Vol. 33: No. 01 ~ January 8, 2018   
Pastoral Bulletin

  
     Thank you for supporting and promoting the events included in this bulletin.  Click on guidelines to learn how you can take advantage of this communication tool.    
  
"We have found the Messiah:
Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace."
~ Jn. 1:41   

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR PARISH BULLETINS

(click in the link above to access the parish bulletin announcements)

Bishop Parkes Promulgates Diocese of St. Petersburg 50th Anniversary Prayer
We seek God's continued blessings as we begin the golden anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1968. The Diocese is currently comprised of over 470,000 Catholics and includes 74 parishes, 7 missions, 48 schools and early childhood centers, a university, and a variety of social service, health care, housing and pastoral ministries located within the five counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus. The newly penned prayer emphasizes the theme of the 50th anniversary: Gratitude, Joy and Hope.
 
"I ask all Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to join me in prayer as we ask our Lord's assistance to continue His mission of mercy and love, and to share His peace and joy with those who are in need," said Bishop Parkes.
 
The 50th Anniversary Prayer can be found in English and Spanish here.
Revised Safe Environment Policy 
On January 5, 2018, Bishop Parkes approved revisions to the Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.  While the policy remains mostly unchanged, the final three paragraphs more clearly define the requirements for visiting clergy and lay presenters who provide ministry in our diocese for 30 days or less and for contractors who perform services in our Catholic schools under Title I or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The revised policy can be found by accessing this link.
2018 Catholic Foundation Gala 
Would you like a fun night out while helping to give children a quality Catholic education? Then please mark your calendars and join us for the 2018 Catholic Foundation Gala will take place on Saturday, February 3rd at the Hilton Tampa Downtown at 6:00 p.m. The Gala is truly a wonderful celebration of Catholic education. Enjoy a top-notch dinner, keynote address by John QuiƱones, host of What Would You Do?, 50/50 Raffle, live auction and the new art showcase featuring original works from Catholic school students.
 
Further details, along with sponsorship and ticket information, can be found online at this link or call 727-374-0220.
John 21 Discernment Group  
John 21 is a discernment group for young men who are reflecting on God's call in their lives and are considering the possibility of priesthood or religious life.   Just as the disciples gained clarity of their call while eating breakfast with the Lord, so too will we.  The group is open to anyone high school age and older. Everyone is welcome.
 
The next meeting of this group is on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at St. Lawrence Parish in Tampa (5225 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614) beginning with Mass at 8:30 am in the Church.
 
Father Chuck Dornquast, Parochial Vicar, will lead this discernment group.  After Mass, the group will gather for breakfast and conversation, followed by a scripture reflection and a question and answer session.  
 
Please RSVP to Heidi Varley in the Office of Vocations at (727) 345-3452 or hlv@dosp.org.
For the Faithful Departed
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our
prayers:

-- William C. Fuchs "Bill"
, father of Claudia McIvor, DRE at  
   St. Mary Our Lady of Grace, St. Petersburg
 
Mr. Fuchs, of Fairfax, VA, age 98, died Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Fairfax Nursing Home of natural causes. Family and friends may call at the Demaine Funeral Home, Main Street, Fairfax on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA followed by interment at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 
 
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful 
departed rest in peace.
 
In This Issue
Announcements for Parish Bulletins
50th Anniversary Prayer
Revised Safe Environment Policy
2018 Catholic Foundation Gala
John 21 Discernment Group
For the Faithful Departed
In Every Issue
  
 
 

SPECIAL FEATURES

 

 FIND US
 
. 
OFFICES & MINISTRIES
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.
RESOURCES

Calendar 

 

Employment Opportunities 

Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris
Vicar General
Diocese of St. Petersburg
727-344-1611