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The Diocese of Florida recognizes the valuable perspectives of our youth, and we are glad to share that Lee Miniea has joined the Diocesan Council as its first youth member. 

Lee Miniea is an 11th grade student at Fernandina Beach High School. He attends church at St. Peter's in Fernandina Beach, where he serves as both an acolyte and as a member of the youth leadership team. Lee previously served as a youth delegate for the 181st Diocesan Convention, where he spoke on youth involvement in the Diocese and at Camp Weed. He has been an active member of the Happening and New Beginnings community since eighth grade, most recently serving on the core team for New Beginnings #13 in addition to being a member of the Happening Steering Committee. Additionally, Lee has been involved with Camp Weed since elementary school and worked as the summer camp intern in 2025. In his free time, Lee enjoys weightlifting, reading, and watching football with his parents.

Lee's term runs through September 2026 until his successor is elected at the 2026 diocesan convention. Thank you, Lee, for your service and contributions to the diocese!

The Rev. Dr. Richard Gonzales Becomes the New Rector at St. Cyprian's, St. Augustine

A new chapter begins at St. Cyprian's, St. Augustine as The Rev. Dr. Richard Gonzales becomes the new rector. Fr. Richard recently served as the rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud, Florida. Before being ordained into the Episcopal priesthood in 2019, Fr. Richard was a practicing pediatrician for over 30 years.

We welcome Fr. Richard, his wife, Esther, and their two children to the Diocese of Florida!

The Rev. Sarah Minton is Called to be the Rector at St. Peter's, Fernandina Beach

The Vestry at St. Peter's, Fernandina Beach has called The Rev. Sarah Minton to be the next rector. Mtr. Sarah is currently the rector of St. Mary's, Green Cove Springs and previously served as president of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Florida from September 2024 through September 2025. Mtr. Sarah will begin her ministry at St. Peter's on February 10.

We share our gratitude with St. Peter's for Fr. Doug Hodsdon who served the church during the interim period.

Christ Church Among the Oaks Welcomes The Rev. Keith Oglesby as the New Priest

The Rev. Keith Oglesby brings a heart for ministry and service with him to Christ Church Among the Oaks. Throughout his many years serving churches in Florida and Georgia, he has helped congregations grow in faith while staying deeply engaged in community outreach. Before entering the priesthood, he spent 24 years in the corporate world.

Fr. Keith and his wife, Lynn, look forward to church’s strong tradition of loving service. Fr. Keith will begin his service at Christ Church Among the Oaks on February 1.

Please join us at St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee on February 7 at 11:00 a.m. for the ordination of Jason Flack and Melanine Salsgiver to the diaconate.

No R.S.V.P. is required.

Joyce Patricia Patterson

Joyce Patricia Patterson passed away on December 21, 2025. Patricia was the long-time organist and music director at Christ Episcopal, Monticello, where she served for more than 65 years.

Karen Byer, Senior Warden, provided the following quote regarding Patricia's ministry: “Particia first joined Christ Church as a temporary organist while still in high school, and she lovingly served in that role for 65 years. Her music graced countless baptisms, Christmas and Easter services, and weddings—far more than I could ever begin to count. She was loved by all and is dearly missed.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 425 N. Cherry Street, Monticello.

Read Patricia's obituary here.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry will join Holy Trinity, Gainesville on February 20-22 for the Ring Lecture Series 2026. Bishop Curry was the 27th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. He was elected in 2015 to a nine-year term as presiding bishop. The animating vision and message of his ministry is Jesus of Nazareth and his model of sacrificial love.

Bishop Curry will lecture on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. (with a reception to follow) as well as on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Additionally, Bishop Curry will preach at Holy Trinity's 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, February 22.

This lecture series is sponsored by Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Foundation. We invite and encourage you to join this wonderful event.

St. Mary's and St. Mark's Episcopal Churches in Palatka invite you to celebrate the feast day of Absalom Jones on Saturday, February 14. In 1794, Absalom Jones organized the first Black Episcopal Church in America, and in 1802, he was ordained as the first African American Episcopal priest in the United States.

The Venerable Marsha Holmes, regional Interim Archdeacon in the Diocese of Florida, will be the featured speaker of the service held at St. Mary's on February 14 at 11:00 a.m., and a community luncheon will follow at St. Mark's.

The Cuba Committee invites you to join them on February 7 at Trinity Parish, St. Augustine for their first meeting of the year!

The committee will be discussing the issues facing the Church in Cuba and the changes that have been made recently. Our diocese has an important partnership with the Episcopal Church of Cuba, and we gladly offer them our support and prayers.

Covered dish luncheon to follow. Reach out to Julia Sullivan with any questions.

Happening #155

High school students from throughout the diocese gathered at Camp Weed for Happening #155 on January 23-25! We had an incredible weekend filled with learning and fellowship focused on the theme "Testify." At Happening, the students strengthened their love for God, for one another, and for the church—and they had lots of fun along the way!

Thank you to Thomas Gibbes for serving as the Happening #155 rector, Liz Collins for serving as the Lay Director, and Fr. Christopher Dell for serving as the Spiritual Director. We also want to thank our Happening Steering Committee, team members, and other leaders from the diocese who came together to make this weekend a success.

Co-Ed Cursillo #148

Co-Ed Cursillo #148 will be held at Camp Weed on February 26 through March 1. Cursillo is a three-day learning, sharing, inspirational experience of living in a Christian community. The objective of the Cursillo movement is to make Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes, work situations, and other places where people live the greater part of their lives. 

Register now at the link below!

Bishop Stokes Visits the Chapel of the Incarnation

Bishop Stokes visited The Chapel of the Incarnation on January 25, where he confirmed four undergraduate students, three graduate students, and one faculty member. We are blessed to have a wonderful campus ministry at the University of Florida that is bearing fruit!

2026 Youth Confirmation Retreat

Our youth had a wonderful time at the Youth Confirmation Retreat, hosted at Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach. Witnessing our confirmands, youth leaders, and high school assistants come together to learn about their faith and build connections was truly inspiring.

Thank you to the host churches and leaders who organized the Confirmation Retreat. We appreciate your prayers for our youth and new confirmands as they progress in their spiritual journey.

Grand Opening of the Market at St. Mary's

Many volunteers and leaders contributed their time and talents to help revamp the Market at St. Mary's at St. Mary's Episcopal Church and Outreach Ministry. While the Market had a soft opening in time for Christmas, many gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening and Volunteer Celebration on January 21.

This best-in-class, market-style food pantry serves nearly 500 households each month, allowing neighbors to shop for dry and canned goods, fresh bread, meat, and produce free of charge.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Mtr. Catherine Montgomery or visit St. Mary's website.

Trinity Parish, St. Augustine Women Enjoy the R.E.A.L. Outdoors!

Women of Trinity Parish, St. Augustine ventured to Anastasia Island State Park for the R.E.A.L. Women Campout. From Friday evening fellowship to a brave group who camped out in the chilly weather, it was a weekend filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful moments together.

St. James, Lake City Youth Fellowship with Arts and Crafts

The Youth Group at St. James, Lake City worked together to create a giant scripture chain! What a fun activity that unites scripture and joy—and a great idea for our season of cold weather!

St. John's, Tallahassee Puts on an Epiphany Pageant

The only thing that can make Epiphany better is a childlike faith! The young members of St. John's, Tallahassee put on a wonderful Epiphany pageant early in the month. Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, the angel Gabriella, King Herod, the Magi, the shepherds, the narrator—and even the sheep and donkey—beautifully brought the Christmas story to life.

February 7: Deacon Ordinations at St. John's, Tallahassee

February 21: A Lenten Quiet Day: Instruction, Meditation, Reflection, and Prayer

February 28: The Order of the Daughters of the King Spring Assembly

February 28: Cuba Committee Meeting

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