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.

In case you missed it: We recently shared the first draft of the "rules to adopt," which will be voted on at the Special Meeting supporting the election and process to elect the Ninth Bishop of Florida. It is available using the link connected to the button below.

Comments on this draft will be accepted by e-mail to comments@diocesefl.org through Wednesday, June 4, at 5 p.m. In order to streamline the Special Meeting, the Standing Committee will consider those comments and incorporate those it considers to be widely acceptable and in the best interest of the process. 

A final draft will be posted on the Diocese of Florida website by 5 p.m. June 7, 2025; that draft will be the draft moved for approval at the commencement of the June 14 Special Meeting. Amendments may be offered from the floor at the Special Meeting.

This document, the clergy list and all details regarding the Special Meeting are accessible at any time on our Special Meeting webpage.

Special Meeting

Saturday, June 14, 2025 @ 1 p.m.

Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center

If you haven't registered, please do so at the button below. The deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025. Registrations cannot be accepted after that date.

Lunch is available upon request between 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for an additional charge of $15. Please note on your registration if you want lunch before the Special Meeting.

If the registration fee presents a financial hardship, please reach out to the Standing Committee at standingcommittee@diocesefl.org.

Our final listening sessions will take place at St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville on the following days and times.

• Clergy Session: Friday, June 6, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Laity Session: Saturday, June 7, 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.

To register, please click the buttons below.

You may also access all upcoming listening sessions and other information on our Convocation/Listening Sessions webpage.

On May 6, Deacons from across the diocese gathered at the Diocesan Office for a special day of connection, reflection, and celebration.

The Vn. Mark Richardson, who officially retired on April 6, 2025, was honored with a gift in recognition of his faithful service and leadership.

Following the retirement of Archdeacon Mark Richardson, the Standing Committee appointed three Deacons to serve as Interim Regional Archdeacons. Their assignments are as follows, by region:

• Apalachee Region: The Venerable Jeanie Beyer       
• First Coast East and First Coast West Regions: The Venerable Marsha Holmes
• Santa Fe and River Regions: The Venerable Lydia Bush

These appointees will serve until a new Bishop Diocesan is consecrated and has discerned and appointed one or more new Archdeacons.

Please join us in welcoming Ven. Marsha Holmes, Ven. Lydia Bush, and Ven. Jeanie Beyer to their new roles. We are deeply grateful for their willingness to step into this important work at this time.

Calling all parishes! Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach has several traditional red choir robes with accompanying white cassocks available to donate to churches who need more for their respective choirs. Approximately 48 adult robes and 20 children robes are available.

Contact Rachel Root with questions or to coordinate pickup: RRoot@ccpvb.org.

The Convention Committee on Charter and Canons is an important committee of the

Diocese that exists from year-to-year to review and propose improvements to our

governing documents.

The Rev. Deacon Annette Sines (St. Peter’s, Fernandina Beach) and Rich Alexander,

Esquire (All Saints, Jacksonville) are serving as chairs of the committee this year.

The committee is meeting twice a month (on June 5 and 19), working towards

publishing proposed canon-related resolutions in late July, 60 days before our annual

convention.

We appreciate the hard work and faithfulness of these folks!

Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make their first annual Camp Weed Sunday and Day of Giving such a success.

With your generosity, they raised nearly $12,000 to support their mission. Camp Director Sam Marxsen and Lauri SoJourner spent the day live on Facebook sharing stories from camp and retreat alumni, leading worship, and reflecting on all the ways this sacred place has touched lives. They were especially grateful to be joined by Camp Counselor Chloe—her energy and faith were truly inspiring.

Thank you to everyone who donated and to those who sent in video testimonials. Mark your calendars now for the first Sunday and Wednesday in May 2026!

The Rev. Brent Owens recently departed from Good Shepherd, Jacksonville. His last service was on Sunday, May 11, which also included a reception.

As part of a recent eblast to his parish, he said: "For the past 4 ½ years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Rector of Good Shepherd. But God is calling me in a different direction, and so I will be leaving Good Shepherd. I am grateful for the many friendships and the amazing ministries of this congregation."

St. John's Cathedral: Jacksonville Events

Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 14 at 5 p.m.

Reception and book signing to follow

Free and open to all

Join St. John’s Cathedral for a powerful evening of music, reflection, and community as we commemorate Juneteenth with local voices and stories that inspire hope and action.

Experience the uplifting sounds of the Jacksonville Gospel Chorale, directed by Cedric Williams with accompanist Henry L. Parker.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Tammy Hodo, Jacksonville educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of All Things Diverse. Dr. Hodo will share insights into racial identity and justice, drawing from her powerful TEDx Jacksonville talk.

Following the program, enjoy a reception hosted by the Union of Black Episcopalians, Father Sidney B. Parker Chapter. Meet Alton and Gwen Yates, who will sign copies of their newly released memoir:

Living the Legacy: The Story of Alton and Gwen Yates (published February 2025), a moving account of their lifelong commitment to civil rights and service in Jacksonville.

A Community Celebration of

God’s Presence in All People

Sunday, June 22 at 5 p.m.

You are warmly invited to a special liturgy celebrating the blessings of inclusivity and diversity and honoring the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, the first Black woman ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.

A poet, priest, and pioneer, Pauli Murray devoted her life to faith, learning, and the hope of a more loving world. Her poetry and life story continue to inspire those who seek to walk in courage, compassion, and truth.

Juneteenth at St. Mary's, Palatka

St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Palatka, is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration Service on Thursday, June 19, at 4 p.m. All are welcome!

Installation of The Rev. Roy Tuff

Please join us at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Gainesville on Sunday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. for the installation of The Rev. Roy Tuff as Rector.

A formal invitation is below; no R.S.V.P. is required.

EV Training: July 13

Join us for Eucharistic Visitor Training led by our former Archdeacon Mark Richardson. This training will be offered in person.

Date: July 13, 2025

Time: 12 – 3 p.m.

Location: St. Francis in-the-Filed

895 Plam Valley Rd, Ponte Vedra, Fl 32281

Registration Deadline: July 7, 2025

If you plan to attend, please contact Hannia Reyes at hreyes@diocesefl.org with your name, email address, church, and the name of your sponsoring priest.

Before attending, please make sure you complete the following four modules of Safe Church:

1. Keeping Your Church Safe
2. Policies: Episcopal Diocese of Florida
3. Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers
4. Preventing Sexual Harassment for Managers & Supervisors

Rakad Dance Camp at St. Peter's, Jacksonville: July 21-25

Join St. Peter's, Jacksonville, for a weeklong dance camp for all girls ages 5 to 12. Leadership and Volunteer positions are also available. No dance experience required.

​About Rakad Dance Camp 2025

Rakad Dance Camp 2025 marks their 17th Annual summer camp. Throughout the week, campers will learn a new dance each day. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to work on art projects, play games, and participate in daily community service activities. At the heart of the camp experience are our small groups, where campers form friendships and focus on team building. This year, our theme is the beach, with daily life lessons inspired by the ocean and shore. You won't want to miss out on the fun! 

​​Be sure to register early, as spots are limited.

​Dates:

Monday July 21-Friday July 25, 2025

Times:

(M-Th) 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

(F) 9:00 am until after showcase performance

Showcase performance begins at 5:30pm on Friday July 25

Cost (Scholarships are available):

• $150 if registered by 05/01/25
• $175 if registered by 06/30/25

Location:

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Weeks’ Hall

5042 Timuquana Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

What’s included:

• 2025 Camp Shirt
• Dance Instruction
• Water Bottle
• Crafts
• Snack
• Lunch

If you have any questions, please contact: rakaddancecamp@gmail.com.

On May 4, Bishop Benhase visited St. John's, Tallahassee.

On May 4, Bishop Stokes visited St. Andrew's, Jacksonville.

On May 11, Bishop Stokes visited St. Francis-in-the-Field, Ponte Vedra Beach.

On May 15, Bishop Stokes visited St. Paul's by the Sea, Jacksonville Beach, for the Installation of The Rev. Victor C. Hailey as Rector.

On May 18, Bishop Benhase visited Church of our Saviour, Jacksonville.

On May 18, Bishop Stokes visited Trinity Parish's North Campus in St. Augustine. 18 individuals were confirmed, received in reception, or reaffirmed in their faith. A joyful and sacred milestone in the life of their church!

Looking for a fun, meaningful way to grow in faith, gain work experience, and live in community?

Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center offers a hands-on Internship Program for young adults ages 18–25 (high school and graduates taking a gap year and college students doing online learning).

As an intern, you will play a vital role in the year-round ministry of Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center by serving in a variety of practical and leadership capacities. Internships are broad in scope with the flexibility to focus on the individual’s gifts and talents while meeting the needs of the camp and conference center. You will be exposed to many aspects of running retreats, conferences, and camps throughout the year.

Camp Weed is happy to work with schools that are willing to provide academic credit for this type of internship.

Interns are mentored by the Director of Summer Camp and Youth Programs as well as other leadership team members.

Applications will be accepted until the three available positions are filled.

Summer Camp

Due to waitlists in Summer 2024, Camp Weed added a new session, Middler Session 2, to Summer 2025.

They set a goal of reaching 750 campers this summer and are incredibly proud and excited to say that they have just surpassed that number, with more registrations coming in every day!

They are currently waitlisting for girls for both Senior Session and Final Session, and for boys in both Kid Camps and Mini Camp. And there are just a few spots left in Junior Session and Middler Session 1. Don’t miss out - register soon for a summer to remember at Camp Weed. 

Programming includes a variety of activities to engage campers and to help promote their spiritual, physical, and mental growth. Activities include kayaking, archery, ropes course, swimming, arts and crafts, worship, and so much more. Campers are divided into large groups, small groups, and cabin groups throughout the day to give them opportunities to get to know others, themselves, and God a little bit better.

See the dates here.

Coming Up:

June 1 @ 9 and 11 a.m.: Bishop Stokes to visit St. Peter's, Fernandina Beach

June 1-3: P.O.S.T. 2025 at Camp Weed

June 6-7: Listening Session #3 at St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville

June 8 at 10:30 a.m.: Bishop Stokes to visit St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville

June 14 at 1 p.m.: Special Meeting at Camp Weed

June 22 at 10 a.m.: Bishop Stokes to visit St. Luke's, Jacksonville

June 29 at 10:30 a.m.: Bishop Benhase to visit Holy Trinity, Gainesville for the Installation of The Rev. Roy Tuff