Jubilee Opening Mass

Celebrate the Start of the Jubilee Year of Hope

Bishop Gregory Parkes invites all to participate in the local launch of the Jubilee Year of Hope on Saturday, January 25^th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, in St. Petersburg.

Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme, Pilgrims of Hope. In line with ancient tradition, the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee every 25 years to increase opportunities to experience God’s grace. The pope will inaugurate the Jubilee Year at the Vatican on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Door symbolizes the spiritual journey from sin to grace. The Jubilee will conclude on January 6, 2026.

The Holy Father has asked every cathedral in the world to celebrate a Holy Mass to observe the solemn opening of the Jubilee.

Cathedral of St. Jude Pilgrimage

St. Jude Parish officially became the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle with the appointment and installation of Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin of North Carolina as the first Bishop of St. Petersburg on May 8, 1968.

One striking feature of the Cathedral’s architecture is the 24-foot-high stained-glass window behind the altar. A circular glass motif serves as a backdrop for the cathedral’s gold-plated tabernacle. A beautiful dome is supported by massive steel beams. Some of the notable works of art include a stunning mosaic depicting the landing of Father Juan Xuarez in St. Petersburg in 1528. The Spanish missionary priest was the first Catholic bishop who was appointed to serve in the United States.

FINDING HOPE THROUGH MERCY

Corporal Works of Mercy Challenge

From January 2025 through September 2025, all people across the Diocese of Saint Peterburg are invited to serve others by together completing 1,000,000 Corporal Works of Mercy. Parishes, schools and diocesan services will be able to offer formation about the seven Corporal Works of Mercy through homilies, promotional materials, small groups, ministries and faith formation. Events like Days of Mercy and Mornings of Mercy in which people can actively participate will be offered throughout the year.

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

Reconciliation and Adoration

During March in the Lenten Season, parishes and schools will participate in a diocesan-wide campaign to grow in our understanding of the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Then, all parishes will offer “24 Hours for the Lord,” an opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the weekend of March 28-30, 2025.

EUCHARISTIC ENCOUNTER

Speakers•Concert•Adoration•Fellowship

A Eucharistic Encounter will be held at Amalie Arena on Saturday, September 20, 2025. This event will bring together thousands of people to experience hope, truth, beauty, goodness, community, peace, and joy through an encounter with the risen Lord. Plus, a lineup of world-class speakers and musicians will inspire and ignite the hearts of the faithful in new and exciting ways.