Vol. 35: No. 40 ~ November 23, 2020
Official Announcements
Office of the Bishop

Communications from Bishop Gregory Parkes
In this video, Bishop Parkes shares his 2020 Thanksgiving message and expresses his gratitude for your prayers and support.

In this video, Bishop Parkes shares his 2020 Advent message and offers tips to make Advent special and meaningful.

In this edition of A View from the Top, Bishop Parkes discusses Thanksgiving, Advent, the recently released McCarrick and Florida State Attorney Reports and last week's virtual meeting of the U.S. Bishops.
Office of the Chancellor

Parish Update
As of Wednesday, November 25, 2020, St. Joseph Vietnamese Mission will no longer be located at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, Tampa. All Masses and activities of the Mission will be held at the following location:

5601 Hanley Road
Tampa, FL 33634
The new phone number is (813) 403-6519

All correspondence should be sent to the new address. Please make this update in your contact list.
Ministries Updates
Office of the Vicar for Religious

Please Support the Retired Fund for Religious
Parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg parishes will participate in the Retirement Fund for Religious Annual Collection during the weekend of December 12-13, 2020 to assist approximately 30,000 elderly members of religious congregations who currently lack adequate retirement funding.

For most of their lives, these religious men and women worked for small stipends and did not receive retirement benefits. Since religious communities are financially autonomous, they are responsible for the support and care of all members. Annual distributions from the Retirement Fund for Religious provide supplemental assistance to help meet day-to-day needs such as prescription medications and nursing care.  

To read a letter from Bishop Gregory Parkes about this collection, click on the following links for English and for Spanish. To learn more, visit retiredreligious.org.
Office of Communications

Podcasting Priests
In addition to preaching the Good News in our parishes, schools and communities, some of our diocesan priests have taken to podcasting and YouTubing to evangelize. Through the gift of technology, they are able to record, edit and present their message to people of all ages who listen via apps, websites and streaming services. Check out their offerings at: www.dosp.org/podcastingpriests.
Catholic Planner for November 29-December 5
Father Connor Penn takes a quick look at the new liturgical year and the start of Advent. He’s helping you fit faith into your busy life. Click here to view the video.

Waiting in Joyful Hope this Advent
The Office of Communication has compiled resources to help the faithful grow in faith during the Advent Season, which begins on Sunday, November 29, 2020. These resources will help you and your family prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus Christ. To access these resources, click here.
Office of Life Justice and Advocacy

Cities for Life Virtual Prayer Vigil
Join us on Monday, November 30, at 7 PM on for our (Virtual) World Day of Cities for Life Prayer Vigil. On this date, cities across the globe mobilize to renounce the death penalty and work for a more civil form of justice. Speakers include Bishop Parkes, Rev. Robert Schneider, Allison Ferber Miller (Capital Case Coordinator for the Office of the Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida), and Herman Lindsey (Florida death row exoneree). Register at dosp.org/life.
Office of Vocations

Advent Men’s Retreat
Father Steven "Chuck" Dornquast, Director of Vocations, is offering an Advent Men’s Retreat on Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 10 am - 7:30 pm at the Bethany Center, 18150 Bethany Center Dr., in Lutz. Men, ages 15-35 are invited to attend. There is no cost to you, however, you will need to RSVP to hlv@dosp.org. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Vocations at (727) 345-3452.

The retreat will be led by Fr. Rob Cadrecha and seminarians from the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Office of Marriage and Family Life

Ministry with Families 101 – Spanish
This leadership formation for all whose ministry efforts impact families will be offered in Spanish on Tuesdays, January 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16, 2021, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., for $40.00 per individual/couple via Zoom. Space is limited!  Register at this link or here, before January 6, 2021! For more information, contact Diane Kledzik, dmk@dosp.org, 727-341-6839 (English) or Carlos Flores, cf@dosp.org, 727-344-1611 ext. 5472 (Spanish).

Oficina del Matrimonio y Vida Familiar
Ministerios con Familias 101 (español)
Este curso de formación de liderazgo para todo agente pastoral cuya labor impacta a las familias será ofrecido en español los martes en enero 12, 19, 26 y en febrero 2, 9, 16 de 2021, de 6:30-8:30 p.m. a un costo de $40.00 por persona o pareja a través de Zoom. ¡El espacio es limitado! ¡Inscríbete en este enlace, o visite nuestro sitio digital, antes del 6 de enero, 2021! Para obtener más información, comuniquese con Diane Kledzik, dmk@dosp.org, 727-341-6839 (inglés) o Carlos Flores, cf@dosp.org, 727-344-1611 ext. 5472 (español).
For the Faithful Departed
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:




May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God rest in peace!
Bulletin Announcements
View current information that can be included in parish bulletins here.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

For updates on Courageously Living the Gospel, click here.
Important Links
Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris
Vicar General
Diocese of St. Petersburg
727-344-1611