St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Church

“St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church is a truly beautiful and welcoming parish. From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of peace and reverence that immediately sets the tone. The church itself is stunning — thoughtfully designed, well-kept, and filled with a warmth that makes you want to stay and pray a little longer. The liturgy is reverent and meaningful, and the homilies are engaging and grounded in real life. You can tell there’s a strong, faith-filled community here. What stood out most was how welcoming everyone was. Whether you’re visiting or looking for a parish to call home, it feels like a place where you’re genuinely invited in. If you’re in St. Petersburg and looking for a place to attend Mass or just spend some quiet time in prayer, this parish is absolutely worth visiting.”

— Thomas Wittkopf

“I just relocated to st Pete and have called local churches to see where they stand on recent political issues and to discern how local churches understand the Gospel’s call to justice in light of current events, especially regarding immigrants and the use of Christianity in public life. This church was my first call and I had spoken to a priest whom stated I needed to go to confession after being away from the church for some time—I agree—yet, he stated that they do not speak about current political events and injustices happening in our communities and country due to parishioners conflicting stances on injustice. He talked about their teaching of the gospel itself and said they offer broad prayers for the world, but never stated that they speak about current events and injustices that our communities and world faces. This was largely my reason for leaving the catholic church years ago and he solidified my decision to not return. Jesus never teaches in abstraction. He applies the Gospel directly to the lived suffering of people in front of Him—the poor, the stranger, the condemned. If the Gospel is not applied to the suffering caused by current policies and rhetoric, how is it being taught fully? Unity without justice is not Christian unity. Jesus Himself says He came not to bring peace, but division, when truth is at stake. If the Church avoids moral clarity because some parishioners are uncomfortable, whose comfort is being protected—the powerful or the vulnerable? Jesus was executed not because He is violent, but because He refuses neutrality in the face of oppression. He disrupts, names, and confronts unjust systems. After calling another local church, I spoke to a kind woman who told me about their congregation and its fight to “help the least of these.” She spoke about their engagement in the community, and love for our neighbor. It is imperative for my faith that I find a church that stands up for the marginalized as we have been called to do. As one who was born and raised catholic, I fear that this was my final attempt to reconcile and return to the religion. The decision to remain silent in the wake of injustice contradicts the very teachings of Christ. I look forward to my endeavors with nondenominational Christian churches in the area who have chosen to stand for the oppressed and embody the principle teachings of Christ. I hope the archdiocese of St Petersburg and other Catholic Churches practice His word.”

— Austin Blankman

“Church is architecturally gorgeous! The choir was beautiful! Very traditional looking Catholic church, however, they do NOT kneel for the consecration, which I was very saddened and surprised about. Oh, and plus.....they clap. :(”

— Shelley Volker