About Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
The Catholic Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee is a Latin Church diocese of the Roman Catholic Church covering the 18 most northwestern counties of the Florida Panhandle, in the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami. Established by Pope Paul VI on November 6, 1975, the diocese is a 'dual see' — the bishop governs from both the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola and the Co-Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Tallahassee. The patron saints are St. Michael the Archangel (primary), St. Thomas More and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (secondary). The diocese currently serves approximately 72,000 Catholics across roughly 53 parishes and 3 missions in 14,044 square miles.
- Bishop
- William A. Wack, CSC
- Established
- 1975
- Cathedral
- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Pensacola (1212 E. Moreno Street, Pensacola, FL 32503) — Modern Romanesque brick church dedicated May 18, 1967 by Archbishop Thomas Toolen of Mobile; parish founded 1905, school (Sacred Heart Academy) founded 1907; mother church of the diocese and the bishop's pastoral home.
- Territory
- The 18 most northwestern counties of Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor — 14,044 square miles in the Florida Panhandle.
- Parishes
- 53 parishes and 3 missions (as published by the diocese's About page)
- Province
- Archdiocese of Miami (Ecclesiastical Province of Miami); metropolitan archbishop Thomas G. Wenski
History of the Diocese
The Catholic presence in Northwest Florida predates the United States itself. The diocese's own history page traces the story from Pánfilo de Narváez's 1528 trek through Taylor, Jefferson and Wakulla counties, through de Soto's 1539–40 winter camp near Anhaica (modern Tallahassee), to the first verified Mass in Pensacola Bay on August 15, 1559 with Don Tristán de Luna's expedition. Two Franciscan friars settled among the Apalachee, Mission San Luis de Talimali was established near Tallahassee, and Spanish Pensacola was refounded in 1698 with Father Pedro Vélez and St. Michael Parish — now a basilica and the oldest continuously operating parish in the Province of Miami. Civilly the region was organized as Escambia County in 1821 and the Catholic population grew steadily through the lumber-boom era of the early 20th century. Ecclesiastically, the western counties belonged to the Diocese of Mobile from 1870, while the eastern ones fell under St. Augustine; both banks were reunited under St. Augustine in 1968 before Pope Paul VI carved out the new Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee on November 6, 1975.
- 1528 — Pánfilo de Narváez expedition crosses Taylor, Jefferson and Wakulla counties
- 1539–40 — Hernando de Soto winters near Anhaica in modern Tallahassee
- 1559 — First verified Mass in Pensacola Bay, August 15, with Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano
- 1600s — Two Franciscan friars settle among the Apalachee; Mission San Luis de Talimali founded
- 1698 — Spain captures Pensacola; Father Pedro Vélez founds St. Michael Parish (now a basilica)
- 1870 — Diocese of St. Augustine erected; west of Apalachicola remains part of Mobile
- 1968 — Miami raised to Archdiocese; Province of Miami created; western counties move to St. Augustine
- November 6, 1975 — Pope Paul VI erects the Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Pensacola)
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1212 E. Moreno Street in Pensacola's East Hill neighborhood, is the mother church of the diocese and the bishop's pastoral home. Bishop Edward Allen of Mobile appointed Father Fullerton of St. Michael's in 1905 to supervise construction; a hurricane damaged the unfinished church in 1906, but it was rebuilt and dedicated in April 1907 when the parish had only 25 families. The present Modern Romanesque brick building was dedicated by Archbishop Thomas Toolen on May 18, 1967, and on November 6, 1975 it was named the cathedral of the new diocese. Sacred Heart Cathedral School, founded in 1907 as Sacred Heart Academy (staffed successively by the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Benedictine Sisters, and Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan), continues today alongside the cathedral and includes the Morning Star Program for students with special learning needs, begun in 1990.
- Weekend Mass: Saturday Vigil 4:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am
- Weekday Mass: Monday–Friday 6:30 am; Saturday 8:00 am
- Confessions: Saturdays 2:30 pm and by appointment
- Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesdays 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
- Sunday Vespers: 5:30 pm
- Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 am–4:00 pm
- Phone: (850) 438-3131; [email protected]
Co-Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Tallahassee)
The Co-Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, located near the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, shares cathedral dignity with Sacred Heart and reflects the diocese's 'dual see' structure. It was dedicated by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of St. Augustine in September 1967, and on November 6, 1975 was named co-cathedral of the new diocese. St. Thomas More — patron of lawyers, statesmen and scholars — is a fitting patron for the church closest to the state capital and FSU. The co-cathedral is the heart of Catholic life in the Tallahassee deanery and is supported by the St. Brendan Center for Evangelization & Spirituality and the Seminarians & Vocations office located nearby at 900 W. Tennessee Street.
- Named co-cathedral November 6, 1975
- Dedicated September 1967 by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of St. Augustine
- Located adjacent to Florida State University campus
- St. Thomas More is a secondary patron of the diocese
Bishops of Pensacola–Tallahassee
The diocese has been served by six bishops since 1975. Bishop René H. Gracida (1975–1983) was followed by J. Keith Symons (1983–1990), John M. Smith (1991–1995), John H. Ricard, SSJ (1997–2011), Gregory L. Parkes (2012–2016), and the current ordinary, William A. Wack, CSC (2017–present). Three sede vacante periods were covered by administrators — Msgr. James Gallagher in 1983 and Msgr. James Amos in 1990–91 and 1996–97 — and Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami served as apostolic administrator from March 2011 until Bishop Parkes's installation in 2012. Bishop Symons later resigned as Bishop of Palm Beach in 1998 after admitting to sexual abuse; Bishop Ricard retired in 2011 due to ill health. Bishop Wack is a Holy Cross priest, ordained in 1994 and installed August 22, 2017 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
- René H. Gracida (1975–1983)
- J. Keith Symons (1983–1990)
- John M. Smith (1991–1995)
- John H. Ricard, SSJ (1997–2011)
- Gregory L. Parkes (2012–2016)
- William A. Wack, CSC (2017–present)
Current Bishop: William A. Wack, CSC
Bishop William A. Wack, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross (CSC), was ordained to the priesthood on April 9, 1994 and named the sixth bishop of Pensacola–Tallahassee by Pope Francis on May 29, 2017. He was ordained and installed at the Pensacola Bay Center on August 22, 2017 with Archbishop Thomas Wenski as principal consecrator and Bishops Joe S. Vásquez (Austin) and Daniel R. Jenky, CSC (Peoria) as co-consecrators. A South Bend, Indiana native and second-youngest of ten children, Wack graduated from the University of Notre Dame, took first vows with Holy Cross in 1990, earned his M.Div. in 1993, and served as associate pastor in Colorado Springs, then at Notre Dame in vocations and campus ministry, then as Director of André House in Phoenix serving the homeless, and most recently as pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Austin. His episcopal motto is 'Come. Follow me.'
- Born June 28, 1967, South Bend, Indiana
- Holy Cross priest; M.Div. University of Notre Dame, 1993
- Ordained to priesthood April 9, 1994
- Installed sixth bishop August 22, 2017 at the Pensacola Bay Center
- Episcopal motto: 'Come. Follow me.'
Pastoral Center & Diocesan Governance
The Msgr. James Amos Pastoral Center in Pensacola, at 11 North B Street, houses the diocesan curia (chancery) and most administrative offices. It is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Central Time. The diocese also maintains offices at 900 W. Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, including Seminarians & Vocations and Catholic Campus Ministry for FSU, FAMU and TCC. Diocesan governance is led by the bishop (Most Rev. William A. Wack, CSC), with a Vicar General (Very Rev. Doug Halsema, VG), a Chancellor (Rev. Msgr. Michael V. Reed, JCL), Chief Operating Officer Deacon David Ell, Chief Financial Officer David Kimbell, Chief of Evangelization & Mission Engagement Dr. Tom Neal, and a Chief Technology Officer / CISO Chuck Robinson.
- Pastoral Center: 11 North B Street, Pensacola, FL 32502-4601
- Phone: (850) 435-3500; Fax: (850) 436-6424
- Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT
- Bishop's Office: (850) 435-3520; [email protected]
- Chancellor: Rev. Msgr. Michael V. Reed, JCL — [email protected]
- Vicar General: Very Rev. Doug Halsema, VG — (850) 435-3503
- COO: Deacon David Ell; CFO: David Kimbell; CTO/CISO: Chuck Robinson
Offices, Ministries & Departments
The diocese runs a wide network of pastoral and administrative offices under the direction of the Chief of Evangelization & Mission Engagement. Major departments include Faith Formation, Marriage & Family Life, Hispanic Ministry, Black Catholics, Young Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry, Catholic Campus Ministry, Lay Formation Institute, Diaconate Formation, Seminarians & Vocations, Sacraments & Worship, the Tribunal, Catholic Charities, Advocacy & Justice, Catholic Schools, Stewardship & Development (Catholic Sharing Appeal), Communications & Catholic Compass newspaper, Human Resources, Finance, IT, Safe Environment, and Insurance & Risk Management.
- Faith Formation — (850) 435-3543
- Marriage & Family Life — (850) 435-3553
- Hispanic Ministry — (850) 264-6752
- Black Catholics — (850) 485-1950
- Young Adult Ministry / Youth Ministry — (850) 435-3513
- Catholic Campus Ministry (FSU/FAMU/TCC) — (850) 222-9630
- Lay Formation Institute — (850) 435-3523
- Diaconate Formation — (850) 435-3550
- Vocations (Seminarians) — (850) 222-9630
- Sacraments & Worship — (850) 435-3556
- Tribunal — (850) 435-3549
- Advocacy & Justice — (850) 435-3532
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, Inc. is the social-services arm of the diocese, headquartered at 1120 E. Avery Street, Pensacola, FL 32503 (ccnwfl.org). Under President/Executive Director Matthew Knee, the agency provides assistance, immigration services, and operates Trinity House — a transitional housing program for the homeless managed by Deacon Raymond Aguado. Its director of fund development is Bambi Provost; finance director Heather Skitt.
- Address: 1120 E. Avery Street, Pensacola, FL 32503
- Phone: (850) 435-3516
- Website: ccnwfl.org
- Services: Assistance, Immigration, Trinity House (homeless services)
Catholic Schools
The Office for Catholic Schools, under Superintendent Mike Juhas, oversees ten schools and four early learning centers across Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay and Leon counties. The diocese operates eight elementary schools, two regular high schools (including St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee), and the unique Mother Clelia Morning Star High School in Pensacola for students with exceptionalities. The Morning Star Program, founded in 1990 at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, has expanded to additional elementary sites and to the high school level, providing modified curriculum, life-skills training, and inclusion support. All elementary schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference; high schools are accredited by AdvancED.
- St. John Paul II Catholic High School (Tallahassee)
- Mother Clelia Morning Star High School (Pensacola, special education)
- Eight elementary schools (Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay, Leon counties)
- Morning Star Program — founded 1990 at Sacred Heart Cathedral School
- Catholic Youth Sports League (Tony Howard, Director)
- Schools participate in Florida school choice programs
St. Brendan Center for Evangelization & Spirituality
The St. Brendan Center for Evangelization & Spirituality, located at the diocesan offices, supports adult faith formation, retreats, spiritual direction, and missionary discipleship initiatives throughout the diocese — part of Bishop Wack's broader emphasis on forming missionary disciples in Northwest Florida.
- Office: (850) 435-3501
- Coordinates retreats, adult formation, and spirituality events
- Aligned with the diocese's evangelization mission under Dr. Tom Neal
Clergy & Vocations
The diocese is served by approximately 60 active diocesan priests, 3 diocesan priests active outside the diocese, 26 retired priests, and 10 religious-order priests. Sixty-one permanent deacons (including externs) minister across parishes, and 19 seminarians are currently in formation. Religious sisters number 14 in active ministry in the diocese, and the diocese has one diocesan hermit. Vocations are coordinated by Very Rev. Timothy Holeda, Director of Seminarians & Vocations, at 900 W. Tennessee Street, Tallahassee (850-222-9630).
- 60 active diocesan priests
- 26 retired priests
- 10 religious priests serving in the diocese
- 61 permanent deacons
- 19 seminarians in formation
- 14 religious sisters; 1 diocesan hermit
Province of Miami
The Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee is a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Miami in the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami, whose metropolitan archbishop is Thomas G. Wenski. The province was established in 1968 when the Diocese of Miami was raised to an archdiocese and encompasses the Catholic dioceses of the State of Florida.
- Ecclesiastical Province of Miami — established 1968
- Metropolitan Archbishop: Thomas G. Wenski
- Covers all Florida dioceses
Communications & Catholic Compass
The Office of Communications, under Director Chez Filippini, publishes the diocesan newspaper Catholic Compass and manages media, social media, and internal communications. Communications Specialist Derek Diamond assists with content production. The Compass serves as the principal print and digital communication vehicle of the diocese.
