Help the Hungry and Homeless

Jesus said that whenever we help someone in need we are helping Him! As Christians, we stand with our brothers and sisters who are hungry, homeless and hurting and walk with them so they know they are not alone.

That’s why we are asking everyone who takes part in the Family Faith Fest to bring a food donation that will make a difference in someone’s life who is served by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Catholic Charities serves over 100,000 meals each year. We are only able to feed our many homeless or low-income clients through the kindness of generous people like you. Your gift of non-perishable items or canned goods will not only eliminate hunger for those in need but will also bring them hope in their time of need. Your donation of food will go to assist people being housed and helped by the following Catholic Charities ministries:

• Pinellas Hope – adult homeless shelter in Clearwater (Pinellas County)
• Mercy House, a home for HIV/AIDS positive mothers and their children located in Tampa (Hillsborough County)
• Pasco Women’s Shelter in Hudson and Bethany Family Apartments in Dade City (Pasco County)
• Citrus County Outreach Center Soup Kitchen in Homosassa (Citrus County)

Please bring any combination of the food items listed below:

• canned vegetables, fruits and soup
• boxed & bagged [dried] pasta and rice
• peanut butter and jelly
• instant coffee and breakfasts (oatmeal)
• breakfast cereal
• cookies and crackers
• dried fruits and nuts
• shelf-stable drinks (like Gatorade)

REGISTER

Here is the Family Faith Fest planning committee – at your service!

John Morris
Station Manager, Spirit FM 90.5

Meegan Wright
Executive Director, Stewardship and Development, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Diane Kledzik
Associate Director for Evangelization, Small Christian Communities and Adult Faith Formation

Chris Pastura
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Teresa Peterson
Executive Director of Communications, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Danielle Wright Landry
Spirit FM 90.5

Father Gary Dowsey
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin

Father Brad Reed
Associate Pastor, Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor

Deacon Jim Grevenites
St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg and Assistant Director, Office of the Diaconate, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Douglas J. Reatini
Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Sylvia Sanchez
Associate Director, Office of Worship, Diocese of St. Petersburg

Jan Weldon
The Link Events

Tara Liaschenko
The Link Events

BUSES
Some parishes have arranged bus transportation for their community to attend this historic event as a group.

Arranging a bus pilgrimage will:

•  Create enthusiasm for the event and build community among participants
•  Give people with transportation challenges the ability to participate
• Give the participants a chance to deepen their understanding of the universal

  Thank you to the following parishes that have arranged bus transportation for their community! We look forward to welcoming you to the Family Faith Fest

• Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Mission, Largo
•  Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park
•  St. Anne Parish, Ruskin
•  St. Anthony the Abbot Parish, Brooksville
•  St. Catherine of Siena, Clearwater
•  St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill
•  St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg
• St. Joseph, Zephyrhills
• St. Stephen Parish, Riverview

If your parish is bringing a bus and is not listed here, please contact tlp@dosp.org.

Location
New location for family faith fest 
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, Florida 33610

Phone: 813-621-7821

Parking
Click here for directions to the Florida State Fairgrounds. There will be free parking! Enter parking lot through Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Once you enter the Fairgrounds there will be Parking Attendants and signage to direct you to Gate three.

Why location has changed 
A wetter than normal fall season has caused the grounds at Al Lopez Park to become overly saturated and park officials have informed us that our event plans would have to be greatly modified and limited if we remain at Al Lopez Park. For the safety, enjoyment and comfort of all, we have decided we must relocate the Family Faith Fest.