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.

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.

Today we learn about Father Patrick Rebel, who was on ordained on May 18, 1985. He currently serves as pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Spring Hill.

All are invited to participate in the Abundance Holy Hour for Vocations on February 26, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle at 6:30pm. Young adults are also welcome to join for a social gathering afterward.

Come and See offers opportunity for answers about the seminary.

Sister Sherly reaches out to young people as Associate Director of Vocations

Focus 11, a four-day event put on by the Office of Vocations from December 3-6, 2024 at Saint Leo University, helps to encourage young people to consider God’s plans for their lives.

Greeted by smiles and Jesus in the Eucharist, over 700 faithful from 38 of our diocesan parishes accepted the invitation to pray at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes.

Members of many religious communities that serve in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg came together to honor those celebrating milestone anniversaries.

Escalating healthcare costs and a lack of traditional retirement plans have created financial challenges for many religious communities.

All are invited to participate in Adorare 40 Hours for Vocations, hosted by the Office of Vocations and Elisheba House.

We were delighted to mark the start of the new academic year with a significant event on Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (SVDP).

Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrates 25 years of priesthood on June 26, 2024.

Will you pray for these young men in the Diocese of St. Petersburg who are attending seminary to pursue God’s call for their lives?

“I never could have imagined that I would be where I am today,” Bishop Parkes said when reflecting on his 25 years of priesthood.

In addition to four DOSP seminarians who graduated, a priest from our diocese was also the commencement speaker.