An Updated Message from Father Tom Morgan:
Dear Friends:
First, let me thank you for your prayers. My experience of COVID was like having a sinus infection and my experience was mild in comparison to what others have gone through.
I have now met the requirements of the guidelines spelled out to me by the Pinellas Department of Health and current CDC guidelines regarding testing positive for COVID-19. The first step was to isolate for at least 5 days based on day 0, the first day of symptoms. I calculated my first full day as Tuesday April 19, 2022. My positive COVID test took place on Thursday April 21, 2022. The guidelines direct that you can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation. I did not at any time lose a sense of taste or smell. In a spirit of caution, I have made my fifth day Tuesday April 26, 2022. I will return to the office on Wednesday April 27, 2022, and I will resume the celebration of public Mass on Thursday April 28, 2022.
The next step in following the guidelines includes wearing a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period. The guidelines state that if you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for a full 10 days. In addition, the guidelines call for avoiding people who have weakened immune systems or are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days. Again, in a spirit of caution and concern I will refrain at Mass from distributing Holy Communion and from pastoral care visitation until Tuesday May 3, 2022. I will be wearing a mask for the next 5 days.
I must say that I was surprised after over two years of being COVID free to test positive. Let us all do our best to keep healthy and continue to be on our guard.
I am thankful to Fr. Cadrecha and our assisting priests for filling in for me during the time that it was necessary to isolate. I was saddened to have to miss the Sacramental responsibilities for which I was scheduled, including the funeral of Martha Gray, the Baptism of Brandon Anthony, the wedding of Veronica and Justin Bastow, the renewal of vows for their 40th anniversary of Terry and Vicki Declue, and the Funeral Mass of Wally Clark. Finally, let me once again thank you for your prayers and expressions of concern.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom Morgan
Dear Friends:
First, let me thank you for your prayers. My experience of COVID was like having a sinus infection and my experience was mild in comparison to what others have gone through.
I have now met the requirements of the guidelines spelled out to me by the Pinellas Department of Health and current CDC guidelines regarding testing positive for COVID-19. The first step was to isolate for at least 5 days based on day 0, the first day of symptoms. I calculated my first full day as Tuesday April 19, 2022. My positive COVID test took place on Thursday April 21, 2022. The guidelines direct that you can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation. I did not at any time lose a sense of taste or smell. In a spirit of caution, I have made my fifth day Tuesday April 26, 2022. I will return to the office on Wednesday April 27, 2022, and I will resume the celebration of public Mass on Thursday April 28, 2022.
The next step in following the guidelines includes wearing a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period. The guidelines state that if you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for a full 10 days. In addition, the guidelines call for avoiding people who have weakened immune systems or are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days. Again, in a spirit of caution and concern I will refrain at Mass from distributing Holy Communion and from pastoral care visitation until Tuesday May 3, 2022. I will be wearing a mask for the next 5 days.
I must say that I was surprised after over two years of being COVID free to test positive. Let us all do our best to keep healthy and continue to be on our guard.
I am thankful to Fr. Cadrecha and our assisting priests for filling in for me during the time that it was necessary to isolate. I was saddened to have to miss the Sacramental responsibilities for which I was scheduled, including the funeral of Martha Gray, the Baptism of Brandon Anthony, the wedding of Veronica and Justin Bastow, the renewal of vows for their 40th anniversary of Terry and Vicki Declue, and the Funeral Mass of Wally Clark. Finally, let me once again thank you for your prayers and expressions of concern.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom Morgan
An Important Message from Father Tom Morgan:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, April 21, 2022, a COVID-19 test was administered to me, and I was informed that the test came back positive. I have been advised to self-quarantine until I have assurance that I have either tested negative for the coronavirus or no longer pose a risk to others.
Our parish office staff members have been informed of my test results and they have been advised to carefully monitor their health and to receive a COVID-19 test five days if they were recently in close contact with me. All daily and weekend Masses will continue, with the assistance of Father Robert Cadrecha and from visiting priests.
While we are all taking COVID-19 seriously and taking many precautions to prevent the spread of infection on our campus, the risk of coming into contact with coronavirus remains. Individuals and families should take personal responsibility to protect themselves.
If you are concerned that you might have been infected, I would advise you to contact your physician for proper guidance, including testing if your doctor feels it is warranted. Let us continue to pray for all who are facing illness or the loss of a loved one, as well as for a quick end to the current pandemic.
May compassion and kindness prevail in the hearts of all as we care for those in need.
May God bless you,
Fr. Tom Morgan
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, April 21, 2022, a COVID-19 test was administered to me, and I was informed that the test came back positive. I have been advised to self-quarantine until I have assurance that I have either tested negative for the coronavirus or no longer pose a risk to others.
Our parish office staff members have been informed of my test results and they have been advised to carefully monitor their health and to receive a COVID-19 test five days if they were recently in close contact with me. All daily and weekend Masses will continue, with the assistance of Father Robert Cadrecha and from visiting priests.
While we are all taking COVID-19 seriously and taking many precautions to prevent the spread of infection on our campus, the risk of coming into contact with coronavirus remains. Individuals and families should take personal responsibility to protect themselves.
If you are concerned that you might have been infected, I would advise you to contact your physician for proper guidance, including testing if your doctor feels it is warranted. Let us continue to pray for all who are facing illness or the loss of a loved one, as well as for a quick end to the current pandemic.
May compassion and kindness prevail in the hearts of all as we care for those in need.
May God bless you,
Fr. Tom Morgan
Hamlin Boulevard is undergoing construction for a sewer utility project and a section of the roadway is closed near Walsingham Rd. through the end of April. Please plan to add a few minutes to your drive to church for Easter and Easter Week services to allow for this detour.
To reach St. Jerome from the Indian Rocks Beach/Gulf Blvd. area, take Walsingham Road to the East (away from the beach), drive past Hamlin Blvd. and take a right at the next traffic light on Oakhurst Road, continue to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Indian Rocks Road area, take Indian Rocks Rd. (south towards Walsingham Rd.), go past Walsingham Rd. and Indian Rocks Rd. will become Oakhurst Rd. Continue on Oakhurst Rd. to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Largo Mall area, take Ulmerton Rd. toward Indian Rocks Beach (west), Ulmerton becomes Walsingham, turn left onto Oakhurst Rd., continue to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Pinellas Park area, take Bryan Dairy Rd. to the west (toward the beach), this will become 102nd Ave. Continue on 102nd Ave., then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Indian Rocks Beach/Gulf Blvd. area, take Walsingham Road to the East (away from the beach), drive past Hamlin Blvd. and take a right at the next traffic light on Oakhurst Road, continue to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Indian Rocks Road area, take Indian Rocks Rd. (south towards Walsingham Rd.), go past Walsingham Rd. and Indian Rocks Rd. will become Oakhurst Rd. Continue on Oakhurst Rd. to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Largo Mall area, take Ulmerton Rd. toward Indian Rocks Beach (west), Ulmerton becomes Walsingham, turn left onto Oakhurst Rd., continue to 102nd Avenue and make a right; then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
To reach St. Jerome from the Pinellas Park area, take Bryan Dairy Rd. to the west (toward the beach), this will become 102nd Ave. Continue on 102nd Ave., then turn right onto Hamlin Boulevard and the church will be on the right.
Hamlin Blvd Traffic/Construction Alert!
Please return your rice bowls to the Gathering Space before or after weekend Masses or to the Parish Office during the week so we may collect all funds and send our parish donation to Catholic Relief Services.
Thank you for your generosity to our brothers and sisters in need.
Thank you for your generosity to our brothers and sisters in need.
Beware of Text Message, Email and Social Media Scams
Attention: Please be aware that currently there is someone using an email address that identifies themselves as Fr. Tom Morgan asking the receiver to respond to their email. This is a scam. Please call the parish office if you receive such an email.
To protect yourself from smishing, phishing, text and email scams and hoaxes, please follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission:
To protect yourself from smishing, phishing, text and email scams and hoaxes, please follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission:
- Be aware. Legitimate organizations never ask for personal or financial information (such as usernames, passwords, PINs, credit or debit card numbers) via text message, social media, or emails.
- Do not be rushed. Smishing scams try to create a false sense of urgency by implying that an immediate response is required or that there is limited time to respond.
- Verify the legitimacy of a text message, social media message, or email that you receive from any organization, including a church. Call the office and speak to a representative who can assist with verifying the legitimacy of the communication. Do not call any phone numbers that may have been included in the suspicious message. Contact the organization by the information listed in your records or their website.
- Ignore suspicious text messages, social media messages, and emails from someone who claims to need your personal information or financial assistance.
Many of our parishioners have responded to the survey in support of Pope Francis' initiative for a Synod on a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission. This Synod will encourage us to be a Church that listens to the Holy Spirit and to each other.
If you wish to review the report St. Jerome has sent to Bishop Parkes regarding the Synod, please click on the image to the left or click here.
If you wish to review the report St. Jerome has sent to Bishop Parkes regarding the Synod, please click on the image to the left or click here.
ROGER SWAINE
I have been a resident of Pinellas County since 1965. Before moving to Florida, I lived with my family in various parts of the United States and the Panama Canal Zone. I am a graduate of USF and Florida Bankers Trust School and was a trust officer with Pinellas Central Bank. I am a Certified Financial Planner and recently retired from Raymond James. I am happy to be involved in our faith-filled community. Parish and Diocese: Landscaping, Maintenance, Legacy Society, Coffee and Donuts and the Finance Council. Tracey is involved in Music Ministry and volunteers in the parish office. In addition to my St. Jerome involvement, I am on the Catholic Foundation’s Board of Trustees for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
I have been a resident of Pinellas County since 1965. Before moving to Florida, I lived with my family in various parts of the United States and the Panama Canal Zone. I am a graduate of USF and Florida Bankers Trust School and was a trust officer with Pinellas Central Bank. I am a Certified Financial Planner and recently retired from Raymond James. I am happy to be involved in our faith-filled community. Parish and Diocese: Landscaping, Maintenance, Legacy Society, Coffee and Donuts and the Finance Council. Tracey is involved in Music Ministry and volunteers in the parish office. In addition to my St. Jerome involvement, I am on the Catholic Foundation’s Board of Trustees for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VATICAN'S RESPONSE ON THE MORALITY OF USING SOME ANTI-COVID-19 VACCINES.
CLICK HERE FOR THE STATEMENT FROM THE USCCB REGARDING MORAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE NEW COVID-19 VACCINES
Mass inside church safety instructions (Updated April, 2021)- Click here
From Bishop Gregory Parkes:
Dear Faithful in Christ,
Greetings and Peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. As Easter approaches, I hereby announce that the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days for Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will expire on the Vigil of Pentecost, Saturday, May 22, 2021. Instead, I will issue some particular dispensations for the faithful who may find themselves in specific circumstances. Details about these particular dispensations can be found on the diocesan website, (www.dosp.org/coronavirus) and diocesan social media sites. By announcing the change in dispensations now, parishes will have time to make the necessary adaptations to welcome more members of the faithful to the Sunday Masses.
This announcement is also an opportunity to congratulate and thank the clergy and faithful of the diocese. They have done a heroic job ensuring that our churches and other public gathering spaces have been safe. Parishes have been very attentive to having safety protocols in place since we began to welcome parishioners to in-person worship in May 2020. I am deeply appreciative of the creative and innovative ways that our parishes have kept in contact with parishioners and provided access to the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation in novel ways. Thankfully, there have been no outbreaks of COVID-19 attributed to in-person worship in the Diocese of St. Petersburg because of our prudence in following public health guidance.
Many have been or will be vaccinated; and since June 2020, Floridians have safely gone about other activities such as shopping, eating out at restaurants, and reconnecting with family and friends in social gatherings. Therefore, it seems reasonable to strive for the faithful's full and active participation once again in the Sacred Liturgy. Parishes will have to make individual decisions about safely accommodating an increased number of attendees at Mass (for example, adding additional Masses or identifying a section of pews for those who are comfortable with less restrictive distancing between persons). The use of face coverings and social-distancing should be continued until public health guidance suggests otherwise.
Public health officials have learned much about the sources of contagion. It appears that close contact with infected persons poses the most significant risk. Contagion from other sources has proven negligible and is preventable by good personal hygiene, social distancing, and face coverings. Parishes can make prudent decisions about reintroducing worship aids such as missalettes or hymnals and making holy water available.
I encourage the faithful to continue to cooperate with parish guidelines during this time of transition. The diocese has provided to parishes resources for welcoming those returning to Sunday Mass. Let us “welcome one another, then as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). We must never forget that the spiritual fruits of regular and devout participation in the Sacred Mysteries are infinite. The graces received at the Holy Eucharist sustain Catholics as we courageously live the Gospel.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory Parkes
Bishop of St. Petersburg
PARTICULAR DISPENSATION INFORMATION
The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm or later on the previous day) is to be reinstated in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, effective Saturday, May 22, 2021.
Considering the necessity of being physically present with our brothers and sisters at Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation for the Eucharist, Bishop Gregory Parkes asks Catholics to make a sincere judgment about whether or not these circumstances apply. If there is doubt or confusion, consult your parish pastor for clarity. While the general dispensation is removed, there are specific instances where the dispensation will continue. One does not have an obligation to attend Mass on Sunday in the following circumstances:
1. You are ill, or your health condition would be significantly compromised if you were to contract an infectious illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
2. You exhibit flu-like symptoms. Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (e.g., you were in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID or influenza). Please use the dispensation and do not attend Mass.
4. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed.
5. You are pregnant.
6. Those 65 years of age or older (per the CDC's recommendation of high-risk individuals).
7. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (e.g., no Mass is offered, you are infirmed, or, while wanting to go, you are prevented for some reason you cannot control (e.g., your ride did not show up, the church was at capacity).
8. If you have significant and reasonable fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass. These categories will be reviewed in due course and revised as needed. Those who do not attend Mass must still observe the Lord’s Day and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection; an excellent way to do this is through participating in a broadcast/live stream of the Sunday Mass.