2025
Psalm 51 and Ash Wednesday: A Reflection
February 27, 2025
By: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb Catagory:
Psalm 51 and Ash Wednesday: A Reflection
Lent begins with the trace of ashes and the somber words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 265). It is a season of repentance, reflection and renewal. But it is not merely a time for self-examination – it is an invitation to return to the…
2025
Light of Resilience
February 24, 2025
By: Rayana Blackwood Catagory:
Light of Resilience
Editor’s note: The following poem with original artwork, both by Rayana Blackwood, is republished with permission from “The Bridge Builder,” newsletter of St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce. Blackwood’s creations came in response to a request from the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust, rector at St. Andrew’s, that students at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy write about their understanding…
2025
Annual Absalom Jones Event Calls Attendees to Action
February 23, 2025
By: Rebecca Taylor Catagory:
Annual Absalom Jones Event Calls Attendees to Action
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Church of Our Savior Palm Bay hosted the annual diocesan celebration of Absalom Jones, the first Black Episcopal priest. This year’s event, “In the Spirit of the Sankofa: Shaping Our Tomorrow,” drew 119 attendees for a day of worship, reflection and a call to action. The Rev. Dr. Mark A. Jefferson,…
2025
‘Faithfulness Is Not a Failure’: The All Souls Journey
February 20, 2025
By: Marti Pieper Catagory:
‘Faithfulness Is Not a Failure’: The All Souls Journey
“This is not a failure – faithfulness is never a failure.” The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb used these words in making a difficult announcement during his address to delegates and honored guests at the 2025 Diocesan Convention at Trinity, Vero Beach: The Diocesan Board allocated no funding for All Souls’ mission in 2025,…
2025
Canon Sarah Caprani Named Bishop’s Chief of Staff
February 18, 2025
By: Shawn A. Akers Catagory:
Canon Sarah Caprani Named Bishop’s Chief of Staff
In many ways, both the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb and Canon Sarah Caprani feel as if she has already been performing the role of chief of staff for the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida – just without the title. But that no longer is the case. Caprani’s exemplary work with…
2025
‘For the Churches, for the Gospel’ Shapes 2-Day 2025 Diocesan Convention
February 11, 2025
By: Marti Pieper Catagory:
‘For the Churches, for the Gospel’ Shapes 2-Day 2025 Diocesan Convention
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…
2025
The Creepy, Mysterious and Interesting History of Valentine’s Day
February 10, 2025
By: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb Catagory:
The Creepy, Mysterious and Interesting History of Valentine’s Day
Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is a major staple of American culture. Few know much about its history, however. Some dismiss Feb. 14 as a “Hallmark holiday” created to indulge the consumerist habits of wealthy Americans; others disdain it as overly romantic and serving little purpose. Yet for the majority of Americans, Valentine’s…
2025
Diocesan CFO to Serve on Church Pension Group Client Council
February 4, 2025
By: Nina Keck Catagory:
Diocesan CFO to Serve on Church Pension Group Client Council
Roman Franklin, CFO for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the Client Council of the Church Pension Group. “I am honored to have a seat at the table to participate in discussions with the decision makers of CPG,” said Franklin. “I’m honored to have the opportunity…
2025
Camp Wingmann’s Winter Camp Builds Connections for Christ
January 17, 2025
By: Marti Pieper Catagory:
Camp Wingmann’s Winter Camp Builds Connections for Christ
Winter Camp at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park has a different theme every year, but according to camp executive director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph, the camp maintains the same focus: building gospel-based connections. The recent Winter Camp, which took place the weekend of Dec. 27-29, had the theme “Total Surrender” and revealed the many ways Winter…
2025
Diocese Active in Addressing Immigration Concerns for Clergy, Congregations
January 15, 2025
By: Marti Pieper Catagory:
Diocese Active in Addressing Immigration Concerns for Clergy, Congregations
Regardless of politics, the topic of immigration has become one of increasing concern in both the U.S. and the state of Florida. Now, the factors surrounding this issue are having direct impact on clergy and congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. According to the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith, canon to the ordinary,…