Pastoral Bulletin ~ August 3, 2026

Vol. 41: No. 26 ~ August 3, 2026

Ministries Updates

Office of the Safe Environment Program

Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse

The sixth annual Mass of Healing will be held for those who seek spiritual healing from abuse in all forms, including sexual, physical, or emotional, and for those who wish to pray for victims/survivors of abuse, their family, and friends. The Mass will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg. Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of Saint Petersburg, will be the main celebrant. The community is invited to participate.

During the Mass, those harmed by abuse are invited to call upon Jesus, the Good Shepherd, for comfort, peace, and healing. Opportunities for prayer with a priest or conversation with our Victim Assistance Coordinator, John Lambert, L.C.S.W., will be available following the Mass.

The Mass of Healing for Survivors of Abuse will be livestreamed at these links: dosp.org/livestream, Youtube.com/DioceseofStPete, and Facebook.com/DioStPete

Office of Diocesan Communications and Information

In the News ~ Pastoral Letter on the Death Penalty, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

In 2025, Florida carried out more executions than at any time in its history, and in recent years it has enacted legislation that broadened the use of the death penalty, including lowering the jury vote required to recommend a death sentence and expanding the crimes eligible for capital punishment. These developments warrant renewed public reﬂection on the moral, legal, and practical implications of the death penalty. More information at this link.

Summary/Bulletin Insert in English | Spanish.

Marriage and Family Life Office

Give Each Other the Best Gift of All

What do we want most for our marriage? Time—precious time to be together. This year, give each other the gift of time and attention and affection and even a new way to communicate. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Experience and fall more deeply in love with each other. This experience is for couples of all ages and stages, and the next weekend will be held August 28-30, 2026, at the Holiday Inn, 10619 U.S. 19, Port Richey. Find out how a weekend of discovery is worth a lifetime of love!

Apply today at www.wwme.org or call Steve and Suzie at 813-270-7832 for more information.

Intercultural Ministries Office

Annual ¡Atrévete! Retreat

The Pastoral Juvenil of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg invites all Hispanic Young Adults ages 18-35 to their annual ¡Atrévete! Retreat. This retreat in Spanish will take place on November 13-15, 2026 at Mary Help of Christians, 6400 E. Chelsea St., Tampa. It is an opportunity to dare to encounter Jesus and to experience the joy that only He can offer.

To register, click on this link. For more information, please contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry:ajahuey@dosp.org | (727) 344-1611 ext. 5471.

Development Office

2027 Catholic Ministry Appeal Key Dates

The diocesan Development Office has included a list of key dates in preparation for the 2027 Catholic Ministry Appeal, which you may have already received directly from them. You can find an additional copy at this link . Please share with your parish’s business manager, if you have not already received this information.

If you have questions, please contact Emeline McKeown, Director of Annual Appeals: (727) 344-1611, ext. 5338 or emckeown@dosp.org.