National Catholic Schools Week Begins January 27-February 2; With the Theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

Bishop O'Connell from the Diocese of Trenton announces the death of Most Rev. John Mortimer Smith, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop Smith was the third bishop of our diocese. He served from 1991-1995. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

In a joint statement, Florida’s Catholic bishops continued an annual tradition of recognizing the Jan. 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. Catholic dioceses in the United States designate Jan. 22 as a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops’ retreat, held at Mundelein Seminary in January 2019, was an extraordinary event in many ways. Whereas the bishops normally attend annual retreats within their various regions, Pope Francis strongly encouraged that all bishops should come together for several days of reflection and prayer.

Reverend George Sammut, of St. Anne Parish (Bellview), has resigned as pastor due to health issues, effective Dec. 31, 2018, and is retired.