Pastoral Bulletin ~ September 9, 2019

Vol. 34: No. 29 ~ September 9, 2019

Official Announcements

Office of the Bishop

Disaster Relief

In response to the devastation that has impacted the Bahamas and other areas, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is asking for donations for their Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of these disaster relief funds will benefit people affected by natural disasters including Hurricane Dorian. In 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg donated $300,000 to the victims of Hurricane Michael in Pensacola-Tallahassee. Click here to make a donation online and for more information .

Note : If your parish or school is collecting supplies for the victims of Hurricane Dorian, please email the Office of Communications, communicate@dosp.org , so that your information can be included on our Disaster Relief Webpage.

New Episode of "A View From The Top" Podcast

In this podcast/radio program recorded on September 4, 2019, Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks about the recent hurricane, a new study regarding knowledge of religion, our belief in the Holy Eucharist, the Church's view on gun ownership, and football as a religion. Click here to listen .

Ministry Updates

Office of Vocations

The Office of Vocations will host Chosen by Him – A Day of Reflection & Discernment for Women on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Hear the vocation stories of women religious who have courageously served in the Diocese of St. Petersburg! Please see attached flyer for more information and to RSVP.

Office of Communications

All parish and school representatives who are interested in learning new ways to evangelize and communicate the Gospel message are invited to two upcoming events:

Flocknote 101 Training & Information Session

Thursday, September 19, 2019, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 1955 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Learn how you can more affordably and effectively email and text message your community, post to social media and the web – all at the same time using Flocknote. RSVP by emailing Lucia Guyer, lem@dosp.org

Communications Regional Roundtable

Thursday, September 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 1955 S Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Join colleagues from local parishes as we discuss current communication best practices, challenges and training opportunities all while building a network of friends and colleagues who will support each other in ministry. Register here .

News

Students with Special Needs Thrive in Pinellas Park as Morning Star School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

For 50 years, Morning Star School has provide d services to thousands of children with special needs in Tampa Bay, while continually growing. In the beginning, the sch ool mostly served children with physical disabilities and Down syndrome but has since expanded to serve children with a variety of needs, such as learning disabilities and autism. Click here to read more .

Uplifting Spirits: Local Deacon Serves Travelers at Tampa International Airport

As a deacon who serves as a chaplain at Tampa International Airport, I am privileged to meet many people who have various needs. I think back, for example, to a woman who was standin g near the Traveler’s Aid window. She was with her son who was fast asleep. As we talked, it became clear that she was stranded in Tampa. Click here to read more.

Gannon University Dedicates Second Academic Building in Florida

Gannon University opened a new 80,000-square-foot academic building at its Ruskin campus on August 23, 2019. “Today is a monumental step in the development of Gannon University’s effort in Ruskin, Florida. to advance the quality of healthcare delivery across the region and nation,” said Gannon University President Keith Taylor. Click here to read more.

Local Churches Host Suicide Prevention Workshops

In response to the high rate of suicide in the Tampa Bay area and Suicide Prevention Month, three local churches are hosting workshops to educate individuals on how they can help with the prevention of suicide . Click here to read more .

Two Churches Honor Men & Women Who Serve and Protect with a Blue Mass

The BLUE Mass is an ecumenical and interfaith liturgy t o honor the men and women serving the Tampa Bay region as federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and emergency responders. Click here to read more.