Click above for Bishop Lynch's Reflections on the Holy Eucharist

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is now working on a Diocesan Wide,
Multi-year Process to Foster a Deeper Experience and Understanding of Eucharist.

Visit Website

Bishop Lynch's Pastoral Letter:

"Living Eucharist: Gathered, Nourished, Sent."

"Vivir la Eucaristia: Pueblo Reunido, Nutrido y Enviado"

Guidelines for the Reception of Communion

Bishop Robert Lynch in his pastoral letter, “Living Eucharist: Gathered, Nourished, Sent” states:

“Christ is truly present under both species, bread and wine. In most parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, however, commendable efforts have been made to offer Christ’s Body and his precious Blood to the faithful.  As Pope Benedict recently said, receiving the Eucharist under both species is the “fullest form of participation in the Eucharist.”  With the publication of this pastoral letter, all parishes are again requested to make Holy Communion available under both species at daily and Sunday celebrations of Mass.”

Pages 16 & 17. 

The bishops of the United States have provided Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America approved on June 14, 2001.  St. Lawrence will follow closely these norms in providing for reception of the most precious Body and Blood of Jesus.

Living Eucharist Prayer

Loving God, true source of inspiration and hope, bless us on our pilgrimage of faith as the Diocesan family of St. Petersburg. Deepen our love and commitment to your Son Jesus Christ in whose mission we share. May we continue to be nourished by his Word and transformed by the gift of his Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Let Christ's presence shine through our lives and by the power of the Holy Spirit send us into the world as instruments of mercy and justice. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray with us and for us!