Shepherd's Notes and Updates | | |
Many Ministries. One Mission.
Rooted in Faith, Hope and Love
| | "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23 | |
Dear Diocesan Family,
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and streamline communications throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach, we are pleased to announce that our two e-newsletters (The Shepherd’s Notes and Mission Brief) will be combined into one comprehensive publication: The Shepherd’s Notes and Updates.
Distributed on the 15th and 30th of each month, this consolidated newsletter will feature Bishop Manuel’s Shepherd’s Notes, important diocesan announcements, ministry news, upcoming events and valuable resources to support your work and service to the Church.
The newsletter will be distributed to clergy, seminarians, religious, active and retired deacons, school presidents and principals, parish business managers, parish communications staff, Pastoral Center staff and Catholic Charities staff.
Our goal is to make important information more accessible, enhance collaboration and strengthen communication across our parishes, schools and ministries.
We encourage you to review these updates and share relevant information with your respective faith communities through your established communications channels, including parish bulletins, school newsletters, websites, social media and e-newsletters. Your partnership in sharing these messages is essential to ensuring that important diocesan news and resources reach the faithful throughout our five-county diocese.
For your convenience, each edition of The Shepherd’s Notes and Updates will also be archived on the Diocese of Palm Beach website, providing a central location to access previous newsletters and reference important announcements and resources at any time. You can visit our E-Newsletter Archive to view past editions.
As this newsletter continues to evolve, we welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can better serve you and support our shared mission of proclaiming the Gospel and bringing Christ’s love to others.
Thank you for your faithful service, continued collaboration and the many ways you help share the Good News throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Blessings,
Office of Communications
Diocese of Palm Beach
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THE SHEPHERD’S
NOTES
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a joyful couple of weeks it has been! I was blessed to celebrate the installations of Father Brian King at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola and Father Albert Dello Russo at St. Paul of the Cross. May God bless them in their new assignments and guide them as they shepherd the parish communities entrusted to their care.
On October 29, we also gathered in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate the Installation Mass of our Episcopal Vicars:
Very Rev. Scott Adams – Episcopal Vicar for Financial Administration and Econome
Very Rev. Antony Pulikal – Chancellor, Moderator of the Curia, and Vicar of Strategic Planning
Very Rev. Jaime Dorado – Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis
Very Rev. Ducasse François – Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, Institutes of Consecrated Life and Seminarians
Very Rev. Nicholas Zrallack – Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Education
These celebrations are beautiful reminders of the gift of priestly ministry and the many ways our clergy are called to serve the faithful throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Please join me in praying for these priests as they embrace their new responsibilities. May the Holy Spirit guide them, strengthen them in their ministry, and bless all those entrusted to their pastoral care.
On Saturday, I also had the joy of spending time with more than 300 pilgrims at John Carroll for a retreat day as they prepare their minds and hearts for World Youth Day in South Korea in 2027. The theme, "Take courage! I have overcome the world,” invites our young people to place their trust in Christ and find hope and strength in Him. Thank you to the entire team whose planning and dedication made this a meaningful day of prayer and fellowship.
I look forward to more opportunities to pray with you and share in the life of our Diocese. Below, you’ll find links to my upcoming public schedule, weekly columns and social media. I invite you to stay connected as we continue walking together in faith.
May God bless you and your families.
Bishop Manuel
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Public Schedule
[View Schedule]
Bishop Manuel's Weekly Columns
[Read My Columns]
Stay Connected
Facebook: @BishopPalmBeach
Instagram: @BishopPalmBeach
X: @BishopPalmBeach
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Building and Construction
Michael Lockwood, Director of Building and Construction
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Resources and Training for Parishes and Schools
The Office of Building and Construction is committed to working collaboratively with our parishes and schools to support the successful completion of construction, renovation, remodeling, addition, and maintenance projects. Our goal is to help ensure that diocesan facilities remain safe, efficient, and well-maintained.
To assist parishes and schools, we have developed a helpful guide outlining vendor and contractor insurance compliance requirements through Gallagher Verify, along with step-by-step instructions for completing diocesan contracts for vendors performing work on church and school properties.
These resources are also available on SharePoint under Building & Construction for easy reference.
Training Opportunities
The Office of Building and Construction is also available to provide on-site training for parish and school staff on diocesan contracts, compliance requirements, policies, and procedures.
To schedule a training session, please contact Destiny Gibbons at dgibbons@diocesepb.org or 561-775-9514. She will be happy to coordinate a convenient date and time for your team.
We look forward to continuing to support our parishes and schools in the care and stewardship of our diocesan facilities.
Meet Our Team
Michael Lockwood
Director of Building & Construction
mlockwood@diocesepb.org | 561-775-9523
Destiny Gibbons
Building & Construction Coordinator
dgibbons@diocesepb.org | 561-775-9514
Brittany Stoddard
Building & Construction Administrative Assistant
bstoddard@diocesepb.org | 561-775-9527
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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.
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. Please promote this event through all your communications channels.
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Communications and Development
Jennifer Trefelner, Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer
Communications
Florida Catholic: Please continue to share these graphics through your communication avenues to promote the Florida Catholic. Please remember that the Florida Catholic e-edition is available every Friday for free, as is the print edition once a month! To sign up please click here.
Social media: Our communications efforts continue to experience encouraging growth. We have added 372 followers to the Diocese FB page since the beginning of September and our audience continues to grow with 13,026 followers to date! Please continue to share this graphic of all Diocese of Palm Beach social media sites.
TV Mass update: Through the first 42 weeks of 2026, television viewership averaged approximately 2,500 households each week, with weekly audiences reaching as high as 4,370 households. Recent viewership trends demonstrate the ministry’s continued importance, with audiences exceeding 3,800 households during four consecutive weeks and reaching 4,350 households in week 40. These figures reflect the meaningful and consistent connection this ministry provides to Catholics throughout our community, particularly those who depend on the televised celebration of Mass as an important part of their spiritual lives. To see where the TV Masses are archived, please click here.
Videos: Don’t forget to visit the Diocese of Palm Beach Facebook page and the Hispanic Ministry Facebook page every Saturday for a new episode of Encountering Jesus with Bishop Manuel!
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Thank you to WPBF and reporter Nathalie Pozo for this great story celebrating Bishop Manuel and National Hispanic Heritage Month.
To view the article and video visit:
WPBF Palm Beach First Hispanic Bishop
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Thank you also to the National Catholic Education Association for accepting our invitation to visit our diocese! We were honored to welcome Maria Del Amo, the Director of Hispanic and Latino Engagement for the National Catholic Educational Association (Official)(NCEA) to St. Joseph Catholic School for a special visit celebrating the school's recognition during National Hispanic Heritage Month!
To read more about this visit, check out the Office of Catholic School’s Facebook page.
| | | Development & Advancement | | |
2026 Diocesan Services Appeal: As of October 22, the DSA has raised 89% of goal ($10,411,000) and 92% of the goal with income and pledges. 16 parishes/missions are already at 100% or more of their goal! Letter #3 was mailed on October 22, so we encourage all parishes to join us in a final push for donations. Please see these parish resources to promote the DSA campaign.
Advancement Advisory Board: Thank you to the members of the newly established Advancement Advisory Board, which met again on October 29th. The members were each asked to complete a survey regarding the advancement/development work in our diocese, and those results were used to formulate a robust agenda and fruitful meeting.
Lumen Christi: Thank you to our generous donors! As of October 16, more than $353,270 has been raised (surpassing last year’s income at this time). The nearly 400 donors have made an average gift of $913 this year (which is more than last year).
Pilgrimages: Work has begun to plan the upcoming pilgrimages with proceeds benefiting food security locally and through our outreach programs, in addition to the House of Discernment/Seminarians.
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2027 Diocesan Services Appeal:
Thank you to all those who attended the focus group to help drive the direction of the 2027 DSA campaign. The graphics, video and letter #1 has been completed and approved.
Please save the date of January 14 for our pastor, bookkeeper, and contact training.
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Office of Hispanic Ministry
Father Duvan, Director of Hispanic Ministries & School of Christian Formation
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2026 National Convention of Hispanic Priests!
From October 19–22, Dallas, Texas, hosted the 2026 National Convention of the National Association of Hispanic Priests (ANSH), an important gathering dedicated to priestly formation, prayer, fellowship, and strengthening the mission of the Church among Hispanic communities throughout the United States.
The Diocese of Palm Beach was represented by Father Duván Bermúdez, Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, who participated in the various sessions and activities of this national gathering.
One of the highlights of the convention was the participation of our bishop, Most Reverend Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, Bishop of Palm Beach, who delivered the opening conference on Monday, October 19, sharing his pastoral reflections and experiences with the priests in attendance. That evening, Bishop Rodríguez also celebrated Holy Mass at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Dallas.
The convention also brought together distinguished Church leaders, including Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio, who celebrated Holy Mass on Tuesday, October 20, and Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas, who celebrated Holy Mass on Wednesday, October 21, at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The participation of Bishop Manuel and Father Duván in this important gathering reflected the Diocese of Palm Beach's continued commitment to priestly formation, ecclesial communion, and strengthening the evangelizing mission of Hispanic Ministry.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen our priests as they faithfully serve the People of God!
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Office of Human Resources and Risk Management
Ana Jarosz, Chief Human Resources and Risk Management Officer
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Please see important information regarding the upcoming changes to prescription benefits for members enrolled in the Diocese's medical insurance plan.
New RX Benefits 2027
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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 Information Technology
Miguel Gomez, Senior Director of Information Technology
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Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Cathy Loh, Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
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Parish Ministry Tune Ups
Want to see what a Marriage Tune Up can do for your parish? Consider hosting a One Day Marriage Tune up Retreat. Build a sense of community among couples in your parish. This one-day retreat is not your typical marriage seminar.
Call Deacon Louie Romero at 561-775-9557 for details.
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Unbound Prayer Ministry Conferences
Are you seeking freedom? Or called to the Healing Prayer Ministry? If so, join us for an Unbound Prayer Ministry Come & See Conference.
Unbound Prayer is a ministry of healing in which a trained prayer team assists individuals in overcoming spiritual obstacles. The Unbound model uses five Gospel keys to help access God’s grace and unlock the door to freedom. Come and receive the Father's Blessing. Learn more about the Unbound Prayer Ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach. Join us Saturday, December 5, 2026, St Jude Catholic Church - Tequesta
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Family Caregivers' Lenten Retreat
This Lent, take a moment to pause, pray, and renew your spirit. Family caregivers are invited to a special Lenten Retreat offering time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Presented by Catholic Caregiver in collaboration with Diocese of Palm Beach Family Life Office. Come and find comfort in God’s presence, strength in your faith, and encouragement through fellowship with others who understand the joys and challenges of caregiving. Take this opportunity to nurture your own spirit as you continue caring for those you love.Saturday, March 13, 2027, St. Peter, Jupiter, Florida. Open to all Family Caregivers in the diocese of Palm Beach. Registration opens December 1, 2026.
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
November 5: Theology on Tap at Duffy’s in Palm Beach Gardens. The theme will be vocations.
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Office of Catholic Schools
Katie Kervi, Superintendent of Schools
Over the past two weeks, the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) has continued its visits to schools throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach, meeting with principals to review annual professional goals, visiting classrooms, and engaging with faculty and students. OCS team members have also had the opportunity to attend school Masses across the diocese, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the Catholic identity and spiritual life of our school communities.
Mrs. Denise O’Loughlin, Assistant Superintendent, traveled to South Korea with a dedicated group of diocesan representatives to conduct an advance planning visit in preparation for World Youth Day in August 2027. This important visit will help ensure a meaningful and well-organized pilgrimage experience for our diocesan participants.
Mrs. Katie Kervi, Superintendent of Schools, attended the NCEA Catholic School Leadership Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she presented on the current state of IDEA funding in Florida and the innovative use of agentic artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness and operational efficiency of the Office of Catholic Schools. These emerging technologies present exciting opportunities to streamline administrative processes, strengthen support for school leaders, and ultimately better serve our Catholic schools, educators, and students. The Office of Catholic Schools is preparing to launch in the next few weeks its own administrative dashboard for the schools of the diocese.
At Bishop Manuel’s request, the Office of Catholic Schools has reminded school leaders to encourage participation in the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey within their school communities. Schools have been asked to share reminders with their faculty, staff, and families to help promote broad participation in this important initiative, which will provide valuable insights to support the spiritual growth and mission of our parishes and diocesan community.
Looking ahead, the OCS team will participate in the Florida Catholic Conference Administrators’ Conference in Fort Lauderdale in November, alongside our diocesan school leaders and Catholic school administrators from across Florida. This annual gathering provides valuable opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and continued growth in Catholic educational leadership.
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Office for the Protection and Safeguarding of the
People of God
Gina-Marie Loree
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Stand Up Sunday
On November 14th and 15th parishes are invited to participate in our Diocese’s first ever “Stand Up Sunday.” This initiative was created to recognize and affirm the church’s efforts in safeguarding by recognizing those who have been background checked and completed our VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children, abuse prevention curriculum. “Stand Up Sunday” will be implemented in recognition of the United Nation’s World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
These experiences can have lifelong effects on survivors’ physical and mental health. Child sexual abuse and exploitation violate children’s human rights and dignity. In observance of this day, the United Nations calls on society to raise awareness, support those affected, and strengthen efforts to prevent and eliminate child sexual abuse and exploitation.
We believe “Stand Up Sunday” will create more positive awareness of what the Church is doing to protect the vulnerable, support the volunteers for their role in the Church, and motivate others to get more involved in parish life.
We hope all those who are background screened and trained, now standard for anyone working or volunteering in the Church, will stand with us to be recognized in their efforts to prevent child sex abuse.
Prayer for Healing of Victims of Abuse
Holy Spirt, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery
Dan Lewis, Director of Real Estate
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Vocations
Father Jean Serge Dube
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National Vocation Week
Check your inbox for a detailed email from the Office of Vocations on Wednesday, October 28, 2026: National Vocations Awareness Week 2026 | Coming Soon!
It includes a letter from Bishop Manuel, calendar of events, special event invitations, and links to resources.
Details are included on the Vocations website @ Events | Palm Beach
Vocation Awareness Night | Southern Deanery
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 @ 7 PM
Each month a parish in a different deanery of our diocese will be hosting a vocation awareness night. Fr. Dennis Gonzales and St. Vincent Ferrer will be our first host!
Vocation Awareness Night RSVP
Whether you are actively considering the priesthood (Men 18-35) or simply asking how God may be calling you to serve, come take the next step alongside other men seeking His will.
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Called to Be Saints
As we prepare to celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1, we rejoice in the holy men and women who show us the many ways to follow Christ. May their example inspire us to answer God’s call to holiness in our homes, parishes and daily work.
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
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DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
9995 Military Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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