Pastoral Bulletin ~ August 21, 2023

Vol. 38: No. 28 ~ August 21, 2023

Official Announcements

Office of the Bishop

Clergy Changes

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, announces the following clergy appointment, effective August 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023:

APPOINTMENT

Very Rev. Joseph L. Waters, J.C.L. as acting Vicar General during the above-mentioned period, and continuing all other duties. During that time, Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris, Vicar General, has been granted a sabbatical leave. He will resume his duties after his return in December.

Bishop Gregory Parkes Sends $100,000 Donation for Maui Wildfire Relief

The tragic wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii have left the town of Lahaina, located in the Diocese of Honolulu, mostly devastated. To assist victims, Bishop Gregory Parkes sent a donation of $100,000 to the Diocese of Honolulu on August 18, 2023. This gift was made possible from donors to the Diocese of St. Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund. To support victims of natural disasters, visit www.givecentral.org/dospdisasterrelief.

Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Decline to Sign the Petition

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has announced that “abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to place a pro-abortion constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot.” The FCCB has provided half-page “Decline to Sign” bulletin announcements (attached, in English and Spanish), which may be utilized in your various parish media channels. While it is not yet clear that the amendment proposal will reach the ballot, it is helpful to make the faithful aware of its potential harm.

Ministry Update

Office of Communications

A New, Free Magazine for Catholics in the Diocese of

St. Petersburg

The NEW Gulf Coast Catholic Magazine will be arriving in your mailbox by September 15, 2023. The mission of the magazine is to lead people closer to Jesus and His Church so we can Courageously Live the Gospel. The magazine is an attractive resource with interesting articles that are designed to appeal to readers of various demographics. Gulf Coast Catholic serves Tampa Bay, the Suncoast, and the Nature Coast. The magazine will be mailed four times a year into the homes of people who are registered at a local parish (more than 100,000 households). We hope you enjoy your free magazine, courtesy of Bishop Gregory Parkes, our parishes, schools, advertisers, supporters, and the Catholic Ministry Appeal.