Monday, August 5, 2024 Update
Local Families, Individuals, Charities, Schools, and Parishes Seek to Recover from Storm Damage
While the Greater Tampa Bay area was spared potentially greater devastation, Tropical Storm Debby caused significant damage at two Catholic Charities-operated homeless shelters: Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope. Flooding at Pinellas Hope destroyed over 20 tents and the platforms upon which they rested. More than fifty tents were destroyed at Tampa Hope. The shelters are requesting assistance from the public to help restore services.
All five counties in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and our neighboring counties received direct impact. The storm’s full impact within the five counties of the Diocese of St. Petersburg is currently being assessed. To begin assisting those most affected, Bishop Gregory Parkes will be providing support through the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund.
To help with disaster relief (current and future disasters), donate to the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund,
The Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund has provided local, national and international disaster relief. For example:
- In 2023, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with $100,000 to help with local needs for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
- In 2022, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented a $250,000 check to the Diocese of Venice to assist those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
- In 2021, the Diocese of St. Petersburg provided $100,000 for tornado relief in the Diocese of Owensboro, $100,000 for Hurricane Ida Relief in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, and $75,000 for Hurricane Grace Relief in the Dioceses of Jeremie, Les Cayes and Hinche, Haiti.
About the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the devastation that impacts our brothers and sisters in Christ through natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund. Through this fund, generous donors are invited to help by making a gift that will benefit those working to assist those who have found themselves in desperate need due to unforeseen, and often tragic circumstances. By joining together, we can make a huge impact in the hardest hit areas around the world and here at home.
Offices Closed
Due to safety concerns for staff and visitors, the Pastoral Center will be closed on Monday. There are reports of flooding in the area. Some parishes will be closed today due to Hurricane Debby. Please check with your parish for up-to-date information. For resources, including Emergency Management agencies for each county in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, click here.
Saturday, August 4, 2024 Update
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Tampa Bay area and areas north of the region. Please join us in praying for everyone’s safety as heavy rains and winds are possible, especially on Sunday. The faithful are urged to consider attending Mass on Saturday before inclement weather is expected. For preparation information, click here.
Regarding Mass Attendance, please note:
All parishioners are urged to use good judgment when deciding whether 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, according to Church Law, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply when there is grave difficulty in fulfilling this obligation.
When it comes to weather, a parish will typically cancel Mass if evacuations are issued in the area, the area is deemed unsafe, or a curfew is in effect.
Prayer for Protection of Storms
God, Our Father,
all the elements of nature
obey your command.
Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten
our brothers and sisters
and turn our fear of your power
into praise of your goodness,
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.