From liturgy to learning, from presentations to praise and worship, from the Eucharist to elections – all carried out the overarching theme of “For the Churches, for the Gospel” and filled the two days of the 56th annual Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, held Jan. 24-25 at Trinity, Vero Beach. This annual coming-together of clergy, laity, diocesan staff, vendors and honored guests provides the opportunity for the 80 churches of a far-reaching diocese to conduct necessary business and serves as a reminder of their shared vision and emphasis.

Both days began the same way, with delegates picking up their registration packets from diocesan staff and volunteers in Trinity’s expansive parish hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. Many took time on either or both days to peruse the displays from a total of 24 diocesan entities and outside vendors, ranging from Daughters of the King to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, Fort Pierce, to the Church Pension Group and many more.

Day 1: Friday, Jan. 24

General Session 1: ‘Leading Safe Churches’

After the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, diocesan bishop, thanked the church and the Rev. Chris Rodriguez, Trinity’s rector, for hosting the Convention, he opened with a prayer for the diocese followed by an explanation of the Convention theme.

“Jesus gathers people with the gospel, nurtures them in the church and then sends them to the world on mission,” he explained. He added that for the 2026 Convention, the words “for Central Florida” will be added, pointing out that we must have gospel, church and mission to truly understand who we are as the body of Christ.

Next, Holcomb introduced the Rev. Mike Sloan, director of safeguarding for GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), who led the day’s first general session with his presentation on “Leading Safe Churches.”  The bishop told those assembled that Sloan had recently reviewed and updated the existing diocesan safe church policies, creating a known sex-offender policy as requested by the bishop.

Sloan’s presentation addressed faith leaders, stressing the need to keep Jesus’ priorities: “to protect and to care” and adding that often, a sexual predator is someone we believe would never act in such a way. He said churches need a “culture of protection” rather than the standard risk-management approach and posed several true-to-life scenarios in church settings where abuse occurred, inviting audience response about protective steps that could have changed the outcome. “Safe church is not just a policy, but living out our Christian identity,” he said.

“This sounds like the church Jesus wants to build,” Holcomb told attendees after Sloan’s presentation, adding that the diocese will offer a full day of safe church training in person and via Zoom for both clergy and laity this year.

Watch the “Leading Safe Churches” video above or at this link.

General Session 2: ‘Making Connections: Reaching the Dechurched’

After a brief break, the second general session began. Attendees heard from the Rev. Jim Davis, teaching pastor, Orlando Grace Church, and co-author of The Great Dechurching, who made the trip from Orlando to give a dynamic presentation despite continuing struggles with a respiratory virus. He assured the audience that “what God is doing in this diocese is a really special thing.”

As a part of his presentation, Davis explained that 15% of all adult Americans, or 40 million people, have dechurched, meaning they used to attend a congregation at least monthly and now attend less than once a year, offering explanations both for why this has occurred and what churches can do to address the problem.

Following the second morning session, attendees were released for lunch, with options including preordered meals or items from on-campus food trucks. Diners could either eat in the parish hall or in the large outdoor tents set up for the occasion. At 1:30 p.m., the Convention reconvened for its third general session.

Watch the “Making Connections: Reaching the Dechurched” video above or at this link.

General Session 3: ‘Cultivating a Culture of Belonging’

After an introduction by Holcomb, the Rev. Cynthia Brust, rector of Christ Church, Suntree-Viera, presented “Cultivating a Culture of Belonging,” featuring lessons she and her congregation have implemented over the past four-plus years as they rebranded and reset their church. She reminded attendees of the words of former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple, who said that the church, universal and local, “exists for those not yet part of us.”

In evaluating church culture, “We need to constantly look at what needs to stay, adjust or be gone,” she said, adding that typically, people and churches are afraid of change, but “We have to deal with the reality that growth equals change.”

Brust highly recommended a resource called Invite – Welcome – Connect that is both a book and a video series available via streaming; after her presentation, Holcomb announced that a church had donated a diocesan subscription to this resource. It was later revealed that St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce, had generously provided this gift, ensuring that all churches in the diocese will have access to these valuable materials. Please contact the diocesan office for more information.

Emphasizing that every church of every age, health and size could benefit from the principles she described, Brust said, “I pray each and every one of us will have a holy, baptized imagination in each of our churches of what can yet be – for the churches, for the gospel.”

Watch the “Cultivating a Culture of Belonging” video above or at this link.

Breakout Sessions

As the third general session ended, participants were dismissed for a break, followed by two sets of one-hour breakout sessions separated by a 15-minute break. Attendees could choose from the following and remain in one track or switch tracks as desired:

“I think they were great,” van Santen said of his two sessions on Alpha, only the first of which was co-led by Tepper because of a prior commitment on her part. In April, his church will offer its eighth session of the course in four years.

“[Co-leading with Tepper] was really fun because she works for Alpha and knows so much about it … There were about 30-35 participants in each session,” he said. Tepper also brought along a video recording of testimonies from Episcopalians who had gone through Alpha and shared how it had impacted their faith.

“I told Grace, Ocala’s story of what Alpha is and how we have seen Alpha being used to change people’s lives,” van Santen said, adding that his sessions were split about 40/60 between clergy and laity, with the laity being especially excited about the presentation since most were unfamiliar with the course. He reported that delegates from his church received the breakout sessions well, adding that the variety was “well done.”

He also said he received a phone call in the first few days after the Convention saying, “Hey, I want to get started with Alpha. What do I do?”

Celebration of Holy Eucharist

Another 15-minute break followed the final breakout session before attendees again gathered in Trinity’s sanctuary for the evening celebration of the Eucharist, including worship music from Trinity’s choir, organist and orchestra. Mrs. Mary Kay Predmore, Standing Committee member, read the first lesson; Mrs. Marilyn Lang, diocesan leadership development coordinator, read the second lesson; the Trinity choir sang the psalm; the Rev. Connie Sanchez, canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, read the Gospel lesson in Spanish and Rodriguez read it in English.

Holcomb announced that the offering taken during the evening Eucharist would go to support the diocesan Institute for Christian Studies, which, per its website, “provides in-person and online courses for those discerning a call to ministry and those seeking Christian education for personal or group formation.” ICS was created to be self-sustaining, Holcomb said, but he wants the diocese to invest more into this valuable gathering of resources.

“I want to talk to you about who you are, your identity as the body of Christ,” Holcomb said in introducing his sermon, which dealt with the importance of this identity, drawing parallels between the struggles of Saul/Paul and those of modern-day Christ-followers. He emphasized the transformative power of recognizing Jesus’ identification with his church, which was so complete that Jesus said to persecute his body was to persecute him.

“The body of Christ,” which Holcomb said is a phrase distinctive to Paul, means “we are no longer defined by our failures or our successes, but by the grace and the righteousness of Jesus, Christ … union with him is the anchor for our souls.”

The bishop also charged the diocese to remember this individual and collective identity, gained by belonging to Christ: “You are beloved, cleansed, holy and destined for splendor that’s guaranteed. So let’s rest in this truth that you and I – each of us and all of us – are the glorious body of Christ.”

The evening concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, with communicants visiting the altar to receive, and dismissal to dinner, again served in the parish hall and dining tents (with heaters provided to counteract the unusually chilly temperatures).

Watch Holcomb’s entire Convention sermon above or at this link.

Day 2: Saturday, Jan. 25

Following registration and the opportunity to visit displays, the Convention’s second day began with worship led on guitar and piano by the Rev. Josh Bales, rector of Incarnation, Oviedo. After this, Holcomb called the meeting to order and opened in prayer.

The bishop then announced the organization of the Convention: the Hon. Todd Pittenger, chancellor; the Hon. William A. Grimm, vice chancellor; and Mrs. Sarah Caprani, secretary. He also thanked the three for “their faithful service to the diocese in all administrative, legal and canonical matters” and invited applause.

Following this, Smith, in his role as chair of the Credentials Committee, reported that of the 222 clergy entitled to vote in this Convention, 120 had registered and that of the 246 laypersons entitled to vote in this Convention, 148 had registered. This provided quorums in both orders (per the diocesan canons, a quorum is one-third of those entitled to vote), and the Credentials Report was adopted without questions.

In his role as chair of the Dispatch of Business Committee, Smith also called for the Convention agenda to be adopted, which was completed without objection. Similarly, the Convention rules of order were also adopted without objection.

Following this, Rodriguez welcomed delegates and honored guests to Trinity, with Holcomb responding in gratitude for “your warm hospitality and the beautiful setting of your church.” At that point, Holcomb turned the chair over to Pittenger for the delivery of his annual Convention address.

Bishop Holcomb’s Address: ‘For the Gospel, for the Churches’

Holcomb’s address focused on what he called “the miracle of the church,” calling listeners to “a renewed appreciation for and commitment to the church” and urging them “to uphold it in a world that often undermines its significance.” Gospel proclamation, he said, is “the foundation of our worship, our witness and our work together as the church. It is the truth that will carry us forward as we face the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.”

He also reminded hearers of Jesus’ strategy to create the church, in which he “gathers people to himself with the gospel, nurtures them in community as the church and then sends them into the world on mission. Gather – Nurture – Send. Gospel – Church – Mission. Lather – Rinse – Repeat.” He called attention to Smith’s words in the Advent 2024 issue of The Central Florida Episcopalian, “It takes a healthy organization to support our mission. It is a business, and our business is the gospel,” noting that these thoughts lay behind the diocesan offering of educational sessions on the previous day.

Episcopal Visitations

Holcomb also reported that between himself and the late Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith, former assisting bishop, 69 episcopal visitations took place since the January 2024 Convention, with 189 adult confirmations, 49 youth confirmations, 127 receptions, 274 reaffirmations, one First Communion, two adult baptisms, three youth baptisms and seven infant baptisms.

“By Easter Sunday, a bishop will have been to 72 of our 80 congregations for an episcopal visit, celebration of new ministry or ordination service since beginning visitations in the fall of 2023 … The canons of The Episcopal Church require an episcopal visitation every three years, but my goal remains to visit our diocesan congregations in a shorter interval than that,” he said.

Retirement of Long-Tenured Lay Leaders

Holcomb then thanked three lay leaders who have recently stepped down from long-standing roles in the diocese: Mr. Guy Colado, Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation Board of Trustees; Mr. Milton Malespin, president of the Hispanic Cursillo Commission; and Mrs. Beverly Paulk, Diocesan Finance Commission, who have a combined total of 76 years of service.

Youth Ministry

Holcomb also expressed gratitude for the “renewed emphasis on youth ministry” in the diocese, noting that under the leadership of the three diocesan youth ministry coordinators – the Revs. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt, Kevin Bartle and Jared Jones – the diocese hosted three youth events in 2024: “Grounded,” “Soul in the City” and “New Beginnings.”

“Across the board, our youth events have significantly increased in attendance, and there are more diocesan churches represented,” he said, pointing attendees to their packets, which contained additional information about youth events for 2025. (Click here to access more information about diocesan youth ministries.)

Discernment Process

The bishop reported that while some dioceses are overjoyed to have five people in their discernment process, “I say with great pride that we are an exception, with almost 10 times that number.” In the past year, he presided at 11 ordination services, ordaining nine priests and five deacons. Currently, 47 are in the discernment process: nine discerning a call to the diaconate and 38 discerning a call to the priesthood. Of those 47 in the process, nearly half are women and one-fourth are persons of color.

Holcomb also took time to honor ordained leaders, asking those to stand who had been ordained 30 years or more, 20 years or more, 10 years or more before having the remaining clergy also stand and calling for applause to honor all.

Diocesan Support

Holcomb announced that for the first time in collective memory, the diocesan operating budget is “truly balanced” without utilizing unrestricted cash reserves as in years past. “I expect that this approach to stewardship will stabilize the diocese in the near term and allow us to strengthen our financial position and ministry reach in years to come,” he said. The bishop also announced the decision to close All Souls’ mission and stop allocating funding for its ongoing support. Multiple factors contributed to the situation (see “Faithfulness Is Not a Failure: The All Souls Journey” for details), and Holcomb emphasized that “This is not a failure – faithfulness is never a failure. The seeds planted in Horizon West will bear fruit in ways we cannot yet see.”

He again pointed to ICS and its website, both of which have been revamped over the past year through the efforts of the Vens. Julie Altenbach and John Motis, archdeacons, and Mr. Erik Guzman, director of communications. A partnership with Thirdmill Institute has expanded the ability of ICS to offer in-person classes with online learning opportunities as well.

Holcomb also lauded the new Safe Church Commission, saying, “Under the leadership of co-chairs Mother Audrey Sutton [rector at St. Barnabas, Deland] and Ms. Monica Taffinder [lay leader from the Cathedral in Orlando, Commission on Ministry member and former Standing Committee member], safe church training will become an intrinsic part of our diocesan DNA.” He reemphasized the work of GRACE in reviewing and revising diocesan safe church policies, which are currently being reviewed by the Commission and others in the diocese before they are made available to all.

Globally, the bishop said, he has been involved as a resource consultant to the Lambeth Phase 3 Steering Committee, focusing especially on safe church. He presented and led at the September Anglican Safe Church and Leadership Conference in Zimbabwe. He also said his wife, Lindsey, is leading a Bible study group on safe church issues for bishops’ spouses in the Anglican Communion with participants from four different continents. She will join him in the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras in February, where she and the bishop will teach on safe church for that diocese’s annual Convention.

Holcomb continued with a report on the status of Canterbury Retreat Center, which ceased operations on July 19, 2024, after attempts to increase income and decrease expenses failed to avert the financial crisis Holcomb first addressed only days after his consecration as bishop. However, he said, “We are planning to leverage the resource of Canterbury to ensure the long-term financial health of our diocese.” He emphasized that both the Real Estate Commission and the Diocesan Board are hard at work on this project, adding, “When things are finalized, I will communicate it to the diocese.”

The legacy of Canterbury will include a planned lowering of assessments, which the bishop said the diocese hopes to reduce to “at least 10% as soon as possible,” expressing gratitude to members of the Real Estate Commission, the Canterbury Board, the Finance Commission and the Diocesan Board of Directors for their continuing efforts.

‘For the Churches’

Holcomb continued his address with announcements regarding the diocesan staff, which he said is “a small axe surrounded by big trees,” in need of sharpening for maximum efficiency, adding that “the sharpening has begun.” Based on average Sunday attendance, he said, Central Florida is the eighth-largest diocese out of 110 in The Episcopal Church, and not only is it understaffed, but he discovered that staff members were also significantly underpaid compared to their peers in other dioceses. With consultation and recommendations of the Finance Commission and oversight of the Diocesan Board, the compensation rates have been improved.

He added that the issue of understaffing cannot be addressed until a later time because of the need to stabilize the diocese’s financial position, but he announced a shift in the position of Caprani, who has served as the bishop’s executive assistant since 2015. With the new title of Canon Sarah Caprani, she will become his chief of staff. (See this article for details).

In addition, the bishop acknowledged the contributions of the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith, his canon to the ordinary, and announced that the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust, rector of St. Andrew’s, Ft. Pierce, has agreed to join his team quarter-time. Brust will “focus his attention on transition ministry, searches and coaching for clergy,” Holcomb said, adding that an update to online documents, forms and procedures is coming as part of developing the new diocesan website, to be launched later this year.

He pointed back to his 2024 Diocesan Convention address, in which he spoke of “the glory of the impossible,” a willingness to sacrifice everything for the cause of Christ, and called the diocese to “stop the decline and grow.” He announced that in the past year, the diocese has grown 11% in average Sunday attendance.

“The decline stopped, and we have grown,” Holcomb said. “Let’s keep it up!” He also took time to share several stories of the gospel’s impact on lives across the diocese as reported in the following articles: “Beauty, Belief and Baptism: Gospel Emphasis Inspires Faith Commitments,” “Gospel Light Shines in Diocese of Central Florida.”

“The light of the gospel shines bright in Central Florida,” he said. “Praise God!” He urged those attending to “follow these examples in 2025,” “keep preaching the good news of God’s love and reconciliation in Christ” and “act on those nudges from the Holy Spirit,” calling the diocese to “a year of baptisms” and saying he would love to report on more stories from baptisms across the diocese at next year’s Convention.

Holcomb ended his address with a prayer based on the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” asking God to “prosper our work, defend us, sent us out with God’s mercy and make us to know beyond a shadow of doubt that he has befriended us with redeeming love.”

Watch Bishop Holcomb’s entire 2025 Convention address above or at this link.

Gratitude for Staff, Ordinands and Others

After a break, Holcomb took time to introduce and thank his diocesan staff, beginning with its newest member, Ms. Irene Safier, administrative assistant, who came to the diocese from her previous role as guest services manager at Canterbury Retreat Center. Find the names and titles of the entire staff at this link.

Smith returned to the podium to introduce newly ordained clergy and their sponsoring churches, with the list including two deacons, three transitional deacons and nine priests. He also asked any aspirants, postulants and candidates for ordination present to stand for recognition.

International Partners

Bishop Lloyd Allen

Holcomb then returned to the platform to introduce the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Diocese of Honduras, and his canon to the ordinary, the Rev. Connie Sanchez.

Allen began with greetings to his diocese’s longtime partner diocese, noting that the relationship between Honduras and Central Florida has existed for more than 40 years. He also praised Sanchez, saying she has “played a major role” in his diocese. Noting that Honduras celebrates Women’s Day on Jan. 25, he spent the bulk of his talk discussing an initiative from The Episcopal Church that is making a difference in his diocese: Saving with Education.

“This program focuses on educating women, empowering them to value themselves and teaching them financial skills,” he said, adding that SWE “illustrates a practical approach to empowerment.” He said the program “not only enhances women’s economic status but also actively works to change societal norms around gender-based violence. By fostering community solidarity and providing education on financial management and personal rights, the program contributes significantly to reducing domestic violence and empowering women in Honduras.”

Allen explained that his diocese has undertaken SWE because it is attempting to change the culture, asking the Diocese of Central Florida to “help us, pray for us” because his diocese “can’t do it alone.” He also asked for assistance in developing leaders for Honduras, the largest Episcopal diocese in Latin America, mentioning a desire to partner with Central Florida’s ICS and asking for “your support and prayers.”

When Holcomb returned to the platform, he immediately responded with affirmation for Allen’s requests, assuring him that the diocese will work out a way to partner its ICS site with Honduras and taking time to pray for the Honduran bishop and his diocese.

This segment of the Convention also included brief reports from the Rev. Loren and Mrs. Linda Fox, who have represented the diocese in Southeast Asia since 2017 as mission strategy consultant and member care coordinator for The Evangelical Mission Alliance, respectively; and the Rev. Stephen Dass, who, with his wife, Mary, has served in long-term missions to São Paulo, Brazil, since 2013, working with street children and youth. Holcomb said the diocese will hear more from both couples in the year ahead as well as at next year’s mission-focused Diocesan Convention.

Financials

The bishop announced that since the diocese is still closing out its 2024 books, the annual treasurer’s report will be presented to the Diocesan Board when complete and made available to members of the Convention afterward. He introduced Ms. Lena Combs, treasurer, to present the recommended 2025 Diocesan Operating Budget after a motion and second to approve it were made. She pointed out a decrease of approximately $30,500 in income budgeted in 2025 over the 2024 budget, representing a balanced budget based on an 11% assessment, the same as the previous year’s assessment percentage.

The 2025 budget, as Holcomb had previously explained, is a truly balanced budget; it was unanimously adopted by voice vote.

Test Vote

The morning’s final item of business was a test vote led by the Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, dean of the Northeast Deanery; rector of St. Mary’s, Daytona Beach; and chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections. He led the delegates in a test vote using the online VPOLL platform, with technical assistance provided by students from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, Fort Pierce. After this, the Very Rev. Julie Altenbach, archdeacon, made announcements and then Holcomb prayed over lunch, with preordered meals again ready for pickup in the parish hall and items also available from nearby food trucks. Delegates and guests could again eat either in the parish hall or in the outdoor tents provided.

Tribute to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith

The second plenary session began after lunch with Holcomb calling the Convention back to order. He shared a tribute to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith, the diocese’s former assisting bishop, who died on Oct. 26, 2024, giving thanks to God for his “wisdom, faith and tenderhearted care” as well as for “the knowledge that he is still with us as part of the church universal.”

Following his tribute, Holcomb led the assembly in a collect from the Book of Common Prayer.

Deanery Reports

Holcomb then announced the names of those who had served the five deaneries in leadership for 2024, noting that one of Bishop Smith’s primary roles was “the care and encouragement of our deans.” He referred those in attendance to the deanery reports in their convention packets, also available at this link.

The bishop did not announce results of deanery elections held prior to the Convention, but the new deans and presidents are as follows; deans and presidents not listed here remain as given in the deanery reports. The listed names can also be found with other election results at this link.

Central Deanery: President, Mr. Paul Kennedy.

Northeast Deanery: President, Mr. Richard Liner.

Northwest Deanery: Dean, the Very Rev. Matthew Perreault; president, Mrs. Betty Hensinger.

Southeast Deanery: Dean, the Very Rev. Wes Shields; president, Ms. Diane Hagan.

Elections

Holcomb next called Murbarger to return to the podium in his role as chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections to lead delegates through the voting process. Elections were held via VPOLL for each of the following, with results announced near the close of the Convention but listed here:

Resolutions

Once these elections concluded, Holcomb called upon Canon Smith to review the rules of debate for resolutions, which he did. Resolution R-1, “Reaffirming the Church’s Teaching on Racism,” presented and moved by the Latino Ministries Commission, was amended twice. After an extended discussion, it passed in its amended form. Find the entire text of the final resolution at this link.

Holcomb then called upon the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, rector of St. Jude’s, Orange City, and chair of the Diocese of Central Florida’s deputation at the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, to present and move the adoption of Resolution R-2, “Express Gratitude for Krisita Jackson,” a former member of the deputation and leader at St. John the Baptist, Orlando, and in both diocesan and national Daughters of the King, who died in December 2023. This resolution was previously passed at GC81 as Resolution A179. The resolution passed unanimously; its entire text can be found at this link.

Amendments

Mrs. Heather Rodríguez, member of the Diocese of Central Florida’s deputation at GC81 and wife of the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, rector of Christ the King and vicar of Jesús de Nazaret, both in Orlando, came forward to move the adoption of Amendment A-1, “An Equal Place in Governance,” designed to ensure an equal number of clergy and laity on the Standing Committee. After discussion, the amendment failed to pass.

Canon Smith then moved the adoption of Amendment A-2, “Deanery Dean and President Vacancies,” designed to give guidance on filling vacancies in these positions. The amendment passed without discussion; its entire text can be found at this link. Per the diocesan canons themselves, the canon charter may be amended by resolutions adopted by two-thirds majority votes at two successive Diocesan Conventions held at least 30 days apart. Amendment A-2 will thus come up for final vote in 2026.

Appointments

Holcomb then announced appointments to various boards and commissions as follows:

Canon Smith then announced that the 2026 Diocesan Convention will be held at a metropolitan Orlando convention center, with specifics to be announced later. This will allow for rooms, meals and meeting rooms all in one central location.

The Rev. Stephanie Soper, curate at Church of the Ascension, Orlando, then shared a memorial resolution for the 11 members of the diocesan clergy who died in the past year; a moment of silence was observed before the bishop offered a prayer.

Bales again led in worship on guitar and piano, and Holcomb closed out the day with a prayer and blessing before adjourning this year’s Convention.

Responses to the 56th Annual Convention

Mrs. Kathy Rodriguez, director of parish life and preschool ministry for Trinity, was involved in much of the pre-Convention planning. She said when the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, diocesan bishop, first asked about the possibility of their church hosting the Convention, her husband, the Rev. Chris Rodriguez, was “so honored and blessed.”

“Here at our church, in everything we do, we ask, ‘Is this the best thing we can do to give God glory?'” she said. “Our staff is amazing, and we all work together incredibly well.”

“We were pleased be able to host this,” said Trinity member Linda Sherman, one of the 50 volunteers who assisted before, during and after the Convention.

Mueller was equally delighted with the 2025 Convention. “The educational sessions offered at this year’s convention covered a menu of diverse topics of interest to any parish in our diocese. The content of those I attended was spot-on, presented in engaging format and appropriate in length, allowing adequate time for Q&A. I hope we see similar formats and expanded topics at future events.

“Another highlight of this year’s convention was the announcement appointing Sarah Caprani as canon and chief of staff for the bishop,” she continued. “Sarah has always been conscientious, cordial and cooperative in all clergy matters, and it was gratifying to see her contributions recognized in the company of her colleagues.”