The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, used a familiar phrase when he presided over his first ordination to the priesthood on Feb. 10 at Grace, Ocala: “Once a deacon, always a deacon.” This phrase is commonly used to remind ordinands that a new ordination does not cancel…

Mr. Roman Franklin joined the diocesan staff as its new diocesan financial officer and administrator on Jan. 17. He replaces former CFO and financial administrator Bayard Lee “Earl” Pickett, who retired in December 2022 after 25-plus years with the diocese. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb announced Franklin’s hiring and introduced him on Jan….

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the doors of All Saints, Winter Park, opened to approximately 425 clergy, laity, guests and volunteers for the 55th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida. Along with the excitement of gathering together as a diocesan family, the event carried with it a strong gospel emphasis that prevailed throughout…

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb appointed Canon Richard Davis Clark as canon acolyte warden on Jan. 28 at the 2024 General Meeting of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. The requisite for conferring the title of “canon” on any member of the laity is a long and valuable service to the church….

“As a deacon in the Church, you are to … make Christ and his redemptive love known” (Book of Common Prayer, 543). Not only was that phrase from the service for the ordination of a deacon used in the examination of seven Diocese of Central Florida transitional deacons on the evening of Jan. 11 at…

The Rev. Kevin Bartle, rector of St. Mary of the Angels, Orlando, officially began his position as one of three new youth ministry coordinators for the Diocese of Central Florida on Jan. 1. But thanks to a last-minute invitation, he attended a Province IV Youth Ministry Leadership and Network Meeting held Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at…

“Lord, what will you have me do?” This question, taken from the motto of The Order of the Daughters of the King, served as the impetus for a life lived to the glory of God. Krisita Anne Jackson, who died Dec. 1 at age 71 in an Orlando hospital, was a gifted lay leader whose…

The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, newly appointed by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb as part-time assisting bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has a unique view of the primary focus and goal of his role, which Holcomb described as “enhancing what my office can offer in terms of pastoral care and…

Gateway to Hope Ministries in Ocala is partnering with St. George, The Villages, and other area organizations to offer a Christmas party for 160 children, representing 70 families, on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at Gateway to Hope. The children invited to the party have a prior relationship with the food ministry, led by the…

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, has appointed three priests to serve as diocesan youth ministry coordinators. In addition to their current roles, the Rev. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt (Lower School chaplain of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne), the Rev. Kevin Bartle (rector of St. Mary of the Angels,…