Vol. 38: No. 13 ~ March 27, 2023
Official Announcements
Office of the Bishop

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective July 1, 2023:

APPOINTMENT
Very Reverend Arthur J. Proulx, V.F., from Rector of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg and Vicar Forane of the Southern Deanery to Director of Ministry to Priests for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Office of Chancellor for Canonical Affairs
 
Chrism Mass Reminder
Please mark your calendars for this year’s Chrism Mass, to take place next Tuesday,
April 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg.
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes will be the principal celebrant and homilist. This year, 23 priests in our diocese will be celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, or 65th anniversaries of ordination and will be honored during the Chrism Mass.
Our Jubilarians are as follows:
 
 
25th Anniversary
Rev. Richard C. Hermes, S.J.
Rev. Saji James, M.S.T.
Rev. Theobald Weria, A.L.C.P.
 
40th Anniversary
Rev. Ralph Intranuovo, S.C.J.
Rev. Ronald A. Marecki
Rev. Msgr. Michael G. Muhr
Rev. Ryszard Stradomski
 
50th Anniversary
Rev. Michael W. Cooper, S.J.
Rev. John A. D'Antonio
Rev. Kazimierz Domek
Rev. Joseph F. Hannon, S.D.B.
Rev. Ramon Hernandez
Rev. Daniel Kenna, O.F.M.
Rev. Oscar Z. Kozyra, O. de M.
Rev. William E. McConville, O.F.M.
Rev. James Merkel
Rev. Matteo Rizzo
Rev. Jean C. Robitaille, M. Afr.
Rev. Kevin Tortorelli, O.F.M.
 
60th Anniversary
Rev. Bernard MacAdam
Rev. Anthony Plathe
 
65th Anniversary
Rev. Thomas K. Murphy, O.F.M.
Rev. Msgr. Frank Mouch
Ministry Update
Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy

Florida Legislature Sends Educational Choice Bill to Governor DeSantis' Desk 
"One of the most transformative education bills in the history of the state," as described by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, received final passage in the Florida Senate on Thursday by a 26-12 vote. The House passed HB 1 (Tuck) last Friday by a 83-27 vote. Having been approved by both chambers of the Florida Legislature, the bill will now go to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis to be signed into law. 

"This is the issue I ran on," said bill sponsor Senator Corey Simon during his closing statement. "Making sure that our kids get the education that they deserve." 

FCCB supports this expansion of school choice that will empower all parents to choose the educational environment that best meets the needs of their children. This legislation will expand state scholarship programs so that education savings accounts (ESAs) are available to all students eligible to attend a public school in Florida, including homeschool students. Scholarships will no longer solely be based on income, disability, or special status. Additionally, ESAs will allow parents more flexibility in spending scholarship funds. Allowable uses include: private school tuition; tuition and fees for enrollment in a homeschool program; instructional materials or curriculum; programs offered by postsecondary institutions; apprenticeship programs; private tutoring; and virtual programs and courses. The bills also significantly expand access to larger scholarships for students with disabilities by increasing the enrollment cap. 

We thank Catholic Days participants and the members of our advocacy network who urged their lawmakers to support this historic legislation.
For the Faithful Departed
Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:


  • Mrs. Joan W. Edgerton, wife of the late Deacon John Edgerton, retired deacon from St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs

  • Mrs. Mary Tibbetts, wife of the late Deacon Bert Tibbets of St. Cecilia Parish, Clearwater


May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed
by the mercy of God, rest in peace!
Bulletin Announcements
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Important Links
Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris
Vicar General
Diocese of St. Petersburg
727-344-1611