For seminarian Ben Kieler, the call toward priesthood was something he felt early, but it required a reversion to the faith, a strengthened relationship with the Lord, and time discerning in order for him to consider entering seminary.

Across the country, dioceses, parishes, schools, and other organiza...

On October 13, 2026, five men preparing for the permanent diaconate participated in the Rite of Candidacy. Candidacy is the formal intermediate stage before their ordination.

Since 1998, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has honored one priest annually to receive the Father Luis de Cancer Award for exemplifying selfless and dedicated service to the people of God.

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, we express our gratitude for our priests in a special way as we celebrate Priesthood Sunday.

Deacon Mark will be ordained to the priesthood May 15, 2027. Tyler, Vincent, and Reinaldo will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in April of 2027.

With great joy, we share that eight new men have sought a greater understanding of the Lord’s call in their lives as they enter seminary this year discerning the call to the priesthood.

While such a step may appear as radical or counter-cultural, for Jasmine it’s a matter of continuing to say “yes” to Jesus.

While summer may be a time of rest for many, the 21 men in formation for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg are continuing to grow in their call to the priesthood through ministry experiences, cultural immersion, and service opportunities.

To assist women who are discerning God’s call in their lives, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg hosted its first Miriam Dinner of the year on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Each year, Catholics celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, a title given because the Gospel and psalm are focused on Christ as the Good Shepherd. This year, Good Shepherd Sunday is April 26, 2026.

Each year on the fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

More than 45 deacons from across the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg gathered on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle for the annual Mass of Recommitment.

Today we learn about Father Craig Morley, who was ordained in 2001. He currently serves as pastor at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa.

Focus 11, a yearly four-day event organized by the Office of Vocations, helps to provide the opportunity for sixth-grade students across our diocese to encounter the Lord and consider God’s plan for their lives.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a mix of active and retired priests from around the Diocese of Saint Petersburg gathered at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz for an annual tradition of Mass followed by a Thanksgiving Luncheon.

Lay Catholics and members of many religious communities that serve in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on November 15 to honor those celebrating milestone anniversaries of service.

Encouraged by a desire for prayer and a longing for vocations, over 500 faithful from throughout the Diocese took the time to pray during an event titled Adorare at Our Lady’s Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg.

All are welcome to join us for the Annual Religious Jubilee Mass on November 15, 2025. Bishop Gregory Parkes will celebrate the Religious Jubilee Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg.

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing that the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held in parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Petersburg on the weekend of Dec. 13-14.

He has persevered with weekly production even though an illness almost silenced him.

During this important time in the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg Office of Vocations and Elisheba House are offering a special prayer opportunity for vocations. All are invited to attend Adorare November 6-7, 2025, at Our Lady’s Chapel.

Growing up, were you taught about different vocations? Did that hel...

Since 1998, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has honored one priest each year serving in the diocese who best exemplifies selfless and dedicated service to the people of God.

Gathering for an exciting occasion, the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg was filled with joy for the six men ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, October 4, 2025.