Please watch local news for updates about Hurricane Ian. We will post the latest updates affecting the Diocese of St. Petersburg on this webpage. We will also share updates via Facebook and Instagram @DioStPete.

Disaster Relief Special Collection

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is helping people affected by Hurricane Ian. Bishop Gregory Parkes is asking all parishes and missions in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to hold a special collection for Disaster Relief in October. One hundred percent of the disaster relief funds will benefit people and the Church affected by natural disasters, including those impacted by Hurricane Ian in our own Diocese. Since 2017, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has donated over $1 million dollars for disaster relief. Thank you for your generosity toward those attempting to rebuild their lives following catastrophic events, such as Hurricane Ian. For more information, visit: www.dosp.org/disasterrelief

Be Prepared

Click here to find your evacuation zone. Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare for helpful information. Find more helpful tips and resources for hurricane preparation here.

Regarding Mass Attendance

All parishioners are urged to use good judgment when planning to travel to and from Mass. In the event that roadways are not clear and weather conditions are unsafe to travel, the faithful are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply when there is grave difficulty in fulfilling this obligation (see Code of Canon Law, Canon 1248 §2)

Prayers for Protection

As the Tampa Bay area prepares for what could be a direct hit from a major hurricane, Bishop Gregory Parkes is calling everyone to prayer. In a newly released video, Bishop Parkes calmly recites a prayer for protection in the midst of a storm.

Let us pray for everyone in the storm’s path. St. Medard, patron saint for protection against bad storms, pray for us!

Prayers for Protection During Hurricane Season

Closures/Cancellations

Update 9/30/2022 at 12 noon

The Married and In Love – Marriage Enrichment event scheduled for October 1 at the Pastoral Center has been postponed to a future date TBA.

Update 9/30/2022 at 8:00 a.m.

The start of 40 Days for Life will be postposed to Monday, October 3rd.

Update 9/29/2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Due to continued issues stemming from Hurricane Ian, Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will remain closed through Friday, September 30^rd. This includes Catholic schools in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Schools will resume normal operations on Monday, October 3^rd. This is being done to allow school families and employees ample time to return to their homes, wait for their power to be restored and assess any damage. 

Update 9/26/2022 at 8:00 a.m.

Catholic schools and early learning centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will be closed September 27-September 29. This includes Catholic schools in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. School parents and guardians should monitor their child’s school communications  for specific information. 

Update 9/26/2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Catholic Charities offices and sites will be closed Tuesday, September 27th through Thursday, September 29th. Shelters will be evacuated in accordance with local Emergency Management evacuation orders.

Update 9/26/2022 at 1:00 p.m

The Pastoral Center office will be closed Tuesday, September 27th through Thursday, September 29th.

Update 9/26/2022 at 2:30 p.m.

Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute classes for Thursday, September 29 have been cancelled.

Update 9/27/2022 at 7:00 a.m.

The Office of Worship has canceled two Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion & Reader workshops planned for Saturday, October 1st, from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor and Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Tampa.