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.
Bishop Gregory Parkes
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 us to God, reminding us that faith should be at the center of our lives. Its doors are open to all, inviting every person, whether rich or poor, parishioner or a stranger to encounter God's love and His mercy.
St. Jude was elevated to a cathedral when the Diocese of Saint Petersburg was established in 1968. It was formally dedicated on September 12. 2013, following a 15-month renovation that included the addition of a new, permanent marble altar and an expansion of more than 7,000 square feet. The Cathedral is a spiritual home to Catholics from all five counties of the Diocese, as many large celebrations are held there, including the Chrism Mass, the Rite of Election, and ordination Masses. The Cathedral has been designated a Place of Pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year of Hope. Thousands of pilgrims have already visited the Cathedral this year finding hope in the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
St. Jude the Apostle, pray for us.