Bishop Gregory Parkes

Bishop Parkes shares vision of the clergy moves in the diocese, the prayerful thought process about it as it impacts the needs of the parishes.  He also speaks on the legacy of Monsignor Frank Mouch, the 50th anniversary of St. Catherine of Siena parish, the Holy Father's visit to Africa, and a visit to the North American Seminary. 

Bishop Gregory Parkes explains aspects of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, Chrism Mass and the Holy Triduum.

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 the solemnities of St Patrick, the Annunciation, and St. Joseph.  

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.  

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 our Catholic schools and the impact of a Catholic education. 

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 Christmas 2025.  

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. 

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 impact it has had in our nation, especially regarding freedom of speech and expression with regard to the Church. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 the corner and Bishop reflects on his childhood experiences in Catholic school.  

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 Independence Day in the US and the future of artificial intelligence in the Church. 

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 groundbreaking of Mater Dei Catholic School 

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 born in the United States and what is in store for the faithful.  

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 coming clergy reassignments.

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 Eucharistic Encounter this September, and the health of Pope Francis.  

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 marriage preparation.  Also discussed is the Red Mass, Catholic Days at the Capitol, March for Life in Tampa, and the Million Acts of Mercy Challenge.  

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." 

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. 

Bishop Parkes encourages the faithful who struggle in prayer to look to the Catholic Church's rich treasury of prayers and devotions.  

At the start of the new year, we remember the role of Mary in salvation history. 

Bishop Parkes prays for God's blessings on a new year. 

Bishop Parkes reminds us of the 800th anniversary of the creation of the Nativity scene and its importance to the faithful.

Bishop Parkes reminds us what the season of Advent is really for.  

The Advent season is upon us and Bishop Parkes encourages the faithful to prepare their "house" for Jesus.  

A handful of dioceses in Florida and the Southeast have filed a cause for sainthood for the Martyrs of Florida.  Bishop Parkes began the case when he was Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee and has continued the case for over 10 years.  He talks about the cause for the saints and the process for moving forward. 

Bishop Parkes thanks the faithful for their support of the works of the diocese, and especially those who go a step further in their commitment and generosity by inviting them to be part of the Mater Dei Society.  

Bishop Parkes shares his plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday and what he will be thanking God for this Thanksgiving. 

Bishop Parkes recently awarded faithful from local parishes the St Jude Medal for outstanding ministry and stewardship in their community. 

Bishop Parkes recently attended the 25th anniversary celebration dinner for the Catholic Jewish Center at Saint Leo University.  He reflects on the evening in light of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.  

The Memorial of St. Leo The Great, Doctor of the Church, is November 9th.  Bishop Parkes explains what a Doctor of the Church is and who may be considered next for being named "Doctor."

Bishop Parkes shares his visits to diocesan schools and educating the children about the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis. 

Bishop Parkes talks about the proper interment of ashes and the Church's views on scattering and keeping ashes. 

The Church has recognized that young adults over 18 seem to drift away from the church and worship.  Bishop Parkes talks about the efforts in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to reach out to the young adults to minister to them.  

Bishop Parkes shares his thoughts on the gathering of bishops and officials for the Synod on Synodality taking place in Rome this October. 

Bishop Parkes talks about the impact of Respect Life Month as it relates to capital punishment in the state of Florida.  

Father Jim Johnson is awarded the Father Luis de Cancer Award by his brother priests.  Bishop Parkes talks about the significance of the award and the life of service and faith Father Johnson has led. 

Bishop Parkes shares his experience of celebration with the various Hispanic cultures of our diocese and the gifts they bring.  

Bishop Parkes talks about the shocking attack on Israel and the prayers for peace. 

The Diocese of St Peterburg will welcome 8 permanent deacons to serve the church.  Bishop Parkes talks about the role of the deacon and invites all to come to the ordination on October 14, 2023 at the Cathedral of St. Jude. 

Bishop Parkes reflects on what a steward of God's gifts is called to do. 

The right to life for babies in the womb is as strong as ever.  Bishop Parkes talks about the importance of prayer, fasting, and taking an active role in discussing this issue with state legislators.  

Bishop Parkes reflects on the recent Eucharistic Encounter event in Tampa and the impact it has had on attendees.  

Bishop Parkes talks about the new Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Hillsborough County.  He talks about the faith aspects for proper burials and respect for the body.  

Bishop Parkes is happy to announce the publication of a new magazine for the Diocese of St. Petersburg called Gulf Coast Catholic.