In the event of the death of Pope John Paul II, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has planned a series of liturgical worship services and memorial Masses for those in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
On the day of the pope's death, if the announcement occurs before 10 a.m., Bishop Robert Lynch will celebrate Mass at 7:30 p.m. at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.
If the announcement comes at or after 10 a.m., the bishop will celebrate the Mass the day after the announcement.
Lynch is in Southeast Asia. If he is still out of town when the pope dies, Masses will be celebrated in individual parishes.
The evening before the pope's funeral in Rome, Lynch will celebrate Evening Prayer for the Dead from the Liturgy of the Hours at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude, 5815 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg.
On the day of the pope's funeral, Lynch will lead a memorial Mass at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Jude. Both services will be broadcast live on Spirit FM 90.5 and 88.3.
Churches will be open for prayer before the pope's funeral. The official period of mourning is nine days.
Catholics will find traditional bunting made of violet or a combination of violet and white - the liturgical colors for a funeral - draped over the sanctuary entrance at their churches.
