Vol. 33: No. 26~ July 30, 2018
Official Announcements
Social Media Safety

Please note that Facebook impersonations are on the increase. There are even people on Facebook and Instagram impersonating Bishop Parkes. Before you accept any friend request or respond to an instant message from an individual, you should take the following steps:
  1. Verify the username is the correct name associated with the individual. This can be verified by:
  2. Contacting the individual directly and asking them.
  3. Contacting the organization (i.e. parish, school, diocese) and verifying social media usernames.
  4. Checking the organization’s website for authentic social media channels.
  5. Read here for more social media safety tips: https://www.dosp.org/announcement-about-social-media-safety/
  6. If you become aware that someone is impersonating another person on Facebook, report abuse on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/help/174210519303259
  7. To learn about the official social media accounts for Bishop Parkes, click here: https://www.dosp.org/bishop/social-media-accounts-for-bishop-parkes/
Ministry Update
Listening Session on Racism

Wednesday, September 5, 2018, 7:00-8:30 PM at St. Lawrence Parish, Higgins Hall ( 5525 N. Himes Ave. Tampa, 33614 )

Following the tragic and horrific events of Charlottesville, Virginia one year ago, the Bishops of the United States formed a committee to focus on addressing the sin of racism and the urgent need to come together as a society to find solutions. A new diocesan Racial Justice Committee will address the issue of racism through a series of events, beginning with a listening session designed to offer the faithful an opportunity to share how racism has impacted our lives, our parishes and the Church. Bishop Parkes and the committee members will be present. Contact Sabrina Burton Schultz, Director of Life, Justice and Advocacy Ministry with questions or to RSVP: sab@dosp.org ; 727-344-1611, ext. 5325 .
Hispanic Ministry E-Newsletter

The Hispanic Ministry Office has started distributing an E-Newsletter in Spanish for parishioners, clergy, and employees who would like to stay informed about upcoming events and faith enrichment opportunities. To read the E-Newsletter, click here . For additional information, contact Carlos Flores, cf@dosp.org.
News
Saint Leo University Elects New President
Jeffrey D. Senese was elected as president of Saint Leo University on July 26 by the Board of Trustees. Senese is the university’s 10th president. He has served as the acting president of the university since the retirement of William J. Lennox Jr. on April 30. Read more .
Novena for Protection of Human Life Begins on August 3
The U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities is initiating a Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life. This nine-week effort will include prayer and fasting for the intention that a change in the membership of the Supreme Court will move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life. Read more .
New Morally Acceptable Vaccine for Shingles is Now Available
The FDA has recently approved a new shingles vaccine (Shingrix®) that does not use aborted fetal cell lines, and has given it a preferential recommendation over the only other available, and morally problematic, shingles vaccine on the market. Read more .
Fest Celebration On October 27th Will Collect Food for the Hungry
The Family Faith Fest is an unprecedented free music and faith festival that will provide a day of music, fellowship and exciting activities for people of all ages. It will also seek to fill an important need in our community—food for the hungry. Your donations will make a difference!  Read more.
Updated Election Guide for Catholics Now Available
As Catholics, we are called to carry the values of the Gospel and the teachings of our Church into the public square. As U.S. citizens, we have a duty to participate in the political process. This guide helps Catholic clergy and laity to facilitate the involvement of their faith communities in appropriate election related activities.  Read more.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Turns 50
Local Worldwide Marriage Encounter leaders are planning a Marriage Anniversary Gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the Diocese of St. Petersburg and the founding of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. The gala will be held at Higgins Hall in Tampa on November 10, 2018, in partnership with Spirit FM. Read more.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Lets Children Explore and Discover Christ
On July 6, nearly 50 people gathered at St. Jerome Parish for a national training event to help catechists understand the principles of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is described as a Catholic version of the Montessori Method of Education.  Read more .
Five U.S. Bishops Selected for Synod on Youth
Pope Francis has ratified the members elected by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to represent the United States at the upcoming XV Ordinary General Assembly: Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. The Synod will take place October 3-28. Read more.

Updates about our mutually shared vision of Courageously Living the Gospe l , can be found here .
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:

-- Mr . William Joseph Stuart , stepfather of John Morris, Station Manager of WBVM Spirit FM 90.5
-- Mrs . Agnes Crall , mother of Deacon Jerry Crall from St. Timothy parish in Lutz

Please follow this link for more information.
View current information that can be included in parish bulletins here .
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Important Links
Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris, Vicar General
Diocese of St. Petersburg
727-344-1611