Bishop Gregory Parkes
Bishop Gregory Parkes is the spiritual leader of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
that is comprised of nearly 500,000 Catholics, more than 280,000 of whom are registered and includes 75 parishes, 5 missions, more than 13,000 students registered at 46 schools and early childhood centers, two universities, and a variety of social service, health care, housing and pastoral ministries located within the five counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus. Mass is celebrated in 14 languages, and we are led by our fifth bishop, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes who was installed on January 4, 2017.
His role is to govern, teach and promote in every way the holiness of the Christian faithful. Bishop Parkes believes that serving for God’s glory is the guiding principle of his ministry, which is why he chose, “To your name give the glory” from Psalm 115, Verse 1 as his pastoral motto. His ministry takes him throughout the community for pastoral visits, blessings and dedications, gatherings, sacramental celebrations and many other liturgical events. He also seeks to connect with people online and on-the-air through regular updates on social media (@BishopParkes), YouTube (@DioceseofStPete), via podcasts and Spirit FM 90.5. To learn more, visit BishopParkes.org.
Episodes
435 episodes
Depth of Holy Week 2026
Bishop Gregory Parkes explains aspects of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, Chrism Mass and the Holy Triduum.
Eucharistic Impacts, School Vaccinations, March Solemnities, and more
Bishop Parkes discusses the numbers of faithful coming into the church and the impacts of the National Eucharistic Revival. He also talks about recent measles cases in Florida and vaccine studies, the war in the middle east, Chrism Mass, and th...
Lent, AI, Summer Plans, and Francis Jubilee
Bishop Parkes shares his travels, Lent activities, and the Church's use of AI. He also reminds us of plans for summer youth activities and the declaration of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis.
Acts of Mercy, Pro-Life Month, and Catholic Schools Week
Bishop Gregory Parkes talks about the works of mercy that the faithful of the diocese performed in 2025 and the need to continue in 2026. He also talks about the right to life from the womb to end of life. It's also a time to celebrate ou...
Thanksgiving in Rome, Florida Bishops, Christmas and RIP Msgr Cippel
Bishop Gregory Parkes speaks on the life and legacy of Monsignor John Cippel and his impact on the local church. He also shares his trip to Rome for Thanksgiving with our seminarians, meetings with Florida Bishops, and his thoughts for Ch...
Saint Jude's 75th, Creating a Parish, and Remembering the Deceased
Bishop Parkes reflects on the 75 years of Saint Jude Cathedral as a parish, creating a parish as a bishop and priest, and remembering saints and souls during the upcoming memorials of All Saints and All Souls Day.
Eucharistic Encounter, Help for Homeless, and Freedom of Speech
Bishop Parkes shares his joy for a wonderful event for the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He also shares his recent blessing for a new Tampa Hope community center. Finally he talks about the Charlie Kirk slaying and the ...
A Place of Welcome, A Place of Hope, Cathedral Dedication Anniversary
On September 12th, Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrated the anniversary of the Dedication of St. Jude the Apostle as Cathedral of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. During his homily he shared that the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle points u...
Million Acts of Mercy Achieved!
Bishop Parkes joins the Spirit FM Morning Show announcing the Million Acts of Mercy Challenge was achieved, and giving thanks to God and the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Ethics in the Church, New Saints, and Labor Day
Bishop Parkes talks about morals and ethics for Church employees and business leaders in general. Also discussed is the canonization of two new saints and servants of the church locally, relics, Labor Day, and more.
Priests Shuffle and Texas Disaster
In this episode, Bishop Parkes shares why priests change parishes, new positions in the clergy, and vocations. He also shares his sorrow for those killed or impacted by the terrible flooding in Texas. Back to school is just around t...
Does AI Have a future in the Church?
Summer is here and that means travel. On this edition of How We See It, Bishop Parkes talks about the Good Samaritan project, LPMI and SEPI, the Equestrian Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and immigration. He also reflects on Independe...
Dads and Hurricanes
Its Father's Day weekend and Bishop Parkes shares his memories of his relationship with his dad and wishes all of the fathers and father-figures a happy day. He also discusses hurricane season, summer pilgrimages and "Flat Bishop", and gr...
A Pope Passes, A Pope Elected
Pope Francis passes away and Pope Leo XIV is elected. Bishop Parkes talks about his experience in Rome at the funeral of Pope Francis and his memories of the Bishop of Rome. He shares his thoughts on the election of the first pope b...
Five Ways to Keep Easter Alive
Happy Easter! Bishop Parkes blesses the faithful and shares 5 ways to keep the Easter season going through Pentecost. He also gives an update on the Million Acts of Mercy Challenge, state of vocations in the diocese, faith traditions, and...
The Eucharistic Encounter is Coming!
Bishop Parkes joins us on How We See It to discuss the Rite of Election and welcoming the faithful into full communion in the Church. We also discuss the plans for a new Catholic elementary school in southern Hillsborough County, the Euch...
Love, Marriage, and Faith
On this week's edition of How We See It, we visit with Bishop Parkes. Valentine's Day is here and a time to celebrate the Marriage Jubilee Mass. Bishop Parkes shares his wisdom on marriages, as well as programs in the Church for mar...
Vocations and a New Pastoral Plan
Bishop Parkes shares his recent trip to visit seminarians of the diocese. He also talks about the new pastoral plan for the Diocese of St. Petersburg called, "A Call to Conversion."
Simplifying Your Prayer Life
Bishop Parkes reminds the faithful to not become overwhelmed with rote prayers or colorful prayers, but to listen to what God is saying to you in the quiet of your heart.