Vol. 36: No. 26 ~ July 26, 2021
Official Announcement
Office of the Bishop

Vatican Announces Synodal Process
Pope Francis will invite bishops from across the world to Rome in October 2023 for a Synod to discern ways to engage more people in the decision-making process that affects the whole Church. The theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” A synod is a meeting of bishops gathered to discuss a topic of theological or pastoral significance, to prepare a document of advice or counsel to the pope.

Leading up to this gathering, local dioceses will consult with local Catholics to create a report to submit to their national bishops’ conference. The diocesan consultation phase will begin in October of this year and will extend through April 2022. The Vatican will provide a preparatory document and questionnaire along with guidelines for how the consultation should work.

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes has appointed Dr. Lois Locey, Secretary for Administration, to oversee the local effort. Details on this process will be shared with all parishes once it is available. Dr. Locey can be reached at this email. Visit this site www.dosp.org/synod for more information.
Ministries Updates
Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth, & Family Life

Be Equipped and Inspired for Courageously Living the Gospel - Participate in a Free Virtual Conference August 12-15, 2021
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is blessed to join forces with dioceses across the Southeast U.S. for an inspiring four-day virtual event that is absolutely free! Topics are designed to help us learn best practices for evangelization and passing on the faith within our homes, churches, communities and wherever God may lead us. Sessions will be offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Also, Diane Kledzik, diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life, will speak on “Making Disciples with Small Christian Communities.” 
Office of Stewardship and Development

Webinar: Launching the Catholic Ministry Appeal
Bishop Gregory Parkes invites you to attend a webinar detailing plans, answering questions and explaining why and what the new Catholic Ministry Appeal is. It is vital for leaders within the Diocese of St. Petersburg to understand the upcoming changes and the timing involved in order to begin planning, and also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Registration is open now! Click here to join us on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 10:30-11:45 AM.
Office of Catholic Schools and Centers

Catholic Schools Ready to Welcome Back Families
The new school year starts on August 9th and parents have all received notification of the schools’ plans for the coming year in light of the lingering effects of COVID and the new, more contagious strains that have experts concerned. Click here to read the article.
Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs

Care for Our Common Home Ecumenical Dialogue
Catholic Climate Covenant warmly invites you to an Online Ecumenical Dialogue in celebration of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Guidebook: “Care for Our Common Home.” The Guidebook offers insights into how Catholics can bring the riches of the Catholic theological tradition to ecumenical and interreligious discussions and actions
that uphold the dignity and sanctity of our environment. The online dialogue will be held
on Thursday, July 29, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To register for the event,
please follow this link.
For the Faithful Departed
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:




May their souls and all the souls of 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