If you're having trouble viewing the full newsletter below, please visit our Diocesan Digest newsletter archives on the website to read it in its entirety. | | Parishes Welcome New Rectors | | | |
Christ Church, Monticello Calls The Reverend Eva Bolton to be Rector
We rejoice with Christ Church, Monticello as The Reverend Eva Bolton accepted the call to be the new rector.
Please join us in praying for Mtr. Eva and Christ Church, Monticello during this exciting time of transition.
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St. Mary's, Green Cove Springs Calls The Reverend Teri Calinao to be Rector
The Reverend Teri Calinao accepted the call to serve as the rector at St. Mary's, Green Cove Springs, where she has joyfully ministered and led for the past two years.
Please join us in offering prayers for Mtr. Teri and as she brings St. Mary's into its next chapter.
| | A Fresh Look for the Diocesan Office | | | |
Our Diocesan Office recently completed a mold remediation project that has resulted in more than just a healthier work environment; it has given our office a fresh new look.
Following the remediation, we installed new flooring throughout the office, creating a clean, welcoming space for staff, clergy, and visitors. We are especially grateful to All Dry Services for their outstanding work. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to doing the job right made the entire process as smooth as possible.
We welcome everyone into our refreshed office space!
| | Licensed Lay Worship Leader Course | | | |
The Bishop's Institute for Ministry & Leadership is holding a six-month course to prepare laypersons for the Bishop's License for Licensed Lay Worship Leader. A Licensed Lay Worship Leader is a layperson that regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation.
Modules for the Bishop's License include the following subjects: Holy Scriptures, the Lectionary, the Book of Common Prayer, the Psalter and the Hymnal, Church History, the Creeds and Catechism—together with practicums in planning and leading worship.
The foundation course will take place on six Saturdays during September 2026 through February 2027. The cost per student is $150; limited scholarships are available. If you are interested in learning more or applying for the course, please click the links below.
| | All Saints, Jacksonville's Choir Prepares for Residency in England | | | |
The choir at All Saints, Jacksonville—with guests from Good Shepherd, Jacksonville and St. John's Cathedral—will have a week-long residency at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in England.
James Holyer (St. Mark's, Jacksonville) is the organist, and Michael Mastronicola leads the ensemble. 36 travelers will participate in this historic event!
All Saints invites everyone to join for the final Evensong on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m.
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The Cuba Committee of the Diocese of Florida prepared travel guidelines to be used by any parish planning a visit to Cuba. The document includes recommended guidelines, discernment questions, and a pre-departure checklist.
We hope this reference document is helpful to any groups coordinating trips to our companion parishes in Cuba.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Cuba Committee Chair, Julie Sullivan, or to the Office of the President of the Standing Committee.
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The Cycle of Prayer allows churches and individuals to pray for each church in the diocese. Each week of the year, this cycle lifts up a group of parishes in our diocese. This ensures that every congregation in the region is supported in prayer over the course of the year.
The Cycle of Prayer has been updated on the diocesan website for dates in the second half of 2026. We invite you to incorporate this cycle into your parish intercessions and personal devotions.
| | Camp Weed Releases the Executive Director Profile | | With the recent launch of the Executive Director profile, Camp Weed is excited to progress the search for a new Executive Director. We appreciate your faithful prayers and continued support of Camp Weed. We also encourage you to share the profile and job description with anyone who may be interested in the role. | | We have over 700 registrations so far for Summer 2026, but don't worry, there's still time to join in on all the fun! There are still a few spots left in Middler Session 2 (rising 6th & 7th graders) as well as both Kid Camp 1 & 2 (rising 3rd-5th graders). You can register directly by clicking here or visit campweed.org for more information. Reach out to director at sam@campweed.org if you need assistance or have any questions! | |
Our dedicated summer camp staff members are college-aged, along with a few exceptional high school students, who give up their summers to invest in the lives of our campers— working tirelessly to ensure each summer is magical for every child. It's an intense job that requires lots of patience and adaptability, and we couldn't be more proud of them!
As we approach the middle of another incredible season, we are thinking about how to thank our camp staff, and we seek your support to honor these amazing staff members with a special end-of-summer gift and celebration. Your generosity will help us show our appreciation for their hard work and commitment, ensuring that Camp Weed continues to thrive for many more years to come. Click here to donate to that fund now!
| | Our Staff are ServSafe Certified! | | |
The Camp Weed food service staff recently completed their ServSafe certifications. ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training program developed by the National Restaurant Association. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our team, and we look forward to serving delicious food to our campers and guests!
| Happening #158 Rector Applications | High School seniors (2026-2027 school year) that have worked at least 2 teams are invited to consider applying to serve as Rector in January of 2027 (proposed weekend date is January 29-31, 2027). This position demands a large time commitment, so please consider your schedule and availability before applying. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Liz Collins at happeninglizc@gmail.com. Applications are due Sunday, July 19, 2026 by 11:59 pm. Click here to view the applications. | | Recent Bishop Visitations | | | |
Bishop Stokes Visits St. Patrick's, Saint Johns
On June 7, Bishop Stokes joined St. Patricks for a beautiful service, where several members were confirmed and received.
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Bishop Stokes Visits St. Peter's, Fernandina Beach
St. Peter's welcomed a new member into Christ's Church through the waters of baptism and stood alongside those who publicly reaffirmed their faith and commitment to Jesus.
We are reminded that faith is never lived alone, we make these promises together as a community, responding each time: "We will, with God's help."
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Bishop Stokes Visits St. Andrew's, Jacksonville
St. Andrew's was pleased to have Bishop Stokes visit on June 28 to baptize, confirm, and receive 9 members of the parish. What a great day for the Church!
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The Ministry for Racial Healing, Reconciliation, and Justice Retreat
Members of the Ministry for Racial Healing, Reconciliation, and Justice had a retreat at St. Philip's, Jacksonville. We are thankful for their important work and dedicated service to our diocese!
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Apalachee Region E.P.I.C. Gathering
The Santa Fe Region recently gathered for another encouraging E.P.I.C. meeting at Holy Trinity in Gainesville on Thursday, June 11, and we are grateful for the warm hospitality and strong spirit of fellowship that was shared. Diocesan staff, parish office staff, clergy, vestry members, and volunteers from across the region came together to support one another in the shared work of ministry and administration.
A special thanks to the Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera for offering a compassionate and uplifting spiritual presence during the gathering. We are also pleased to welcome Jen Duncan of St. James, Lake City as the new Santa Fe Region Representative for E.P.I.C.
These regional E.P.I.C. gatherings continue to remind us that every parish enters the conversation from a different place, with different staff structures, resources, and challenges, yet we are united in our commitment to serve Christ and our communities faithfully. We look forward to continuing these meaningful connections at future meetings across the Diocese!
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Province IV ECW Retreat
Women from around the Southeast United States gathered at Camp Weed for the Province IV ECW retreat. It was an uplifting time of connection, learning, and dancing! Participants left refreshed, encouraged, and grateful for the friendships and faith we share. We hope everyone enjoyed their time in the Diocese of Florida and at beautiful Camp Weed.
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The Very Reverend Kate Moorehead Carroll Speaks at the Cathedral Arts Project Event
The Cathedral Arts Project, a nonprofit founded by a group from St. John's Cathedral in 1993, held a wonderful Teacher Luncheon in Jacksonville. Dean Kate Moorehead Carroll was one of the featured speakers and spoke to the enormous impact teachers have on their students' lives and futures.
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Grace Mission Holds Event for Voter Registration
At Grace Mission's 3rd Thursday event in June, the ministry fed around 150 people and gave away clothing to 122 neighbors. The League of Women Voters manned a table to educate attendees on the candidates and issues for the Primary Election, and Leon County Supervisor of Elections, Mark Earley, spoke at the event about voter education and registration. We are grateful for the many wonderful volunteers who made this event a success!
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We are now accepting nominations and resolutions for the 183rd Annual Convention, which will take place September 11-12, 2026.
Visit the diocesan website to submit a nomination or resolution and to view more convention-related updates.
Due Dates:
- Resolutions - Friday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m. ET
- Nominations - Friday, July 24 at 5:00 p.m. ET
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Youth Delegate Applications
Do you have ideas to share? A passion for the Church? A desire to help shape the future of the Diocese of Florida?
We're seeking enthusiastic youth to serve as Youth Delegates at the 183rd Annual Convention! This year’s theme, “Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing,” invites us to look toward the future with faith, hope, and imagination.
Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors and will have seat and voice. Your ideas matter. Your leadership matters. Your voice matters. Come do a new thing with us!
| | Bishop Transition Committee Corner | | | | | |
Stay in the Loop, Stay in the Light
Important information regarding the bishop election will be released in the coming weeks, and the Bishop Transition Committee asks you to follow along and engage with the process!
Stay in the Loop:
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Bishop Election Process 101
The Bishop Transition Committee is answering common questions about the bishop election process. Follow the diocesan social media pages and visit DioceseFL.org/Bishop-Election to keep up with this educational series!
| | | The Bishop's Institute: Volume 88 | | | |
In the June issue of The Bishop's Institute newsletter, The Rev. Cn. Dr. Douglas Dupree interviews Gail Larson, a resident lay preacher at Penney Retirement Center and Education for Ministry Mentor.
Read the interview in the newsletter linked below. Subscribe to receive book recommendations, spiritual formations, and more each month!
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July 4: Diocesan Office Closed in Honor of Independence Day
July 12: Installation of The Rev. Cn. Phil Prescott & The Rev. Karen Voyles
July 26: Bp. Stokes visits St. James
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