Florida Catholic | Diocese of St. Petersburg

January 9, 2009

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A breathtaking honor

Dolores Castaldo, founder of Benedict Haven, reacts as she reads Bishop Robert N. Lynch’s letter congratulating her on receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and Pope) Cross and thanking her for her service on behalf of others. Awarded by Pope Benedict XVI, it is the church’s highest honor of recognition for distinguished service that a layperson can receive. Castaldo and 16 other lay Catholics were honored with the papal cross and six diocesan priests were elevated to the rank of monsignor.

JANET SHELTON | FC
ST. PETERSBURG | Dolores Castaldo, founder of Benedict Haven, reacts as she reads Bishop Robert N. Lynch’s letter congratulating her on receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and Pope) Cross and thanking her for her service on behalf of others. Awarded by Pope Benedict XVI, it is the church’s highest honor of recognition for distinguished service that a layperson can receive. Castaldo and 16 other lay Catholics were honored with the papal cross and six diocesan priests were elevated to the rank of monsignor. Read the full story here.

‘Twin’ in Haiti needs access road, school support

ST. PETERSBURG | Karen Jensen understood the importance of her parish’s new ministry just a few short hours after arriving in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

She, Maureen Zientek and Holy Family pastor Father John Tapp had come to Haiti to meet the people of Leogane and discuss a new parish twinning relationship. Seeing how the people lived was shocking to the St. Petersburg woman. Read the full story here.

« Diocese announces papal honors

Six priests receive the title monsignor and 17 laypersons are recognized for their distinguished service to the church.

Seminarians get hands–on summer assignments

Summer is a time when seminarians learn firsthand what is involved in priestly service.

Intimate Encounters in the Living Eucharist

For Spirit FM radio personality, Jamie Derzypolski, the Eucharist brings ‘Overwhelming peace, love and hope at every encounter.’

Aging flock gets youthful shepherd

Father Joel Kovanis is the new pastor at Prince of Peace Parish in Sun City Center.

Human trafficking affects Florida

Arleen Spenceley reports on a recent workshop on human trafficking awareness.

News Briefs

Volunteer doctors needed; Donations of musical instruments needed; Convenient conference takes place online; A cross, a shield, a night celebrating Tampa Catholic; Seminar to address employment of homeless; Parish seeks old friends; Catholic Medical Association seeks new members