, 2022 – New affordable housing complex opens in Tampa – Spectrum Bay News 9

September 15, 2022 – Non-profit, county officials dedicate new affordable housing complex in Tampa – Fox 13 Tampa Bay

September 10, 2022 – Editorial/Citrus officials shouldn’t miss an opportunity – Citrus County Chronicle

August 28, 2022 – St. Benedict Apartments projected move-in date January 2023 – Citrus County Chronicle

June 22, 2022 – Former Ruskin motel converted into affordable housing – News Channel 8

June 22, 2022 – Catholic Charities opens new affordable housing in Ruskin – Spectrum Bay News 9

June 21, 2022 Old Ruskin Motel Turns Into Affordable Housing for Low-Income Families – Patch Media

June 6, 2022 – Nativity Catholic Church expands food bank warehouse – Spectrum Bay News 9

June 6, 2022 – Nativity Catholic Church opens large food bank in Dover as need becomes more critical – Fox 13 Tampa Bay

May 24, 2022 – Tampa Hope in Ybor City provides solution for people facing homelessness – Fox 13 Tampa Bay

May 16, 2022 – Area nonprofits see surge in people needing services – Spectrum Bay News 9

April 13, 2022 – Families finding help at new Pasco shelter – ABC Action News

March 25, 2022 – Catholic Churches pray for peace in Ukraine – ABC Action News

March 23, 2022 – Nativity’s Fish Fry Organized By Men’s Club, Boy Scouts And Life Teen Groups – Osprey Observer

March 19, 2022 – At 125, school goes from chalkboards to smart boards – Crux Catholic Media

March 7, 2022 – Pregnancy Center Celebrates Opening Of New Tampa Location – Patch Media

March 5, 2022 – After five years, St. Benedict Apartments affordable housing starts construction – Citrus County Chronicle

January 28, 2022 – Lunar New Year Festival is a chance for Vietnamese community to share their culture – Spectrum Bay News 9

January 25, 2022 – Low-Income Housing Project Earns Pasco County National Honors – Patch Media

December 21, 2021 – Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of Tampa’s Oldest Churches – ABC Action News

December 13, 2021 – Catholic Charities Launches Tampa Hope to Serve the Homeless – ABC Action News

October 8, 2021 – Child Helps Other Children at New Homeless Shelter Operated by Catholic Charities – Fox 13 News

October 8, 2021 – New Homeless Shelter for Families Opening in Pasco County, Operated by Catholic Charities – ABC Action News

October 8, 2021 – Pasco Shelter for Homeless Families Set to Open in late October, Operated by Catholic Charities – Tampa Bay Times

October 4, 2021 – New principal named at historic St. Peter Claver Catholic School – Spectrum Bay News 9

September 29, 2021 – ‘Blue Mass’ honors Bay Area law enforcement – Spectrum Bay News 9

September 24, 2021 – St. Scholastica Catholic women’s group donate to youth camp – Citrus County Chronicle

September 21,2021 – Former big leaguer is Bishop McLaughlin’s new coach – The Laker/Lutz News

July 26, 2021 – Everyday Heroes: Helping people heal through food – Spectrum Bay News 9

July 13, 2021 – Villa Madonna campus pavilion and renovation project gets underway in Tampa – 83 degrees

June 23, 2021 – Pastor ready to ‘just pedal’ into retirement – The Laker Lutz News

June 7, 2021 – Pasco’s first family shelter prepares to welcome residents – Spectrum Bay News 9

May 29, 2021 – St. Vincent de Paul CARES cut the ribbon last week on the third phase of its permanent supportive housing projectTampa Bay Times

May 13, 2021 – Life in Time of Coronavirus: Welcoming a new parish – Spectrum Bay News 9

April 4, 2021 – Churches See Revival in Easter Sunday Attendance – Spectrum Bay News 9

April 3, 2021 – Farm Working Families Receive Extra Easter Cheer Thanks to Catholic Charities – Spectrum Bay News 9

April 2, 2021 – Interview about Good Friday and Easter with Craig Patrick of Fox 13

March 31, 2021 – Catholic Mass obligation resumes May 22, Bishop Gregory Parkes says – Tampa Bay Times

February 24, 2021 – Church group prays for essential workers, patients every week outside Plant City hospital – Fox 13

February 17, 2021 – Ash Wednesday and COVID-19: Will priests in Tampa Bay smudge ashes this year? – WFLA Channel 8

February 17, 2021 – Ash Wednesday will look different this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – WTSP Channel 10

February 17, 2021 – Miércoles de ceniza modificado por el coronavirus – Telemundo

February 17, 2021 – St. Pete Catholic Churches Have New Ash Wednesday Measures – Spectrum Bay News 9

February 16, 2021 – Ash Wednesday 2021: a different look and a time for reflection – Tampa Bay Times

February 15, 2021 – Fish Fry Fridays: Land O’ Lakes church adapting Lent tradition to pandemic times – WFLA Channel 8

February 12, 2021 – Pinellas Hope receives $25K in honor of former bishop – Tampa Bay Times

February 5, 2021 – Frameworks Tampa Bay Granted Super Bowl LV Microgrant (works with St. Peter Claver Catholic School) – BayNews 9

February 4,2021 – Soup-er Bowl: Students in St. Pete, Kansas City Compete to Feed Hungry – BayNews 9

January 11, 2021 – Tampa Bay kids receive thousands of books, games, and school supplies in Super Bowl project – WTSP

December 23, 2020 – Meet two Tampa Bay residents who volunteered for the vaccine trials – Tampa Bay Times

December 21, 2020 – Catholic Diocese Makes Plans for Celebrants to Safely Observe Advent – WUSF Public Media

December 18, 2020 – Coronavirus mutes the celebration of Christ’s coming at Tampa Bay parishes – Tampa Bay Times

December 13, 2020 – South Tampa’s largest pipe organ to make its newly remodeled grand debut on Christmas Eve – Fox 13

December 11, 2020 – Jeff Bezos charity gives $5 million to house Tampa Bay homeless families – Tampa Bay Times

November 24, 2020 – Bishops say Advent during pandemic can be a time to draw closer to Jesus – Catholic News Service

November 23, 2020 – All in the family: How Step Up scholarships shaped the lives of Linzi’s 6 children – StepUpforStudents.org

October 27, 2020 – Pray for the Rays? We asked a priest and a rabbi – Tampa Bay Times

September 19, 2020 – Ugandan Nun, COVID-19 victim leaves legacy in Tampa Bay – Fox 13

September 2, 2020 – Zachary Elliott’s New Venture at Tampa Parish Is All the Buzz – Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province

August 30, 2020 – Bishop brothers; Stephen and Gregory Parkes to become 1 of 11 sibling-bishops in U.S Catholic history – Fox 13

August 29, 2020 – The head of the Diocese of St. Petersburg will help install his brother as bishop in Savannah – Tampa Bay Times

August 23, 2020 – Toups takes ‘torch’ from Guillory as Beaumont’s new bishop – Beaumont Enterprise

August 17, 2020 – Siblings, brother priests and now brother bishops – Our Sunday Visitor

July 30, 2020 – Living In COVID: Faith Community Nurses Join Forces With Local Hospitals To Create Mobile Medical Clinics For Migrant Workers – Osprey Observer

July 28, 2020 – ‘The Catholic spirit is always here’ – The Florida Catholic

July 10, 2020 – Pope Francis names Clearwater priest bishop of Texas diocese – Tampa Bay Times

June 8, 2020 – Bishop Gregory Parkes Prays For Peace, Unity, And End To Racism – WUSF

June 7, 2020 – Diocese of St. Petersburg holds vigil inviting people to peacefully protest and pray – ABC Action News

June 4, 2020 – Tampa Bay’s Catholic bishop to hold prayer vigil for racial harmony and justice – Tampa Bay Times

May 31, 2020 – With caution and emotion, Tampa Bay churches reopen for Sunday services – Tampa Bay Times

May 29, 2020 – Diocese to Resume In Person Masses – WFLA-Channel 8

May 18, 2020 – Tampa Bay Catholics and Evangelicals discuss the environment and disease outbreaks – Tampa Bay Times

May 14, 2020 – As states reopen amid pandemic, head of St. Petersburg Diocese shares what parishioners can expect – Net NY 

May 14, 2020 – Clergy: Urgency in pandemic response can apply to addressing climate change – Catholic News Service

May 14, 2020 -On Laudato Si anniversary, Catholics and Protestants alike focus on common good – Crux

May 11, 2020 – Public Mass for Catholics resumes in Tampa Bay-WFLA-TV

May 8, 2020 – Local Pastor Hits the Road to Bless His Flock During Pandemic – Citrus County Chronicle

April 24, 2020 -Catholic church in St. Pete provides free face masks for public – ABC Action News or here

April 12, 2020 – Florida Church Members Mostly Worshipping Separately On Easter, WUSF Radio

April 10, 2020 – With Easter Approaching, COVID-19 Keeping Churches Empty – Bay News 9

April 10, 2020 – Holy Week during Quarantine, WTSP-Channel 10

April 10, 2020 – For the first time in history, Tampa Bay churches holding Easter services virtually, ABC Action News  

April 10, 2020 – There’s still plenty to do for Easter, at a distance and online, Tampa Bay Times

April 10, 2020 – Easter Mass Sunday streamed on the free ABC Action News Streaming News Channel, ABC Action News

April 7, 2020 – Churches across Tampa Bay grapple with coronavirus economic fallout, Tampa Bay Times

April 7, 2020 – City of Tampa hosts tent city for 100 homeless people during ‘safer-at-home’ county-wide order, ABC Action News

April 6, 2020 – Tampa’s Tent City Providing Safe Place for Homeless During COVID-19 – Bay News 9

April 2, 2020 – After coronavirus, Clearwater priest livestreams Mass from his apartment – Tampa Bay Times

April 2, 2020 – Tampa emergency homeless shelter fills up in less than two days 

March 31, 2020 – Tampa Opens Tent Shelter For Homeless During Coronavirus Pandemic,

March 30, 2020 – Tampa hosts tent city for 100 homeless people during county’s ‘safer-at-home’ order, 

March 20, 2020 – With coronavirus, religious groups use technology to cope

March 19, 2020 – Diocese Of St. Petersburg Suspends Masses Over Coronavirus Concerns 

March 19, 2020 – Coronavirus: Diocese Of St. Petersburg Cancels Catholic Masses 

March 18, 2020 – Diocese of St. Petersburg cancels all public Mass celebrations in Tampa Bay, 

March 18, 2020 – SCCB Executive Committee offers support of the work of CRS in Africa

March 18, 2020 – Church in the era of COVID-19

March 17, 2020 – Do we have Mass? Coronavirus closures and dispensations in US dioceses

March 15, 2020 – Tampa Bay area churches make changes amid Coronavirus concerns

March 13, 2020 – Faith in the face of coronavirus — Trust God and wash your hands

March 13, 2020 – Coronavirus pushes Tampa Bay’s Catholic schools to close 

March 13, 2020 – Pinellas County Schools extends spring break for one week

March 13, 2020 – Coronavirus concerns temporarily closing Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg schools, moving to online learning 

March 12, 20202 – Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg suspends shaking of hands, serving of blessed or consecrated wine

March 12, 2020 – Bishop Larkin Catholic School switching to online classes after parent tests positive for coronavirus

March 11, 2020 – Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg suspends shaking of hands, serving of wine, 

February 26, 2020 – Largo Priest Shares his Experiences, Vision for ChurchTampa Bay Newspapers

February 9, 2020 – Little kid, big heart: 8-year-old hands out 120 fleece blankets to homeless people10News WTSP

February 7, 2020 –St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church receives statue from Italy – Citrus County Chronicle

January 7, 2020 – Unexpected donations keep Pinellas Hope shelter thriving: Story | Video10News WTSP

December 18, 2019 – St. Joseph Catholic Church Creates Happy Holidays in the Bahamas Bay News 9

November 18, 2019 – Pinellas Hope Thanks Volunteers with Hunger Heroes Lunch & Bishop Parkes Blesses News Hope Cottages Bay News 9

November 14, 2019 – November is Black Catholic History Month, a time to learn and share stories about the devout.Tampa Bay Times

Setpember 29, 2019 –Espiritu Santo Catholic School Recognized As 2019 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School – Tampa Bay Newswire

September 26, 2019 – Pinellas Park school provides sensory room, facility dogs for children of all abilities – WFLA

May 31, 2019 – ‘Not My Son’ summer campaign kicks off in St. Pete – 10News WTSP

May 31, 2019 – Parents in St. Petersburg band together to keep kids out of trouble this summer Fox 13

May 10, 2019 – Catholic churches in Pinellas launch program to improve access to mental health servicesTampa Bay Times

April 15, 2019 – Florida architect reacts to Notre Dame Cathedral fire, says ‘concrete can burn’ABC Action News

April 15, 2019 – Priest Who Celebrated Mass at Notre Dame Stunned by Fire – 10News WTSP

April 15, 2019 – Florida Priest Reacts to Paris Notre Dame FireNews Radio WFLA

March 29, 2019 – Abortion, environment among concerns of Catholics visiting Florida CapitolCatholicPhilly.com

March 26, 2019 – Memorial Mass Held For Longtime Nativity Pastor Msgr. LaraOsprey Observer

March 25, 2019 – Catholic nun found her calling in the classroom and left a lasting impressionTampa Bay Times

February 26, 2019 – St. Stephen Girl’s Basketball Team Finishes Season With Championship WinOsprey Observer

February 25, 2019 – St. Stephen Brings Faiths Together With 3rd Annual Interfaith DayOsprey Observer

December 31, 2018 – Trying to sell your Tampa Bay house? St. Joseph is here to helpTampa Bay Times

December 25, 2018 – VIDEO: Bishop Parkes Featured on Fox 13 Christmas SpecialFox 13

December 24, 2018 – VIDEO: Deacon Joe is Busy with Prayers for the FlyingABC Action News

December 21, 2018 – Tampa airport chaplain provides a calming voiceTampa Bay Times

December 20, 2018 – Sacred Heart Catholic Church Gears Up for Another Annual Christmas TourTampa Bay Times

December 18, 2018 – VIDEO: Deacon Offers Prayers to Travelers at Tampa International Aiport – Bay News 9

December 17, 2018 – School choice scholarship provided brothers an extended familyredefinED

December 4, 2018 – St. Anne Catholic Church True To Its Vision For The PoorOsprey Observer

December 4, 2018 – Family Faith Fest Honors 50-Year Anniversary Of St. Petersburg’s DioceseOsprey Observer

November 30, 2018 – Christmas bars, Hanukkah happenings, Snowfest: 10 things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay10news

November 21, 2018 – From St. Petersburg to Jerusalem, walking the path of Jesus in the Holy Land – Tampa Bay Times

November 14, 2018 – Adopted siblings thriving in private school after severe neglect in early childhoodReDefinedED

November 12, 2018 – A key volunteer helps bring life to the operations behind Brandon’s NovemberfestTampa Bay Times

November 6, 2018 – Brandon’s Nativity Catholic Church gears up for another Novemberfest Tampa Bay Times

November 2, 2018 – Bay Area Worshippers Honor the Spirit of Padre PioTampa Bay Times

November 1, 2018 – Catholic schools are a choice for many Pinellas families Tampa Bay Times

November 1, 2018 – Thousands of Catholics Expected to Venerate St. Padre Pio Relic in St. Petersburg  – Tampa Bay Times

October 24, 2018 – Christian Singers to Headline Family Faith Fest this WeekendTampa Bay Times

September 19, 2018 – Sacred Heart’s pipe organ fills church, hearts with music- Fox 13

September 19, 2018 – The more than 100-year-old Sacred Heart Catholic Church – Fox 13

September 18, 2018 – Hurricane Maria: Two Stories, One Year Later – WUSF News

September 18, 2018 – Florida Matters (Interview with Catholic Charities Regarding Hurricane Maria Assistance) – WUSF

September 17, 2018 – Editorial: Housing project a stepping stone for community – Citrus County Chronicle

September 8, 2018 – Florida Catholic event seeks to overcome denial about modern racism – Catholic News Agency

September 7, 2018 – St. Benedict Housing to offer rental homes to low-income residents – Citrus County Chronicle

September 7, 2018 – Editorial – The bishop’s helpful conversations on race – Tampa Bay Times

September 5, 2018 – Tampa Bay Catholics to confront issues of race – Tampa Bay Times

September 2, 2018 – Popular Christian Music Artists To Headline The Family Faith Fest – Osprey Observer

August 23, 2018 – Catholic Charities Citrus Outreach reaches out to the local community – Citrus County Chronicle

August  3, 2018 – Citrus County Partners with Catholic Charities to Provide Affordable Housing – Citrus County Chronicle

July 25, 2018 – Teens Help Feed Bay Area Families – Fox 13

July 21, 2018 – Good Samaritan Project Helps Repair Hurricane Damaged Home – Tampa Bay Times

July 11, 2018 – Students paint home of elderly Clearwater woman whose house was damaged by Irma – 10 News

July 11, 2018 – Clearwater teens become good Samaritans during summer program – Fox 13

July 7, 2018 – Catholic Charities Helping Puerto Rican Evacuees Find New Homes – WUSF

July 3, 2018 – Father Brown Installed as New Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church – The Weekly Challenger

July 2, 2018, Diocese Steps In to Help Puerto Rican Evacuees- Bay News 9

June 19, 2018 – Op Ed: Border Children are Not Pawns in a Political Game – Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Tampa Bay Times

June 18, 2018 – St. Pete Diocese Commits to Creating More Affordable Housing – Bay News 9

June 17. 2018 – Catholic Diocese Celebrates 50 Years in Tampa Bay and Forges Plan for the Future – Tampa Bay Times

June 5, 2018 – Syro-Malabar Catholic Church makes history with two ordinations – Florida Catholic

May 31, 2018 – Clearwater Central Catholic High School Kicks Off Campus Expansion – TBO.com

May 31, 2018 – A scam targets Catholics. Can you do a favor for a priest? – Tampa Bay Times

May 17, 2018 – Video Interview with Catholic Charities’ Mark Dufva about Pinellas Hope – Bay Focus

April 23, 2018 – Plan to convert fire station into healthcare clinic draws backlash from neighbors – ABC Action News

April 6, 2018 – Tampa’s Christ the King Church Rediscovers the Home Where It Was Born – Tampa Bay Times

April 6, 2018 – Community Moves the Ball Forward at Guardian Angels Catholic School – Tampa Bay Times

April 6, 2018 – Tampa Bay’s Top 100 Workplaces – Tampa Bay Times

April 1, 2018 – Catholic Charities Easter Celebration at Pinellas Hope – Fox 13

April 1, 2018 – Bishop Parkes Ministers to Homeless – Bay News 9

March 30, 2018 – Easter, A Time of New Beginnings for Christians – Tampa Bay Times

March 30, 2018 – St. Lawrence Parishioners Observe Stations of the Cross on Good Friday – NewsChannel 8

March 30, 2018 – Bishop Parkes is Interviewed on Various Topics – Fox 13
Good Friday
The Pope and Youth
Easter and the Catholic Faith

March 30, 2018 – Faith Leader Seek an End to Death PenaltyWTSP 10

March 29, 2018 – Faith Leaders Seek an End to Death Penalty – Tampa Bay Times

March 27, 2018 – Straz program offers important lessons — through music – Fox 13

March 1, 2018 – The house that shortcake built – Plant City Observer

February 6, 2018 – The ‘Dreamer’ who grew up to be a priest: ‘I pray and hope … we will get through this’ – Tampa Bay Times

November 13, 2017 – Nativity Novemberfest’s ‘mom’ ensures her entire flock is well fed – Tampa Bay Times

November 9, 2017 – Food, fun and family-feel help rev up Nativity’s annual Novmberfest – Tampa Bay Times

October 11, 2017 –  School Search: Thousands in Pinellas turn to Catholic schools – Tampa Bay Times