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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

On October 4, 2025, Bishop Gregory Parkes will ordain six men as permanent deacons for service in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

From September 10 through September 24, the Serra Club of Saint Petersburg will host this special monstrance during its visit to our diocese.

Six Years of Vocational Growth and Experiencing God’s Grace

Inspired in the Classroom by a Future Pope

Local young adult Kelly Wietholter will be entering The Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ next month. Get to know her and her story!

Father Elixavier "Xavy" Castro is now serving as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Get to know our new Director!

As the summer ramps up and we spend time with family and friends or perhaps even travel, several of our seminarians spend a portion of their time in a new community as well.

“Our diocese desires to cultivate and support the discernment of consecrated life for young women,” said Sr. Sherly Vazhappilly, Associate Director for Vocations.