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. | | Listening Sessions for Clergy and Laity | | | |
In case you missed it: The Standing Committee invites the diocese to gather again as we continue our journey of living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One year ago, listening sessions supported our healing, growth and reconciliation. This year, we will deepen our life together as we listen to one another, have a time of discussion about the Title IV charges relating to Bishop Howard (a presenter knowledgeable about those charges will be present at each session), and as we continue to work and move towards the election of our next bishop.
There will be three listening sessions offered across the Apalachee, River, Santa Fe, First Coast East and First Coast West Regions. Each session’s agenda will be the same. Therefore, feel free to come to a session outside of your parish’s region if the date is more convenient for you.
Session 1: Apalachee Region, April 4 - 5 at St. John’s, Tallahassee
Friday, April 4 - Clergy: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 - Laity: 12 - 5 p.m.
Session 2: River and Santa Fe Regions, May 17 - 19 at Holy Trinity, Gainesville
Saturday, May 17 - Laity: 12 - 5 p.m.
Monday, May 19 - Clergy: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Session 3: First Coast East and First Coast West Regions, June 6 - 7 at St. John Cathedral, Jacksonville
Friday, June 6 - Clergy: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 7 - Laity: 12 - 5 p.m.
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves will lead the sessions, joined by representatives from the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council.
Come, listen, and be heard.
You may read the full communication by clicking the button below.
To register and access all upcoming listening sessions and more information, please visit our Convocation/Listening Sessions webpage.
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Spring Clergy Conference
The annual Spring Clergy Retreat took place at Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center Thursday, March 6th – Friday, March 7th at the start of Lent.
Bishop Scott Benhase, Assisting Bishop in the Diocese led the retreat whose theme was ‘Parish Leadership and the Benedictine Promise’. The Benedictine tradition in the Church grounds itself in three promises--- the promises of stability, obedience, and conversion of life. The three sessions Bishop Benhase led were aimed towards helping us see such a promise as a commitment to a way of life but as also "a lens into the corporate life and dynamics of the parish church."
As Bishop Benhase shared from his experience over many years as both a rector of several parishes and as a consultant to other parishes: “Healthy parishes have rich, stable lives of worship and prayer, where there is deep listening (obedience) to God and one another, and there is an openness in people’s hearts and minds to the new thing God is doing (conversion) in their common life.”
In addition to the opportunities of learning and reflection in the three sessions offered by Bishop Benhase, the clergy had time for fellowship with one another and quiet time.
At lunchtime, the gathering also enjoyed celebrating the birthday of the Rev. Canon Mark Anderson with a cake provided by Dean Kate Moorehead Carroll. The Camp Weed staff, as always, were excellent hosts to the gathering.
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The Grand Ultreya at Cursillo
Kris Munroe, Lay Director of Cursillo, shared the lovely write-up below.
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The five regions of the Diocese of Florida were beautifully represented at the Grand Ultreya on March 21st and 22nd.
From the moment we arrived, the air was filled with the joy of reunion—the familiar embrace of Cursillista hugs, the sound of laughter, and the shared anticipation of what God had in store for us. Gathering at Camp Weed, we came together not just to reflect on what Cursillo has meant to us individually, but to celebrate the movement as a community. It was a time to renew, to revive, and to rekindle the fire of God’s love across our diocese.
After dinner on Friday, we reconnected with each other—and with Cursillo itself—through a few rounds of "Cursillo Bingo," a lighthearted and engaging way to break the ice. The evening closed in the best way possible: with a meditation on the Prodigal Son, Compline, and, of course, music. Ladd Harris and an amazing team of musicians led us in song, lifting our spirits as we entered into this sacred time together.
Saturday’s schedule was rich with opportunities for both worship and learning. We began the day with breakfast and then gathered for a powerful Eucharist, where the Right Reverend Chip Stokes served as celebrant and homilist. He shared the story of his own Cursillo experience and how it continues to shape his Fourth Day. His words reminded us that this movement is not just an event—it is a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship, reminding us that, "our citizenship is in heaven."
The morning workshops equipped our community with the tools to continue this journey. Whether through fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, or a deepened sense of calling, participants left these sessions with a greater understanding of how to live out their Fourth Day with intention. And after lunch… well, let’s just say that the entertainment provided plenty of laughter and a few moments best left as cherished Camp Weed memories!
But Cursillo did not begin with us. We stand on the foundation of those who came before us—those who said "yes" to this movement and worked tirelessly to bring it to life in our diocese. We honor the legacy of Emmy Cerveny, who was present at Cursillo #1 in the Diocese of Florida, and all those who have carried the banner of Cursillo forward.
Now, as we return home, the question before us is simple, yet profound: What will we do with what we have experienced here? The Grand Ultreya was not just about looking back—it was about preparing our hearts for what comes next. Our hope is that we embrace our Fourth Day fully, with the confidence that God is still working within us, calling us onward and upward.
Ultreya! Ultreya!
T-shirts are still available for purchase! If you're interested, please reach out to cursillo@diocesefl.org.
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Recent Appointments by the
Standing Committee
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The Rev. Dn. Beth Ranoull has recently been appointed by the Standing Committee to serve as a member of the Board of Episcopal Children’s Services.
She will succeed The Rev. Wiley Ammons. We wish Deacon Beth well and believe that her experience, faith, and leadership are ideal and well-suited for her diaconal ministry.
We are grateful for her willingness to share her time and talents; she will be invaluable to further the important work of Episcopal Children’s Services!
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Dr. Lucinda Mosher was recently appointed as Chair of the Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Commission by the Standing Committee.
Dr. Mosher has a passion for fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities.
Her leadership in this role will help ensure that we remain committed to dialogue, shared understanding, and the promotion of harmony in our world!
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Welcome to Cuba's New Bishop-Elect:
Padre Ángel Roberto Rivera Rodriguez!
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Padre Ángel Roberto Rivera Rodriquez of The Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico was elected on the morning of Friday, February 28, 2025, on the first round of voting, to become the new Diocesan Bishop of Cuba.
Assuming successful processing and TEC consents, Father Ángel Roberto will fill the episcopacy position of The Rt. Rev. Griselda Delgado del Carpio, who stepped down from that office in 2023. Cuba’s Interim Bishop over the past two years, Bishop Rafael Morales, also of Puerto Rico, will continue guiding la Iglesia Episcopal en Cuba in collaboration with Bishop-Elect Rivera until the Consecration and Installation of the new bishop takes place at the Cathedral Santisima Trinidad in Havana sometime in the early fall of 2025.
May God’s abundant blessings shine down upon the Episcopal Church in Cuba as it transitions with the Tenth Bishop of Cuba on its journey with God.
Bishop Rafael Morales introduced Bishop Elect Rivera to the election delegates and guests at the Cathedral in Havana on February 28, 2025. Photo courtesy of Elvia Preciado.
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Camp Weed Sunday on May 4 and
Day of Giving on May 7
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Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center invites you and your congregations to join in celebrating the inaugural Camp Weed Sunday on May 4. Camp Weed Sunday will be followed by the Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center Day of Giving on Wednesday, May 7.
Established by resolution of the 181st Diocesan Convention, Camp Weed Sunday is a time to recognize and support the 100-plus-year ministry of Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center.
For over a century, Camp Weed has been a place of spiritual formation, Christian fellowship, and transformative experiences for people of all ages. Whether through summer camps, retreats, conferences, or diocesan gatherings, Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center has played an integral role in shaping the faith of countless individuals. As we step into our second century of service, we ask for your prayers, participation, and support to ensure this ministry continues to thrive.
To help you and your parish observe Camp Weed Sunday, we have prepared the following resources. All of these can be found on the Camp Weed website here.
- A special collect and suggested music to be included in your liturgy on Camp Weed Sunday.
- Electronic graphics, flyers, and inserts you can share as a bulletin insert, on your bulletin boards, through your newsletter, and on social media.
- A hashtag #CAMPWEEDSUNDAY for use in all social media postings related to Camp Weed Sunday and Day of Giving.
- Opportunities for pop-ups from parishioners who have experienced Camp Weed’s ministry firsthand.
- A special offering invitation to support Camp Weed’s mission, which can be designated for scholarships, infrastructure, or general operations.
We encourage you to invite a representative from Camp Weed to share in your service if possible. Our team is happy to visit, provide materials, or answer any questions to help make this a meaningful celebration for your congregation.
May this Camp Weed Sunday bring renewed awareness and support for this sacred place that continues to shape disciples for Christ!
| | Share Your Events With Us! | | | |
In case you missed it, we recently announced a new way to share your upcoming events for possible inclusion in the Diocesan Digest newsletter, social media, or the calendar of events on the Diocesan website.
You can now submit your events using the new event submission form available on the Diocesan website. To submit, please visit the News & Events or Diocesan Calendar of Events webpage and click the banner on the page that says, "Click here to submit an event."
Please allow up to five business days for a response from our communications team. We appreciate you taking the time to share your event with us. Your events strengthen our diocesan community, and we look forward to supporting them!
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Open House for Alina Martinez: April 3 at 4-6 p.m.
Join us for an open house as we celebrate and bid farewell to Alina Martinez, Diocesan Director of People Services, on Thursday, April 3, at the Diocesan House.
A formal invitation is included below. Kindly RSVP using the button below if you plan to attend.
We look forward to seeing you!
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47th Annual Spring Retreat: April 4-6
The 47th Annual Spring Retreat for Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King, will take place on Friday, April 4 - Sunday, April 6 at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center.
The retreat will feature The Rev. Sarah Minton as the keynote speaker.
Please register by Monday, March 31. For more information and to register, click the buttons below or call 386.364.5250.
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Author Talk & Book Signing for Spires in the Sun: April 6
There will be an event on April 6 at St. George, Jacksonville from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For more information on the event and to purchase the book please click the buttons below.
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Gala Cubana Dinner Dance: May 2
Holy Trinity, Gainesville invites you to a Gala Cubana Dinner in the church's Page Parish Hall, which takes place Friday, May 2 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Dine a la Latino gourmet! Dance live with the fabulous Tropix Band! Chat with Bishop Griselda and other Cuban clergy!
Please open the colorful attached flyer to get in the fiesta mood, read about the happy surprises that await you, and for details on how to order your tickets.
Donate to the Ministry Cause, even if you cannot make it to the Gala … a portion of the proceeds will be designated for the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba to benefit all 51 parishes and missions of the Episcopal Church in Cuba and to boost the new Bishop-Elect into his sede!
| | Recent Bishop Church Visitations | | | |
On March 2, Bishop Benhase visited St. Mark's, Jacksonville for 15 confirmations, 9 receptions, 3 reaffirmations, and 3 baptisms.
Those confirmed are Burke Baker, Gray Chunn, Claire Crum, Jack Dearing, Michael DeVino, Evelyn Dunton, Anna Hammond, Emily Kidd, Eleanor Long, Finley Michal, Kinley Nelson, Hadley Surface, Joseph Baughn, Sidney Baker Elston III, and Jeanine Baughn.
Those received are William Andrews, Lynn Elston III, Emily Glasheen, Charles Holt, Frederick H. Kent III, Ricardo Morales, Scott Peden (for Redeemer, Jacksonville), Brenda Ray, and Sharon Adams.
Those reaffirmed are Deborah Pruitt, Kenneth Ray, and Charles Glasheen.
Those baptized are Parker Blumeyer, Elizabeth Hager, and Nicholas Melton III.
Congratulations to all!
| | On March 2, Bishop Stokes visited Holy Comforter, Crescent City. | | On March 9, Bishop Stokes visited St. Gabriel's in Jacksonville to confirm Tyler Joshua Shillingford. Congratulations to Tyler on this special milestone! | | |
On March 23, Bishop Stokes visited St. Mark's, Starke.
Pictured are Randy Starling (Confirmand), Mark Atkinson, Bishop Stokes, and Dallas Atkinson. Congratulations to Randy!
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A Pilgrimage into History
We are thankful for the Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission for sharing the article below about a pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama.
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In keeping with its mission to discover and share truth about racism in America, and to advocate racial healing and equity, the Facing Racism ministry at Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, sponsored a pilgrimage to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI.org) sites in Montgomery, Alabama. As people of faith, Facing Racism strives to create safe spaces for honest dialogue, abundant grace and generous love.
Over Presidents Day Weekend, 29 pilgrims embarked on a journey with us that was educational but, most importantly, an opportunity to grapple with unsettling American history in the context of our faith.
The group visited EJI’s three legacy sites The Legacy Museum, The Memorial to Peace & Justice and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
While there was much history offered, unlike many museums, EJI’s Legacy Museum is an emotional experience. Located on a site where Black people were forced to labor, this narrative museum uses interactive media, sculpture, videography and exhibits to immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the slave trade, racial terror, the Jim Crow South and the world’s largest prison system.
EJI’s Memorial to Peace & Justice is a sacred space for truth-telling and reflection about racial terror in America. It tells the story of 4,400 documented African American men, women and children who were hanged, burned alive, shot, drowned and beaten to death by white mobs between 1877 and 1950. Victims of racial terror lynching who have been memorialized include victims from Duval, St. Johns and Apalachee Counties, to name a few.
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Lent Series with St. Michael and All Angels and Church of the Advent
St. Michael and All Angels and Church of the Advent are pleased to announce a successful launch of their collaborative six-part Lent Series. The inaugural event was held on Wednesday, March 12th in Tallahassee.
The focus was on viewing Season 1 Episode 1 “I Have Called You by Name” of The Chosen television program.
Generously hosted by the Church of the Advent, the evening brought together 31 participants in an atmosphere of warm fellowship and spiritual reflection.
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St. John's, Tallahassee Pancake Supper
St. John’s had a fantastic turnout for the Pancake Supper on Tuesday evening, with over 150 attendees coming together to enjoy the event. The night was filled with delicious food, lively music, and a wonderful sense of community.
The parish gives big thanks to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly in the kitchen, flipping pancakes, and to the amazing youth team who kept the orders flowing smoothly. The event also featured incredible musical performances by the Lofty Pursuits Marching Band (was that Elvis playing the trombone!?), the Fairview Middle School Jazz Band, and Laurence Creighton, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. It was a night to remember for the St. John’s community!
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Daughters of the King Spring Assembly
On March 16, the Daughters of the King gathered for their Spring Assembly at Trinity Parish in St. Augustine.
The event reflected their heartfelt motto:
“For His Sake, I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?”
They also celebrated members who are 90 years young, honoring their dedication and legacy.
It was a beautiful and joy-filled event!
| | SJMP 2025 Grant Opportunity | | | |
St. James Music Press (SJMP) will award a grant to a church starting or revitalizing a music program. The grant aims to support new choir programs or established music ministries that add a new element by offering resources and professional support.
Elements awarded in the grant include:
- Complimentary one-year membership to St. James Music Press
- $1,000 to support ministry needs
- Quarterly program consultations with SJMP colleagues meant to help recipients maximize their SJMP membership, discuss program challenges, and celebrate/build upon program successes
The deadline to apply is May 30, 2025.
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Happening #153: April 25-27
Hannah Miller (St. Mark’s, Jacksonville) will serve as the rector for Happening #153 alongside her core team; Murphy Bryant (St. Peter’s, Fernandina), Rhys Barrett (St. Francis-in-the-Field, Ponte Vedra), Melissa Bryant (St. Peter’s, Fernandina), and Courtland Eyrick (St. Mark’s, Jacksonville).
The candidate registration deadline is April 7. A team meeting will be held at St. Mark’s Jacksonville April 11-12.
If you have any questions or need assistance registering, contact Youth Programs Director Sam Marxsen at sam@campweed.org or Happening Lay Director Liz Collins at happeninglizc@gmail.com.
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Mother's Day Lunch: Sunday, May 11
It’s not too early to start planning for Mother’s Day, and you can honor the mom in your life with a delicious lunch at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center!
The buffet menu will include an assortment of salads, mains, vegetables, and desserts. Each mom in attendance will receive a flower. You can take family photos by White Lake.
Make reservations early for this special day for that special mom!
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Please mark your calendars for other Camp Weed events below.
Chrism Mass for Clergy: Monday, April 14. Bishop Benhase will bless oils for clergy to take back to their churches. Clergy are kindly asked to bring their own containers. Backup containers will be available for those who need them.
Camp Weed Sunday: Sunday, May 4
Camp Weed Day of Giving: Wednesday, May 7
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