Bishop Wack addresses the actions the diocese is taking during the coronavirus pandemic and gives a message of Easter hope.

As you make plans for this important week of faith, please see the official statement regarding the governor’s executive order and religious services. Governor DeSantis recognizes that this year will look distinctively different than last year, but our hope is for spiritual unity and social distance during this unique season.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in our country and our world, the challenges we face grow considerably as well. The faithful have had to forgo attending Mass in person and have not been able to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord in the Eucharist for two weekends thus far – with the prospect of this continuing for the near future.

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Greetings in the Lord. As the bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, it is my special privilege to shepherd God’s people in good times and in trying times. This includes not only those who are Catholic; all of us fall under God’s loving gaze and are part of this beloved community. For us who are Christians, we know that Jesus Christ had a special love for the sick and the suffering. Indeed, he said, “…I was sick, and you cared for me” (Mt. 25).

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee announces the continued suspension of public Masses including liturgies of Holy Week and Easter. Priests will continue to celebrate daily Mass with no congregation.

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee announces the cancellation of classes on campuses, for grades PreK-12, through May 1, 2020, in accordance with the directive of Governor Desantis and the Florida Department of Education.

The USCCB Office of the General Secretary has received communication from Most Reverend Christoph Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio, that the Secretariat of State of the Holy See has requested that all local Churches be informed that all members of the faithful and other Christians are invited to participate in the special prayer of the Holy Father taking place in Saint Peter’s Square on Friday, March 27, 2020. (read more)

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has been notified of an active email scam targeting pastors and parishioners from someone impersonating Bishop Wack. In the fraudulent email, the imposter, mentions the email recipient by name and asks for a favor. Please be aware that this is a scam and do not respond.

Churches will suspend all public Sunday and weekday Masses beginning noon Friday, March 20, 2020, until further notice. Bishop William A. Wack, CSC dispenses Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass while this suspension remains in effect. All other regularly scheduled liturgies and gatherings in churches will be canceled as well. At this time, churches will be open for private prayer and devotion at the pastor’s discretion.

In May 2019, Pope Francis released his apostolic letter, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”) to address the issue of sexual abuse and bishop accountability in the global Catholic Church. Vos estis calls upon the metropolitan archbishops to undertake the responsibilities for receiving and assessing reports involving bishops that pertain to sexual abuse and related misconduct. (Read more)

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee announces school closures for all Catholic schools in the diocese in response to the growing COVID-19 outbreak starting March 16 through March 29, 2020.

Dear Diocesan School/Early Learning Center Families: Our principals and directors met last week and discussed the topic of the Coronavirus. In addition, there has been communication among diocesan offices within the ecclesiastical province of Florida. Please know that the diocese and schools/early learning centers are treating this virus seriously and are creating plans now on how to react in the case of local confirmed outbreaks. (read more)

Reverend Robert (Bob) Francis Morris, 85, a retired priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, passed away in the early morning of March 6, 2020, at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola.

Although there are no known outbreaks or local infections in the area of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, the diocese continues to closely monitor the developments related to COVID-19. Protocols for medical emergencies are reviewed and updated as necessary in accordance with compliance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health. 

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee announces the opening of a new Catholic high school for students with special needs. Morning Star High School of Pensacola, opening in August, will be an independent institution located on the campus of Pensacola Catholic High School, 3043 W. Scott St.

Bishop Bill Wack of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee extends an invitation this Christmas season.

This morning we learned about the horrific mass shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. Our sympathy and prayers go out to those whose lives were taken, as well as for their families, military service members and first responders, and those who were injured.

Joan Walker was awarded Respect Life Volunteer of the Year at the Annual State Respect Life Conference in St. Augustine, Fla. on Oct. 12, 2019.

In his three part video series, "The Eucharist," Bishop Wack reminds us of the importance of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Click here to watch: ptdiocese.org/theEucharist.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deacon Bob Macko. Surrounded by loved ones, Bob passed away on Saturday, September 14, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.