|
Pastoral Bulletin
Greetings!
Thank you for supporting and promoting the events included in this bulletin. Click on guidelines to learn how you can take advantage of this communication tool.
"Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the Lord, your God."
~ Joel 2:13 |
 "Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works." ~ Heb 10:24 Lenten Season |
|
|
On Thursday, March 15, 2012, every Catholic Church in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will turn on its lights and open its doors for the Sacrament of Reconciliation between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
This evening, there will not be Penance services; priests will simply be available for you to stop and make an individual confession on your way home from work or school or wherever you may be.
For more information about receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please read the brochure "A Short Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation" in English or Spanish, which has been prepared for this evening. For a poster and to read or print the guide, please visit our Diocesan website at www.dosp.org and click on The Light Is On For You logo. |
|
Lenten Regulations
Regulations on Fasting and Abstinence
The dual disciplines of fasting and abstinence have a long history in the Catholic Church. Going back to the early Church, the purpose behind the custom of self denial is not punishment; it is to simplify our lifestyles so that we create a certain emptiness. In this way, freed from all distractions, we are able to hear and respond to God's continued call to conversion and holiness.
-- Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59 years (inclusive). On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
-- Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence.
Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self denial that are suitable to their condition.
Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter. |
|
Rite of Election - February 26, 2012
Two celebrations of the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. The times are 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. |
|
Safe Environment Program
To: Pastors and Bulletin Editors
TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR MARCH 3-4 PARISH BULLETINS:
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in its desire to emphasize the importance of protecting our children, youth and vulnerable adults, has requested that all parishes include Safe Environment announcements in their bulletins once per quarter. As a diocese, we intend to remain in full compliance with the USCCB, and we ask that the following announcement be placed in your parish bulletins during the weekend of March 3-4: [SEP Announcement]. Additional announcements will be made available to you on a quarterly basis. Thank you for your cooperation in protecting the vulnerable members of our society!
|
|
Chancellor's Office
Clearance of clergy and laity from outside of the diocese
We need to be certain of the good standing of each cleric who comes to do ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, however brief his visit might be. This includes priests and deacons coming into the diocese to celebrate a baptism, wedding or funeral, or to present a parish mission. We also seek the same good standing for any laypersons who wish to enter our diocese to speak on matters of Catholic faith and/or spirituality. In each and every case, please notify the Chancellor's office of the priest's, deacon's, or layperson's name, diocese or religious community, and the date[s] involved.
The Guidelines and forms for clearance are posted on the Chancellor's Office webpage (click here to access the page).
Special Collections
Our Diocesan Directives for many years have included this provision: "No priest of the Diocese or visiting missionary is to take up any collection personally during a liturgical celebration. No special collection by visiting priests, sisters, brothers, or representatives of Catholic projects may be taken up without a letter of approval by the Bishop. Similarly, the pulpit is not to be used for any appeal for support, financial or otherwise, for any other project aside from a local parish project without the approval of the Bishop."
Consequently, pastors should negotiate in advance a set stipend with anyone preaching a parish mission. Any collection or "freewill offering" during a parish mission goes to the parish. |
|
The Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies Appoints New Executive Director
The Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at Saint Leo University (CCJS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Abraham Peck as Executive Director. The Center was established in 1998 as a collaboration between Saint Leo University and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) - the oldest human relations organization in the United States. The CCJS office is at Saint Leo's University Campus in DeChantal Hall and is the only center of its kind in the Southeast.
|
Ministries of Mercy Workshop Day
"We live at a time when the encounter of languages, races, and cultures is more intense than ever..." Please join us on Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at St. Timothy Parish, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, for the annual Ministries of Mercy Workshop Day. Along with many breakout sessions, guest keynote speaker Alejandro Aguilera-Titus from USCCB presents, "Feed My Lambs," a look at the challenges in which the Church is facing related to diversity as well as building an inter-cultural community of faith.
To register or to obtain more information, please visit the following link. |
|
|
Winter Concert Series at St. Mary's Parish
The Winter Concert series at Saint Mary, Our Lady of Grace church, 515 4th St. S., St. Petersburg, presents:
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm, featured artists are singers from the upcoming Saint Petersburg Opera Production of Samson and Dalilah, and Artistic Director, Maestro Mark Sforzini.
On Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 3:00 PM, featured artists are members of Florida Pro Musica, and include Saint Petersburg Catholic graduate Meghan Johnston-Alfaro, Dr. Larry Kent, and Tenor George Western.
These events are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the parish at 727-896-2191 or visit www.stmaryolg.org.
|
|
|
|
