Vol. 38: No. 01 ~ January 3, 2023
Official Announcements
Office of the Bishop
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – May He Rest In Peace
Bishop Gregory Parkes shared the following message on his social media accounts on Saturday, December 31, 2022, following the peaceful passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI into eternal life:

With sadness we mourn the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and with gratitude give thanks for his many years of service and ministry to the Church. He was a humble servant who faithfully accepted and fulfilled God’s will for his life. His theological intellect and spiritual wisdom will certainly be missed. May this “humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord” now rest in the peace of God’s loving and merciful arms. Amen.
 
The Funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023 in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City at 9:30 a.m. Rome time (3:30 a.m. Eastern). Pope Francis will be the principal celebrant. The former pope's body currently lies in state in Saint Peter's Basilica, for the faithful to bid farewell.
 
Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy (Matthew 25:23). 

Clergy Change
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following change in clergy appointment:

RELIEVING
Reverend James B. Johnson from Director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Camp, Floral City, effective January 1, 2023, while continuing all other assignments. After 26 years
of faithful service to the Camp, Father Johnson has been succeeded as Director by
Mr. Stephen Watkins, who previously served as Associate Director. 
Ministries Updates
Office of Communications

Parish/School Plans for the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
How is your parish or school observing the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI? Please let the diocesan Office of Communications know of your plans. Please send details and photos to Keishla Espinal as soon as possible so we may compile information to share around the Diocese. Email communicate@dosp.org or call 727-344-1611.
 
Holy Card for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Office of Communications has created a holy card for parishes and schools to share with their communities. To view/download, click here: PNG Side One, PNG Side Two, PDF. Also, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is providing prayer cards in English and Spanish, and other resources here. To find biographical information about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, please click here.
Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs

2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
As you process through your liturgical planning for the next few months, remember that the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place January18-25 2023. The theme “Do Good; Seek Justice” (Isaiah 1:17), was developed in response to racial conflicts across the United States. The best source of material for art & posters, prayer books,
and Scripture and prayer guides can be found through the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute at at www.geii.org.
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
by 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.
GulfCoastCatholic.org is a news website to help Catholics know, live and share the faith. You’ll find articles that inform and, hopefully, inspire. 
Important Links
Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris
Vicar General
Diocese of St. Petersburg
727-344-1611