Courageously Living The Gospel
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is a Catholic community of faith, hope, and service—sharing the love of Jesus Christ across West Central Florida.
Vision/Mission
Our mutually shared vision is: Courageously Living the Gospel.
Our sacred purpose (mission) is the following:
We, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg, are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
To help us courageously live the Gospel, Bishop Gregory Parkes announced a new Pastoral Plan on October 27, 2024. The Plan challenges us to value God above all else. The three priorities in the Plan are:
- Place God first in our lives and in our decisions.
- As a community of believers, our policies, practices, and activities will reflect God’s will for His people and His Church, and will serve as pathways to lead people into a deeper relationship with Him.
- Value God’s gift of life from conception to natural death by honoring this gift and advocating for those who have no voice or whose voice has been silenced.
About the Diocese
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is home to nearly 500,000 Catholics, more than 280,000 of whom are registered. The Diocese includes all people in the West Central Florida counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. While many people identify as Catholic, it is also our “mission territory.”
The Diocese is comprised of 74 parishes, five missions, one shrine, more than 13,000 students enrolled in 46 schools and early childhood centers, two universities, and a variety of social service, health care, housing, and pastoral ministries. Mass is celebrated in 14 languages, and we are led by our fifth bishop, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, who was installed on January 4, 2017.
Meet Our Bishop
The Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes has served as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg since 2017, shepherding the faithful across five counties in west-central Florida. A native Floridian, he earned a degree in finance from Florida State University before answering God’s call to the priesthood and completing his seminary formation. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orlando in 1999 and later named bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 2012 before his appointment to Saint Petersburg by Pope Francis.
Known for his pastoral approach and commitment to evangelization, Bishop Parkes emphasizes encounter with Christ, missionary discipleship, and service to those in need. He continues to lead the diocese with a focus on faith formation, vocations, and outreach, inviting all to grow as disciples and to share the hope of the Gospel throughout the community.
What Makes Our Diocese Unique
One of the defining characteristics of our diocese is its diversity of cultures and languages. Liturgies and ministries are offered in multiple languages, reflecting the rich Hispanic, Caribbean, Vietnamese, and international communities that call this area home. This multicultural presence strengthens parish life and allows the Church to reach people where they are, fostering unity in diversity.
Our diocese is known for its strong commitment to outreach and social ministry. Through agencies such as Catholic Charities and parish-based initiatives, we serve those most in need: providing food, shelter, counseling, and support for families, migrants, and the vulnerable. This emphasis on the Works of Mercy is central to our identity and reflects a Church that is both welcoming and actively engaged in the community.
Another hallmark is our focus on evangelization and missionary discipleship. The diocese actively equips clergy, religious, and lay leaders to share the Gospel in everyday life, forming vibrant parish communities centered on prayer, the sacraments, and service. This includes innovative ministries, leadership development, and a renewed emphasis on inviting others into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our diocese is shaped by a spirit of hope and accompaniment. Whether through pastoral care, ministries of healing, or community outreach, we strive to walk with people in every stage of life. Rooted in the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit, we continue to grow as a Church that listens, serves, and leads others to Christ.
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is distinguished by its strong Catholic education and formation network, including numerous schools, faith formation programs, and opportunities for lifelong learning. These ministries help form young people and adults alike to live their faith with conviction and purpose.
Patron Saint
St. Jude, patron saint of desperate causes, lost causes, and of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, is known for bringing hope where it seemed impossible. Through his Apostolic ministry, he strengthened early Christian communities facing hardship, division, and discouragement—accomplishing what others thought unlikely. Filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he carried the image of Christ to those in need and remains a powerful intercessor for the Church today.
Too often, we forget this powerful intercessor in our daily lives and our special connection to him as a Diocese. Yet who better to turn to in times of difficulty than the one whose name means “Giver of Joy”? Let us call upon St. Jude with confidence. His feast day is October 28.