Welcome to the website of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Palm Beach!
Apostle of the New and Greatest Hope
The decision of Pope Francis to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene to that of a liturgical feast certainly confirms the reverence of the Church in regard to the position of Mary Magdalene as the first to witness the risen Christ and who was entrusted with the message of announcing His Resurrection to the apostles. It also confirms the importance of women in the Church, so essential in the ministry of the Lord Himself.
Whether you are searching for information about the diocese, parishes, and schools or about the Roman Catholic Church in general, I hope that our diocesan website will be of help to you.
The Diocese of Palm Beach is comprised of five counties in Southeastern Florida: Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. From Sebastian to Boca Raton and from Palm Beach to Pahokee, the 241,100 Catholics of the Diocese of Palm Beach span the economic and cultural spectrum of the area and contribute to a vibrant faith experience in our 50 parishes, 3 missions, and 1 Hispanic Pastoral Center.
Whether you are a full-time resident, a part-time winter resident, or a tourist visiting our area, I pray that you will enjoy your time in the Diocese of Palm Beach, and as you tour our website.
May Mary, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, patroness of the diocese, guide us in the footsteps of her Son, Jesus Christ.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito
Bishop of Palm Beach
News & Notes
St. Clare Parish in North Palm Beach held its first youth mission trip in early July to St. John the Baptist Parish in the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina. Their goal was to bring the youth of St. Clare into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through fellowship, prayer, sacrament and service.
Any Catholic who participates in the celebration July 28 of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly can receive a plenary indulgence, the Vatican announced.
On July 26 the Roman Catholic Church commemorates the parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. The couple's faith and perseverance brought them through the sorrow of childlessness, to the joy of conceiving and raising the immaculate and sinless woman who would give birth to Christ.
Father Hilaire, who had served Sacred Heart for a year as parochial administrator, was appointed pastor, effective July 1. He was joined at the celebration by many fellow priests, along with a large number of parishioners, family members and friends.