Bishop Gregory Parkes

Bishop Parkes talks about the importance of Religious Freedom Week, June 22-29, 2023.

Bishop Parkes has informed pastors that at their discretion, they can reinstitute the distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ at the Eucharist.  Bishop offers some guidelines and considerations.  

Bishop Parkes reflects on the one year anniversary of his leg amputation, its necessity, and the blessings that have come from it.  

Bishop Parkes shares his confirmation travels and reminds us that its never too late to come into the Church.

Bishop Parkes offers simple tips and encouragement to be a missionary disciple for Christ and His Church. 

Bishop Parkes reminds the faithful of this Birthday of the Church and its importance in our faith tradition.

Bishop Parkes talks about the gifts of the people of God to the Church while being mindful of some of the uncertainty for some financial institutions.  He reminds us that we are called to be good stewards of God's gifts.  

Bishop Parkes talks about his getting to know the seminarians on his visits to seminary.  He also talks about the gifts that Transitional Deacon Christian Galvan will bring to the priesthood following his ordination on May 20, 2023.

Bishop Parkes talks about the state of vocations in the Diocese of St Petersburg and events taking place to foster vocations to the priesthood. 

Bishop Parkes cautions movie-goers about movies that depict the Church in a false or sensational light just to sell tickets.  

Bishop Parkes reflects on the joy of baptism during the Easter Vigil and the unique call for each individual to come to the Lord. 

Bishop Parkes talks about the importance of this vital radio ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg and encourages listeners to support.

During his Chrism Mass homily on April 4, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, Bishop Parkes spoke of the the priesthood and the Eucharist and the unity and communion that a bishop shares with parishes and with the faithful of our Diocese, and that our parishes share with one another.

"Of all the things that we do as priests, I believe that celebrating the Eucharist with and for the people has a preeminent importance in our lives, and in the life of the Church. It is good for us to remember this, during this time of Eucharistic renewal, here in our Diocese, our parishes and our country. God has called us through our vocation to priesthood, to be instruments by which his son is truly made present in the world today in the Eucharist, which is His son's Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity." 

- Bishop Gregory Parkes

“We Need to Encounter the Person of Jesus Christ in our Life” - Bishop Gregory Parkes

This homily is from the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg on February 26, 2023. 

The Rite of Election is celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent. Those preparing for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist share their desire to join the Catholic Church and the bishop welcomes and acknowledges their readiness.

During Mass on Ash Wednesday at the Pastoral Center Chapel in St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes shared a message for all who are starting their Lenten Journey.

Bishop Parkes shares the details of a new video podcast he hosts called Take 5.  

Bishop Parkes discusses the activities the Church offers for prayer, penance, and growing in holiness through parish missions.  

Bishop Parkes talks about the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season in the church. 

Bishop Parkes shares advice on how to bring others to Christ.

Bishop Parkes shares some advice he has heard from couples who have been married for decades.