Diocesan Ministry

Through the Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA), the People of God in the Diocese of St. Petersburg support over 50 ministries, programs and services to thousands across our 5 county area.

Our appeal is truly an opportunity for each and every Catholic household to help further the mission of the Church, to become a part of the everyday miracles we experience through sharing our gifts as good stewards.Let’s take a closer look at some of the good works underway in the…

office of VOCATIONS

When we think of the Office of Vocations, we often associate the responsibilities of the office with seminarian support. But the office is responsible for much more than that. In addition to seminarian support, the Office of Vocations plans and hosts a variety of events and programs to help raise awareness for and promote vocations in our diocese. The following events and programs have grown our vocations to the priesthood from 12 in 1996, to averaging30+from 2013-2015:

  • Come & See, Vocation Awareness Weekends –transportation and sponsorship for young men interested in visiting St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami 2 times each year.
  • Anima Via-Discernment - open group discussion and refreshments for 20+ participants every other month.
  • St. Andrew Dinners – these dinners with Bishop, hosted 3 times per year, provide an opportunity for pastors to bring young men they feel may have a vocation to hear vocations stories, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
  • Bishop’s BBQ-each year in June, a BBQ is organized with the Bishop for a casual evening of fraternity, food and prayer.
  • Vocation Promotion Workshop – this annual workshop teaches100+ attendees(teachers, youth ministers, DRE’s and parish vocation teams) new ways to build awareness and promote vocations.
  • Materials - each year, prayer cards, brochures, videos, pictures of our seminarians and information on the seminarians are created and distributed to parishes and schools.
  • Holy Hour for Vocations-sponsored in conjunction with the Serra Club every 4th Wednesday of the month at the Cathedral.
  • Altar Server Appreciation Mass – held each spring at the Cathedral, this event draws altar servers from around the Diocese for a special recognition mass and reception. More than1000+ attend each year.
  • Focus 11 -6th graders in ourdiocese are invited to a vocations rally held over 2 days every February. 900+ children take part in the program which includes music, keynote address, panel discussions and a “scavenger hunt” to learn more about religious orders, Serra Club, Knights of Columbusand Spirit FM.
  • Re-Focus – this eventfor 9th graders at the 4 Catholic high schools offers music, prayer, and stories from a religious sister and current seminarian.
  • Visitations – the Director of Vocations celebrates masses and presents on vocationsat our parishes and schools year round.

This information has been provided by the

Diocesan Office of Stewardship & Development.

To learn more about ministries, services and programs

funded by the Annual Pastoral Appeal,visit dosp.org.