Vol. 38: No. 40 ~ November 20, 2023

Office of the Bishop

Thanksgiving Blessing

Thanksgiving is a time for us to recall the blessings of our lives, and to give thanks to God for His many gifts. Please know that you and your loved ones will be remembered in my prayers in a special way on Thanksgiving Day.



Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you!

Office of the Chancellor for Canonical Affairs

Thanksgiving Holiday

The Pastoral Center Offices will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen on Monday, November 27, at 8:30 a.m.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed and safe holiday!

Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy

From the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

A new brochure in the Culture of Life Series is now available.

Human Trafficking: A Catholic Response contains an overview of the reality of this modern-day form of slavery, information about how the state of Florida can respond through prevention, prosecution and protection of potential victims, and reviews Church teaching. The brochure also outlines how individuals can help victims in their local community, raise awareness, learn to recognize warning signs, and contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 

Additional topics in the Culture of Life Series include abortion, immigration, the death penalty and assisted suicide. Brochures may be downloaded and printed for use by parishes and ministries. A small number of brochures are available for distribution from the FCCB.

Join Florida's Bishops at Catholic Days at the Capitol: February 6-7, 2024

You are invited to Catholic Days at the Capitol, FCCB's premiere event in Florida's capital city, held every year during the regular session of the legislature. Catholics from all around the state will gather to advocate for policies that promote human life & dignity, learn about the legislative process and pray for our elected leaders. Making the trip to Tallahassee this February will put your faith and civic responsibility into action. 

2024 Catholic Days activities include:

• A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
• Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers
• An awards breakfast for Catholic Days participants, Florida's bishops and legislators
• Group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop
• The opportunity to view the legislative process in action
• The 49th Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More. The Mass is offered for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.

We hope you can join us! Registration with your diocese is required. Please check with your local diocese and CDAC coordinator for more information.

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

• Reverend Jose Cleofe (Joy) Colina, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg

May his soul 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.