Vol. 38: No. 42 ~ December 4, 2023

Office of the Bishop

“Unwrap the Spirit” with Bishop Parkes

Bishop Parkes invites all to participate in "Unwrap the Spirit" in preparation for the greatest gift of all time: the birth of Christ. "Unwrap the Spirit" involves a commitment of prayer, penance and sacrifice, and can be done individually, with a group of friends, with the whole family or with entire parish communities. Parishes are invited to promote “Unwrap the Spirit” on their website, blogs and social media. Click here to access the resource page with downloadable graphics and content. Parishes are asked to view the Advent penance service information listed on the link to make sure it is correct. For those parishes that are not already listed but still wish to participate, please email Advent penance service dates/times to bdehaan@dosp.org.

The season of Advent began this past weekend. Visit the previously linked webpage to learn more and to decide how you will "Unwrap the Spirit" of Advent this year!

Catholics Can Receive a Plenary Indulgence by Praying before a Nativity Scene

This year, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence from December 8th, 2023, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to February 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by praying before a Nativity scene in a church entrusted to the care of Franciscan priests and brothers. 

Three parishes administered by Franciscan Friars within our Diocese are Sacred Heart, Tampa; St. Patrick, Tampa; and St. Mary Our Lady of Grace, St. Petersburg. More details on plenary indulgences and a schedule of dates and times for visitors may be found in the November 30, 2023 Gulf Coast Catholic story at this link.

Information on additional events offered by Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa may be found on this link.

Office of Marriage and Family Life

Registration Now Open for Diocesan Marriage Conference

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is partnering with the St. John Paul II Foundation to sponsor a special event for married couples titled, Together in Holiness. This conference is designed to strengthen marriages and includes dynamic presentations, childcare, Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, and more. Couples will learn the Seven Habits of a Healthy Marriage. This event will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.

To register, visit forlifeandfamily.org/events/th24-spfl.

2024 Marriage Jubilee Mass

Promotional information regarding the Annual Marriage Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving was sent by email to parishes today, December 4, 2023. If this information was not received, please email Debbie Alexander at deb@dosp.org so that details may be provided.  

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:

• Reverend David Engbarth- Update, funeral information.

• Reverend Fracilus Petit-Homme, SMM

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed

by the mercy of God, rest in peace!

View current information that can be included in parish bulletins here.



Thank you for your continued support and prayers.