Safe Environment
Safe Environment Programs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
The Diocese of St. Petersburg must ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored by the Diocese can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. Parents and caretakers must have confidence in the Diocese before they will allow their children to become involved in Diocesan activities. The Safe Environment Programs of the Diocese of St. Petersburg are designed to instill that confidence and are encouraged by insurance and risk management companies as well.
This same concern applies to our vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult is an individual who is 18 years or older whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living are extremely limited or whose ability to provide for his or her own care or protection is impaired due to a mental, emotional, physical, developmental disability dysfunction, brain damage, or the infirmities of aging.
In accordance with the US Conference of Catholic Bishop's (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese has established safe environment programs under the Diocese of St. Petersburg Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. The Diocese cooperates with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations in its effort to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. The Diocese makes clear to clergy and members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse.
In addition, the Diocese evaluates the background of all diocesan and parish personnel who wish to have the care, responsibility, and or supervision of children, youth or access to vulnerable adults. Specifically, the Diocese utilizes the resources of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Volunteer, Employee, Criminal History System (VECHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to perform Level 2 criminal history background checks.
To read further about the Safe Environment programs and policies of the St Petersburg diocese, follow this link SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
Lenten Regulations
The annual observance of Lent is the special season for the ascent to the holy mountain of Easter. Through its twofold theme of repentance and baptism, the season of Lent disposes both the catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. Catechumens are led to the sacraments of initiation by means of the rite of election, the scrutinies, and catechesis. The faithful, listening more intently to the word of God and devoting themselves to prayer, are prepared through a spirit of repentance to renew their baptismal promises.
Fasting and Abstinence
The dual disciplines of fasting and abstinence have a long history in the Catholic Church. Going back to the early Church, the purpose behind the custom of self denial is not punishment; it is to simplify our lifestyles so that we create a certain emptiness. In this way, freed from all distractions, we are able to hear and respond to God’s continued call to conversion and holiness.
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59 years. On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence.
Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter. Note:
If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self denial that are suitable to their condition.
(Diocese of St Petersburg)
Catholic Schools
Catholic education is offered to all our registered parishioners.
Requirements:
For registered members of our parish that actively attend Mass, financial support is provided to those who attend St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School. This financial aid is available if the "Request for Subsidy" form is completed each January (School Registration Time) and is shared with our Parish Office. Scholarships for CCC are available tfrom a special endowment o active parishioners for financial need and require an application at the time designated in our Parish Bulletin.
St.Cecelia Interparochial School (K-8)
Visit their website st-cecilia.org or call 727-461-1200
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
Visit their website www.ccchs.org or call 727-531-1449
Morning Star School educates students with special learning needs.
It is located within the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida. We encourage all to visit our website and find out more about the Catholic, Christ-Centered education offered for students in grades one through eight. http://www.morningstarschool.org/index.htm Call 727-544-6036 or email
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Adult Formation
G.I.F.T. Growing In Faith Together
Month of May -we will be learning about Mary.
Wednesdays, May 16th and June 6th.
Following Evening Prayer (7:30pm) in church.
FAITH FORMATION AT YOUR CONVENIENCE
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS THIS SUMMER ~ Boston College - School of Ministry & Theology - C21 Online
Learn from the comfort of your home this summer thru Boston College's two week online workshops.
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE - June 13-27
A SACRAMENTAL PEOPLE - June 13-27
Both courses are reasonably priced at $45 each. Registration closes June 8th.
For more information, click the title of the workshop above for a complete description and to register.
CATHOLIC CLIMATE COVENANT: CARE FOR CREATION, CARE FOR THE POOR
Today the great gift of God’s Creation is exposed to serious dangers and lifestyles which can degrade it. Environmental pollution is making particularly unsustainable the lives of the poor of the world…Before it is too late, it is necessary to make courageous decisions...we must pledge ourselves to take care of creation and to share its resources in solidarity. ~ Pope Benedict XVI As faithful Catholics, we have a moral obligation to care for both creation and the poor. Go to the website below to read more about the Catholic Climate Covenant and take the St Francis Pledge. Catholic Climate Covenant
Faith Formation
Faith Formation