Fr. Chuck was previously the parochial vicar at St. Lawrence and had been serving as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg the last six years. In his homily, Bishop Parkes said that Fr. Chuck was doing very well as the Vocations Director but knew that he needed to send “the best” to St. Lawrence after the many clergy changes the parish had experienced in recent years. In his discernment, Bishop Parkes chose Fr. Chuck to step into this role.

“I'm humbled to have been entrusted with a parish with such a rich history and so much potential for a remarkable future. I am grateful to follow Fr. Michael Muhr, who is a great friend and mentor.” Fr. Chuck said. “St. Lawrence is an incredible mix of West Tampa. It reflects the immigration of so many from so many countries. It is made up of generations of families who have established and grown in Tampa. It is ready to continue growing into the familia which its founding pastor, Msgr. Higgins, spoke of so often.”

While Fr. Chuck had previously been in residence at St. Lawrence, his transition from Vocations Director to first-time pastor was met with the natural human nervousness that often accompanies change. Through the nerves, Fr. Chuck leaned on the Good Shepherd to guide him in his new role as a shepherd himself.

“Admittedly, I was worried if I ‘still had it.’ Prior to leaving St. Lawrence. I had seen that the Lord had given me a gift for connecting with people of every age group but especially our students in the school,” he said. 

“There was a small fear that perhaps that wouldn't be the case, like a ‘if you don't use it, you lose it’ situation. I also must admit that after six years working towards priestly and religious vocations I had to ‘freshen up’ on normal parish things like baptisms, anointings, marriage preparation etc. Thankfully, I have found that the Lord is faithful and provides the wisdom, guidance, staff and other resources when I've needed a ‘refresher’."

He also says that the work done in promoting vocations will not stop now that he is not formally Vocations Director and hopes that he can be a catalyst for seeing more priestly and religious life vocations coming from the St. Lawrence community.

Since arriving at the parish in July, Fr. Chuck has formed new ideas and plans to foster a strong future for St. Lawrence.

“I really desire for St. Lawrence to grow as a family who is convicted of the Love which God has for them and knows how to communicate that Good News to others-all the while remembering Matthew 6:33: ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides’,” he said.

Fr. Chuck assures that he is not doing this all on his own but is praying to powerful intercessors for this community and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide him.

“I'm looking forward to continuing to see where the Lord is leading us at St. Lawrence. I often ask for the intercession of Our Lady, undoer of Knots, and surrender the parish to the intercession of St. Joseph. I am confident that they will help us become the parish family which the Lord desires for St. Lawrence to be.”

Not only is Fr. Chuck the pastor of St. Lawrence, but he is also still serving as the chaplain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team.

Kindly keep Fr. Chuck and the entire community of St. Lawrence in prayer as he begins a new era of pastoral leadership within this parish of rich history and West Tampa legacy.

For more information about St. Lawrence Catholic Church, click here.