News & Updates from the Diocese of Palm Beach | | "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23 | | Welcome to Shepherd’s Notes! | | At the request of Bishop Manuel, we are pleased to introduce “Shepherd’s Notes,” a new twice-monthly e-newsletter designed to keep our clergy, Pastoral Center employees and Catholic Charities employees informed, connected and engaged in the important work taking place throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach. Department leaders have been invited to share timely news, announcements, initiatives and other helpful information, and the updates included in this edition reflect the submissions received from our diocesan department leaders. We hope this newsletter will strengthen communication, encourage collaboration and help us remain united in our shared mission of serving the Church and the faithful. Our next edition will be distributed in two weeks, and we look forward to continuing to share the good work happening across our diocese. | | |
Catholic Charities
Dr. Ellen Wayne, CEO
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Every day, Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach accompanies individuals and families facing some of life's greatest challenges. Below is a brief glimpse of happenings and highlights at Catholic Charities.
Bakhita Empowerment Program
By providing essential supports and comprehensive services to victims of Human Trafficking, our Bakhita Empowerment Program has been working with law enforcement and partners across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast to help address survivors of this crime. Taking time to focus on prevention and awareness, agency staff and leadership were featured on local and national news segments addressing efforts to address and prevent this crime in our communities.
Immigration Legal Services Team
While working hard to serve clients facing complexities with legal immigration processes, our Immigration Legal Services Team has been addressing the recent increase in scams targeting immigrants seeking legal representation. Just a reminder, our team will never solicit cases and seek payment via Facebook ads or WhatsApp.
Birthline/Lifeline
We are thrilled to share that our Birthline/Lifeline program has opened a 4th location. Services have now been expanded to our Pahokee Office, on the St. Mary’s Parish Complex. Our Women’s Pregnancy Solutions Mobile Units are now stocked with essential care items to help encourage abortion-minded moms to choose life.
Health and Wellness Fair
On Saturday, October 24th from 10am-3pm, we will be hosting a health and wellness fair at our Pahokee Office, 1200 E. Main Street, Pahokee. Community partners will be sharing their resources for children and families from Pahokee, the Glades and the western Palm Beach County community. A special grant is providing for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to provide eye exams for children from the Pahokee area. Registration is required for eye exams. Reach out to us for more information.
October is Respect Life Month
Events are taking place across the Diocese raising support for women facing crisis pregnancy and helping us to provide compassionate care and services to families with young children. Follow the Respect Life Ministry Catholic Charities Facebook page for updates, including for information on joining us on a prayer pilgrimage to Starke Correctional Facility to pray along with Bishop Manuel for the end of the death penalty.
Elder Affairs Program Expansion
Our Elder Affairs Program has expanded our services to seniors and vulnerable adults thanks to a new grant to assist seniors who are victims of crime. The program includes prevention, education and awareness. Reach out if you know of an elderly adult who has been victimized, or if you would like to arrange a presentation for your group or ministry.
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Communications and Development
Jennifer Trefelner, Director, Communications and Development
Communications
Our communications efforts continue to experience encouraging growth. Social media engagement and reach remain strong, with our platforms continuing to show month-over-month growth, helping us reach more of the faithful with the good news and ministries of our diocese.
Work is also progressing on our diocesan website refresh, which is scheduled to launch in the near future. The refreshed site will provide a more modern and user-friendly experience while making diocesan information and resources easier to find. Thank you to all of our diocesan directors for your support and cooperation in reviewing the new website design and providing your feedback following Theresa Clarady’s September 21 email. Your time and input are an important part of this process as we continue developing a redesigned website that is modern, intuitive, and better serves our diocesan staff, parishes, and communities. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to bringing this exciting new resource to life!
The Diocese of Palm Beach continues to demonstrate exceptional digital audience growth through Florida Catholic Media. In September 2026, Palm Beach recorded 11,967 diocesan pageviews—the highest of the four participating dioceses and approximately 159% higher than September 2025. Palm Beach also generated 37,315 e-Edition pageviews, a 43% year-over-year increase, while maintaining the largest e-Edition subscriber audience with nearly 17,000 subscribers.
We continue to see growing interest from Spanish-language Catholic media in Bishop Manuel’s episcopal ministry, particularly from ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister agency of Catholic News Agency (CNA). In just the past two months, ACI Prensa has featured Bishop Manuel in three stories, helping to extend the reach of his ministry and the work of the Diocese to Spanish-speaking Catholic audiences.
“Cuba Does Not Belong to a Political Party,” Says Bishop at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
Bishop of Palm Beach Calls for Prayers for Cuba’s Liberation: “It Has the Right to Be Free”
Bishop of Palm Beach Expresses Gratitude for Aid to Venezuela
As part of our strategic communications efforts, we continue to work intentionally to increase positive media attention for the Diocese of Palm Beach at the local, national and international levels. I am pleased to share several examples of recent coverage:
Morningstar Learning Center Ribbon Cutting
A bishop for his time: Manuel Rodriguez new voice of Catholic Church
Catholic News Service
Palm Beach Bishop Meets Pope
Development & Advancement
The 2026 Diocesan Services Appeal continues to make strong progress. To date, we have received 88% of our diocesan goal in funds collected and 90% when outstanding pledges are included. We have also raised more dollars at this point in the campaign than we had at the same time last year. Thank you for your continued encouragement of the DSA within your parish communities.
DSA Letter #3 from Bishop Manuel will be mailed on October 22, providing an important opportunity to reconnect with the faithful as we enter the final months of the 2026 campaign.
Planning for the 2027 DSA is also nearing completion. Based on feedback from our focus group, next year's campaign will move away from one overarching theme and instead feature more photography and visual storytelling, highlighting the people, ministries and impact made possible through the DSA.
Our newly established Advancement Advisory Board has begun meeting, and the conversations have been very fruitful. We are grateful for the expertise and perspective these members are bringing as we continue to strengthen advancement efforts throughout the Diocese.
The Lumen Christi Scholarship is also off to a strong start, with fundraising currently ahead of where we were at this time last year.
In September, we concluded a very successful pilgrimage to Italy benefiting the House of Discernment. In addition to raising funds for this important vocation initiative, the pilgrimage provided a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with benefactors and share Bishop Manuel's vision for supporting priestly vocations in our diocese.
Most importantly, thank you for your continued support of the Office of Communications and Development. The progress we are seeing—from the DSA and Lumen Christi to our digital communications and advancement initiatives—is possible because of your partnership and your willingness to share these efforts with the faithful entrusted to your care.
We are grateful for all that you do and look forward to continuing to serve you and your parishes.
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Hispanic Ministry
Father Duvan
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Bishop Manuel Reflects on Synodality at the Regional Hispanic Ministry Encounter
On the afternoon of September 26, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Encuentro en Clave Sinodal” during the 2026 Regional Hispanic Ministry Encounter in St. Augustine. His reflection offered a valuable spiritual and pastoral compass as the Diocese of Palm Beach prepares for its upcoming Diocesan Synod. Emphasizing that “Synodality is communion set in motion,” Bishop Manuel reminded participants that the Church is a family united in Christ, called to walk together through prayer, listening, discernment, and shared responsibility for evangelization. He highlighted the equal dignity of all the baptized, the importance of pastoral councils, and the need for genuine conversion, collaboration, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Above all, he emphasized that synodality is not simply a process or strategy, but a way of living the Church’s mission in communion, with every member contributing their gifts while remaining united in faith and purpose.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Diocese of Palm Beach
From September 15 to October 15, the Diocese of Palm Beach joins the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich cultures, traditions, faith, and contributions of Hispanic communities. With 29 parishes and missions serving active Hispanic communities, our diocese is blessed by the diversity and vibrant faith of Catholics from across Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the celebration, the Office of Hispanic Ministry hosted a joyful gathering at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on September 30, bringing staff together to share traditional foods, culture, and fellowship. Bishop Manuel, a native of the Dominican Republic, also joined the festivities, making the occasion even more special. This celebration reminds us of the important role Hispanic Catholics play in enriching the life and mission of our diocesan family, united in faith and strengthened by our cultural diversity.
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Horizons of Hope
Laura Lewis, CEO
INTRODUCING HORIZONS OF HOPE
Horizons of Hope is in the process of becoming a Scholarship Granting Organization to serve students and families in the Diocese of Palm Beach. We intend to participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit program beginning January 1, 2027, subject to all applicable state and federal requirements.
Scholarship Opportunities
- Tuition scholarships for qualifying K–12 students attending Catholic schools within the Diocese of Palm Beach.
- Eligible families will be able to apply for scholarships through Horizons of Hope. Information about eligibility, applications, and deadlines will be available on our website as the program launches.
Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC)
- Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers may receive a nonrefundable, dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for individuals and $3,400 for couples for qualifying cash contributions to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations.
- Donors should consult their tax professional regarding eligibility and individual tax circumstances.
We invite you to learn more about Horizons of Hope and follow us as we share updates on the EFTC and scholarship opportunities for families in our diocese.
Website: horizonspb.org
Facebook: @horizonspalmbeach
Instagram: @horizonspalmbeach
Contact: Laura Lewis at LBLewis@diocesepb.org
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Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Cathy Loh
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Marriage Ministry
Our last Spanish Camino Marriage Prep for the year is scheduled for the first weekend in November on the 7th & 8th at St. Juliana. Register HERE.
The final English Marriage Prep for 2026 will be held the following weekend on November 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes. Register HERE.
Marriage Tune Up Retreats are coming to your local parish. St. Jude Tequesta will be the first to host the Marriage Tune Up on November 7-8. Look for Marriage Bootcamp Retreats in English and Spanish in the new year.
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Family Life
Family Life- An Unbound Healing Prayer Come & See Mini-Conference will be offered on Saturday, December 5 at St. Jude in Tequesta. Register HERE.
Spanish Unbound Liberado Conference will also be held on December 5-6, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. Register HERE.
Healing from the heartbreak of abortion or miscarriage through Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries is now offered through the Office of Family Life.
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Faith Formation
A Catechetical Leader’s Symposium will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola Family Life Center. Fr. Gabriel Ghanoum will be our Keynote Speaker. Catechetical & OCIA leaders, Clergy and Religious, and Catholic Schools Religion Coordinators are invited.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Training, Part 2, will be held January 7 – 10, 2027 at the Basilica of St. Edward. Register HERE.
If you are interested in bringing Catholic Tots Ministry for children birth to Age 5 and their trusted adult caregiver to your parish, please contact Liliana Soto-Cabrera at 561-775-9549.
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Youth and Young Adult Ministry
We are pleased to announce the addition of Fr. Daniel Daza Jaller to the team as Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry, English Section. On the other end of the spectrum, we are saddened to see Andy Baker step back from Youth & Young Adult Ministry to care for his aging parents. However, Andy will continue to serve as point person for World Youth Day registrations and news updates.
All registered WYD pilgrims are invited to a diocesan WYD celebration on Saturday, October 24 at John Carroll High School. Click HERE for more information.
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Office for the Protection and Safeguarding of the People of God
Gina-Marie Loree
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Department News & Updates
On October 7, 2026, the Office for the Protection and Safeguarding of the People of God held a meeting for the compliance administrators and Children’s Education Leaders to inform them of the recent changes to the department and latest changes to the Code of Conduct. New additions to our staff are Anthuanette Hidalgo as the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Annette George as the VIRTUS Specialist and Anne Perry as the Administrative Assistant. Staying on in the office, we have Connie Oblaczynski as the Live Scan Technician and Office Assistant and Gina-Marie Loree as the Chief Safeguarding Officer.
We reviewed several new policy changes in the meeting, especially as related to the newly promulgated Particular Law, I-2026, Protecting and Safeguarding the People of God, the Code of Conduct and highlighted mandatory reporting. If you suspect abuse, first report it to the Department of Children and Families, then call our Diocesan Reporting Line. As a reminder, all volunteers, employees, and clergy are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse must be reported.
To make the Diocese of Palm Beach even safer, all volunteers will need to be background screened and VIRTUS trained. All volunteers will have to complete the Protecting God’s Children 4.0 training through VIRTUS. Live VIRTUS training is also being offered for those who would prefer to do this training in an in-person setting as opposed to online.
We are grateful to the eighty-seven (87) people who attended this meeting and appreciate their ongoing support to ensure we maintain a safe environment for all the people of our Diocese. If anyone has any questions about this or any other safeguarding information, please feel free to give us a call. Thank you all for your help in making our diocese a safe place!
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Office of Vocations
Father Jean Serge Dube
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Department News and Updates
We are off and running here at the Office of Vocations, Seminarians, and our new Blessed Stanley Rother Discernment House. Along with our last quarterly update, we are happy to unite with our communications department in the diocese to let you know what we are up to!
Our upcoming focus is National Vocations Awareness Week. This year we will be uniting with each diocese throughout the country from November 1 - 8, 2026. Specific events will be:
Tuesday, November 3, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm: Focus 11. Sixth graders from the diocesan schools will be sending their students to a day retreat at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (boys) and St. Thomas More Catholic Church (girls) totalling 534 students, our largest number of students yet!
Wednesday, November 4, our first monthly deanery night of discernment. Hosted by St. Vincent Ferrer. More details will be coming.
Thursday, November 5, Theology on Tap with Fr. Serge, location and time TBA.
Friday, November 13-15:
Vocations Awareness Weekend at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. See attached flyer and QR Code for details.
We will be sending out a specific email for the National Vocations Week regarding how we can all participate to support vocations in our diocese.
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Schools
Katie Kervi, Superintendent of Schools
The Office of Catholic Schools has begun its annual school leadership goal-setting visits for the 2026–2027 academic year. Members of the Office of Catholic Schools' leadership team are meeting individually with school administrators to establish meaningful goals for the year, identify areas where additional diocesan support may be helpful, and strengthen our partnership with school leaders. These visits are part of a renewed process that will include a second visit later in the school year to review progress and celebrate growth.
Bishop Manuel is also continuing his visits to our Catholic schools, including the celebration of Masses of the Holy Spirit and time spent with students, faculty, parents, and school leadership. These visits have provided a wonderful opportunity for our school communities to welcome Bishop Manuel and for him to experience firsthand the faith, learning, and community present in our schools.
The Office of Catholic Schools continues to expand support and collaboration across the diocese through upcoming meetings with specialized school leadership groups, including guidance counselors and admissions directors. We are also preparing for the phased rollout of OCS One, a new centralized platform designed to better support our educators and school administrators with diocesan resources, professional information, and school operations. Additional information will be shared as implementation progresses.
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A Message for October 15
As we begin this first edition of The Shepherd’s Notes on the Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, Doctor of the Church, may we be reminded that all of our work begins in prayer and is ultimately in service to Christ and His Church.
May the Lord continue to guide our diocesan ministries and bless the many ways we work together in service to our parishes and the faithful of the Diocese of Palm Beach.
St. Teresa of Jesus, pray for us.
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DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
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