Monday, September 9, 2013

Celebration of new ministries

The weekend of September 7, 2013 was an active one for the Diocese of Southeast Florida. On Saturday, September 7, the Reverend Mark Andrew Jones, BSG, was inducted as the third rector of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Pompano Beach. Several members of the diocesan clergy were there to celebrate with him, as well as the Right Reverend Leo Frade who led the induction. Click here for more photos from the event. 


On Sunday, September 8, 2013 the Diocese of Southeast Florida welcomed Deacon Hal Hurley to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach. Deacon Hurley's former rector, Reverend Dr. William Guthrie preached the sermon, and Canon Winston Joseph welcomed him with open arms. Click here to see more photo from this event. 


We welcome both clergy members to their new position in the Diocese of Southeast Florida! 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Youth Convention 2013

The youth of the Diocese of Southeast Florida are vital to its success. Without young people, the future of all Episcopal churches just does not seem as bright. Last weekend, the Youth Commission gathered with the middle and high schoolers of the Diocese for the 2013 Youth Convention. An all-day affair, students engaged in workshops, team building, and much needed conversation with the adults in the diocese. Most came away with a renewed sense of purpose, and tools that they could use within and outside of their church. Others just enjoyed the company of those around them. The youth also engaged in a service project in which they designed backpacks and pouches with Episcopal Charities. 

All youth participants
Toward the end of the day the new Youth Commission officers were elected. The board for the 2013 - 2014 year is:

  • President - Eva Ortez, Holy Cross
  • Vice President - Roger Villatoro, Holy Cross
  • Secretary - Tonie Renaud, Resurrection
  • Administrative Assistant - Savannah Bayer, St. Mary Magdalene
Congratulations to all participants, coordinators, and facilitators on a successful convention! 

Youth Commission Officers 2013-14

To view all photos click here.


Friday, August 2, 2013

Iglesia Episcopal Santa Cruz Celebrates Transition



On Friday, July 26, 2013, Holy Cross, in Miami celebrated "The Last Dance" as the church transitions from one location to the next. Close to 100 people attended to congratulate and thank the parish whose building stood at the 36th Street location for many years. Along with bountiful food and drinks, the entertainment provided a party atmosphere for attendees to dance the night away. The history of the church was provided by Senior Warden Patricia Quintana, and Reverend Jose Ortez thanked everyone and asked for prayers and guidance. Father Alberto Cutie provided a message of transition to the parishioners in attendance that evening. He is excited to be hosting the parish at Resurrection in Biscayne Park, during the transition. 


Sunday morning, July 28, 2013 the church held the "first dance" of the transition. Archdeacons Hobbs, Brutell, and Bazin were present to provide words of comfort, along with the passionate sermon given by the parish Rector, Reverend Ortez. Archdeacon Hobbs said that change is most certainly scary but it's also good. "When you follow your dreams and follow your faith...it's all good. Fear lets you see God's presence. You should be a little scared. Wherever you are now, just know it will be a little better." 

Interim services for Holy Cross will be held at Church of the Resurrection, 11173 Griffing Blvd. in Biscayne Park beginning this Sunday, August 4, 2013. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m.

View photos from both events here.

Friday, June 28, 2013

A Day At The Movies

Bishop Frade along with his wife and several other members of the clergy, were invited to  a screening of the upcoming movie, "The Conjuring". This event, which took place Thursday June 28, at the AMC theaters of the Dolphin Mall, was held to seek the community's reaction on a true event, and the perspective of the church on exorcism

Ten minutes before the movie started Bishop Frade gave the movie watchers and critics a comforting message that God is always with us, and ended with the humorous blessing of a Demon Protection Kit which was giving to everyone present.The contained holy water, a rosary and a prayer with St. Michael the archangel. 

After the movie the Bishop said "I will recommend to everyone who is going to watch the movie to bring with them pampers, because it scares us by reminding us that we are humans and this event as it happened to the Perron family can happened to any of us, that is why our best protection will always be God."

Check out some of the pics here


Writing by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern 


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

A Fitting Tribute for The Reverend Canon Chip Stokes

The evening began with Evening Prayer, but continued, and ended with a celebration fit for a Bishop-elect! The Reverend Canon William "Chip" Stokes worshipped with the community on the evening of Monday, June 10, 2013 at his parish, St. Paul's Episcopal in Delray Beach. Beginning in August, Reverend Stokes and his wife Susan, will call Trenton, New Jersey home as he begins his new position within the Episcopal Church as the Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey. 
The Reverend Canon Chip Stokes

Those paying tribute to the Bishop-elect on Monday were not only those from his parish and the Diocese of Southeast Florida, but the community of Delray Beach, Florida. Leaders of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Bahai faiths all brought prayers and and kind words from their communities in addition to other local organizations. Those from within the diocese spoke warmly of their relationship with Canon Stokes, including Diocesan Bishop Leo Frade, who gave his well-wishes and provided specific advice with a humorous twist. Click here to see the photos from the event, and feel free to leave your comments as well-wishes for Canon Stokes. Sunday, July 14, 2013 will be Bishop-elect Stokes last Sunday at St. Paul's in Delray. We wish him well!

Read a recent article here from nj.com about the Stokes transition to New Jersey.


Monday, June 3, 2013

Bishop Confirms at Holy Cross

A few photos taken at Holy Cross, on Sunday, June 2, 2013 during Bishop Leo Frade's visit for confirmations! Bishop Frade shares a moment with two of Holy Cross' smallest parishioners. The photographer captured the brief moment in time. 

Congratulations to all confirmed, and blessings for the little ones!


Photos provided by Roger Villatoro

Daughters of the King installation



Photo Credit/Provided by: Fr. Jack Stanton

The Order of the Daughters of the King, Julia Tuttle Chapter of DOK, admitted six new members on Sunday, June 2, 2013. The Order also transferred one new member to this chapter. Ruth Foss (center, in blue)  is the Diocesan President of the Order of the Daughters of the King in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Other DOK members came from around the diocese to support the new chapter and new members.  More details of this story coming soon!

Ordination of Eliza Ragsdale


Photo Credit: Mary Cox
Friday evening, May 31, 2013, The Reverend Eliza Ragsdale was ordained to the sacred order of deacons. The service, held at Trinity Cathedral, was well attended by family, friends and well-wishers. Diocesan Bishop Leo Frade presided over the service that began at 7:30 in the evening. Reverend Ragsdale joins her husband Reverend Bob Trache in the priesthood, who celebrated his 35th priest ordination in January. 

View a few photos here taken and obtained by Mary Cox and Rev. Eliza Ragsdale.

The Rev. Canon William "Chip" Stokes Elected Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey


Photo Credit: Dot Cellini 
On Saturday, May 4, 2013, The Reverend Canon William "Chip" H. Stokes, of St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, was elected as the Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey. Out of nine nominees Stokes, age 56, was elected by a majority in each of the lay and clergy orders on the fifth ballot. 

After elected, Stokes released a statement in which he shared how honored and grateful he was about becoming a bishop, and how he was looking forward to meeting the lay people of his new diocese. "I look forward to getting to know them and journeying with them hand in hand as we all respond to God’s call to us to love and serve one another, the communities in which we are placed and the wider church and world."

The Right Reverend Leo Frade, Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida, shared warm wishes with Rev. Stokes and offered these words: “We are honored that one of our priests has been elected as the Bishop of New Jersey. Even though we are losing one of the top priests of Southeast Florida, we rejoice that the Diocese of New Jersey and the House of Bishops of our Episcopal Church is receiving a person with the outstanding qualities that a Bishop must embody. The Rev. William “Chip” Stokes is a hardworking and outstanding pastor, preacher, theologian, and leader. We will miss him and his wife Susan.” 

St. Paul’s, Delray Beach along with the people of the Diocese of Southeast Florida are proud of Rev. Stokes progress, and will continue praying for him and his ministry. 

For timely updates, schedules, and next steps at St. Paul’s, visit their website: www.stpaulsdelray.org. Visit www.bishopsearchnj.org/news for updates from the Diocese of New Jersey regarding information about bishop-elect Stokes, and click here for the Diocese of Southeast Florida's press release. 



Writing by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

More than a Mere Trifle


Summited & written by Louisa Beckett 


All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Jensen Beach hosted a delightful “Tea with Mother Goose and Friends” on April 13. Ninety-six people (many of them women wearing elaborate hats) attended this highly popular annual event. The tea party raised more than $2,800, which will benefit All Saints’ T.R.U.E (Toward the Relief of Unusual Emergencies) Fund, an outreach program that helps individuals and families in crisis, as well as the restoration fund for this 105-year-old, Carpenter Gothic church.

Photo Credit: Louisa Beckett
All Saints’ Annual Tea got its start a decade ago, when British-born parishioner Iris Langran hosted a traditional English high tea for her church’s rector, the Rev. W. Frisby Hendricks III, and members of the Vestry. Father Frisby, as he is affectionately known, commented, “I wish we could do this at the church.” The rest is delicious history.

This year’s tea was the result of a church-wide effort between many of All Saints’ ministries and talented individuals. The “Mother Goose and Friends” theme was beautifully illustrated by an array of wall hangings depicting Mother Goose nursery rhymes. Women’s Fellowship member Diane Dougiello spent several months creating the artwork, which included a near-life-size Humpty Dumpty atop the proverbial wall.

One section of the parish hall was devoted to a large “Chinese auction” featuring an assortment of goods ranging from picnic baskets and beach paraphernalia to an antique Shirley Temple doll. Also on display was a hand-sewn “Teacup Quilt” that was donated by a parishioner as a raffle prize. Langran, Chairperson of the Annual Tea, awarded the prizes to lucky winners during the event.

The tea party was a three-course affair served by Father Frisby, the “Maître d’”, and 23 other volunteers in black tie. They poured countless cups of tea – brewed to perfection by “tea guru” Bill Winsemann – from an eclectic assortment of teapots. The guests, seated at tables that were each laid with a different china pattern, nibbled crustless finger sandwiches, followed by cookies and scones with Devonshire clotted cream. Five volunteers, the “scullery maids”, labored unseen in the parish hall kitchen filling three-tiered trays with the tasty treats.

The highlight of the All Saints’ Annual Tea was the Trifle Walk. One by one, servers bearing large glass footed bowls filled with trifle, a British dessert made with layers of sponge cake, custard and fruit, paraded down the center of the room. Guests at the tea later agreed the creamy delicacy tasted every bit as good as it looked.

Friday, April 19, 2013

St. Andrew's 50th Anniversary

The Third Sunday of Easter, April 14, 2013, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church celebrated 50 years of ministry in the community of Palmetto Bay. The religious ceremony was lead by The Right Rev. Leo Frade who also received the newly confirmed and those celebrating their first communion. 

The ceremony was honored with the presence of retired Bishop Calvin Schofield, who also celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priesthood in January. Bishop Schofield is St. Andrew's first priest, and visits often. The current Rector is Rev. Spencer Potter.

The celebration ended with a beautiful luncheon in the church's parish hall.







View all photos here. 

Writing by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Incarnation's Christmas Pageant


Photo Credit: Marvin Elliot Ellis 

The first Sunday after Christmas Day, December 31st, 2012 the Church of Incarnation celebrated their Christmas Pageant. This pageant invited the kids to share their talents with the congregation. One of the performances of the day was a musical selection in piano and trumpets by a group of brothers in the congregation. The performers were, (piano) David Cheeseborough Jr. an 11th grader at Everglades High School and (trumpets) 11 year old fraternal twins, Justin and Jordan Cheeseborough, 6th graders at Glades Middle School. This family of musicians did a beautiful performance that not only showcase their talents, but also made everyone there feel the Christmas spirit.

Written by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern 

Future Focus Ministry

Photo Credit: Becky Walter

Future Focus is a new ministry started by Mrs. Cyd Wright at St. Christopher's Church, Fort Lauderdale.  This ministry provides assistance to high school students to better prepare them for higher education and future careers. This will help them take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them. Mrs. Wright is building partnerships with the students and their parents, and she believes that as the students attend and participate in the Focus sessions, they will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to become the best and reach their goals. Wright says, "The schools are able to provide some guidance, but ultimately the responsibility belongs to their parents and our church." St. Christopher's believes that this can be the start for many other churches to also create the Future Focus ministry, to help the youth of the church.  

Some of the topics in the program include how to prepare for the ACT and SAT, research and apply for colleges, scholarships and grants, and complete FASFA.

Written by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Forma Conference



Photo Credit: Rev. Cynthia Gill 

The Rev'd Cynthia Gill, from St Mary Magdalene, Coral Springs attended the Forma Conference with Krisan Lamberti and the Rev'd Jo-Ann Murphy, from St Stephen's, Coconut Grove.The conference was Wednesday through Friday, January 30th -February 1st, at the Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. The theme was Falling Upward, and the Keynote speaker was Fr. Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation. 




Written by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern




















St. Agnes 115th Anniversary

Photo Credit: Marvin Ellis 
The parish of Saint Agnes Episcopal Church celebrated its annual patronal festival celebration and its one hundredth and fifteenth anniversary on Sunday, January 27, 2013. The guest preacher was the Reverend Father Jonathan G.A. Archer, Rector at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Long Island, Bahamas. Archer gave an energetic and passionate message which filled everyone present. The mass was a beautiful ceremony blessed with joy and harmony. The celebration ended with a brunch at the church's hall.

Happy 115th Anniversary, St. Agnes Episcopal Church!


Written by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Special Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life at Incarnation


Photo Credit: Marvin Ellis 

On Sunday January 20, 2013, The Church of the Incarnation celebrated their annual service Commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration was also coordinated by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the LINKS, Inc., Greater Miami Chapter. The celebration was full of guests but the main speakers were Mr. Calvin Hughes and his wife Bacardi L. Jackson, Esq. The couple, whom together have two sons and daughter, were not only invited because of their honorable positions in the South Florida community but also for their active involvement with many civic and charitable organizations.


Emmy award-winning newscaster Calvin Hughes is the co-anchor of the afternoon and evening news on Local Channel 10, WPLG-TV. Hughes was the first one on the podium and he not only gave a warm introduction to the ceremony in commemoration of King's life but also to his beautiful wife who was the keynote speaker of the day. Mr. Hughes is well known for his special report after the disastrous  earthquake that struck Haiti, which in 2011 allowed him to be voted by the Miami New Times as Miami's Best TV News Anchor. Hughes is very active in the community serving as the vice-chair of the Pembroke Pines Board of the YMCA, and together with his wife hosts an annual children's holiday party at the Miami rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Center. Calvin Hughes has become an example of success and humility in the Miami community.


The keynote speaker Bacardi Jackson is an attorney with the Tucker law Group, LLC, an African American-American-owned, AV-rated law firm based on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and South Florida. She serves as counsel and as the managing attorney for the firm's South Florida practice. Throughout her address Jackson made the point "love is the purpose. We have to strengthen love because there is still much more to do in our country and in this world."Bacardi is an active member of the community by still being involve with the Legal Services in Greater Miami, the Community foundation of Broward and The LINKS, Inc., to name a few. Jackson ended with "There should be no freedom for any unless there is freedom for all."

The ceremony concluded with a beautiful reception at the church's hall.



Written by:

Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern

Monday, January 28, 2013

Fr. Trache 35th Ordination Anniversary


The Rev. Father Bob Trache's 35th Priest Ordination was celebrated Sunday January 13, 2013. Fr. Trache is the Rector and Head of School at St. Mark's Ft. Lauderdale. Congratulations Fr. Trache!!!


Written by:

Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern

Friday, January 25, 2013

Reyes Magos



On January 6, the first Sunday of Epiphany, Trinity Cathedral was visited by "The Kings" or more precisely known as "Los Tres Reyes Magos." This year they had four Kings, which included two boys and and two girls. This was because the book of Matthew does not specify how many there were, nor does he say they were kings. The ceremony not only inspired the kids to dress up but also to better understand the history behind this tradition, celebrated every year by the Hispanic community. 

Written by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern

A New Deacon in the Family!


Reverend Ralph Gerard Klingenberg was ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral in Miami.  This beautiful ceremony was also celebrated with the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle, which was presided by  Southeast Florida retired Bishop The Rev. Calvin O. Schofield, Jr. The night ended with a warm reception in the Cathedral Hall. Congratulations Deacon Klingenberg!!!!

Click here for event pictures. 


Written by:

Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern

Friday, January 4, 2013

The Bible Challenge


Greetings, 

As you may know, last summer at the General Convention, a challenge was given to all Episcopalians--to read the Bible. I know this may sound insignificant, as most of us read on a daily basis; but how often do we really get the chance to study and really commit to this spiritual practice?

At our diocesan convention, we welcomed the Reverend Marek Zabriskie, the founder of The Bible Challenge. He and the team at The Center for Biblical Studies have developed a program that hopes to transform our lives in 365 days with this wonderful journey. According to Marek, "The Bible Challenge encourages participants to embark on a fantastic exchange of faith and spirit, and to engage with those Biblical stories that never seem to be read aloud in church." This a very exciting endeavor, and I hope that you will decide to join the diocese as we launch into this adventure.

As a diocese, I would like for us to join the challenge, if you have not already done so. Some parishes have already begun and would like to share their schedule. You will find everything you need to begin below. You may choose to take on the challenge individually, or with your parish. Materials are provided in English and Spanish. French is forthcoming.

Let's blog together , and let me know how you plan to rise to the The Bible Challenge.

May the God of peace be with you.

Blessings,
+Leo Frade
Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida



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