Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage by Bishop Felipe J. Estévez

June 26, 2015

The U.S. Supreme Court got it wrong today when it redefined marriage and now forces states to license and recognize marriages between two persons of the same sex. Man and woman were designed by God for each other, and only a man and woman can form a union that brings forth children. Read More

Pope Francis Releases Encyclical on Ecology

June 17, 2015

Context for the Encyclical: Continuity of Teaching Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology follows and expands on Catholic teaching about care for God’s creation. This teaching has a foundation in the Bible’s call to stewardship of the natural world. Both Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II, the two prior pontiffs, spoke frequently about ecology, and both addressed climate change directly. And Pope Francis will not be the first pope to appeal to national leaders to address climate issues through the UN process. Read More

The Sisters of St. Joseph Welcome Grace Ford to the Novitiate

June 12, 2015

On Sunday, June 7, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sister Grace Ford was received into the Novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Fla. Read More

Gov. Rick Scott signs bill removing ban on adoption by same-sex couples

June 12, 2015

**UPDATE** - Governor Scott has signed HB 7013 into law. Click the link below to let the governor know you are disappointed with his action on this bill. BACKGROUND: HB 7013 was passed by the Florida legislature during the regular legislative session and was signed into law by Governor Scott on Thursday, June 11. In addition to providing adoption incentives for state employees, HB 7013 was amended to strike from Florida law a long-standing prohibition on adoption by homosexual persons. Read More

Catholic bishops of Florida laud establishment of reflection period prior to abortion

June 11, 2015

Late in the afternoon on Wednesday, June 10, HB 633 was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. This new law ensures that a woman who seeks an abortion in Florida receives 24 hours to reflect on information provided by a physician before proceeding with the termination of her pregnancy. This good legislation gives women one day to reflect upon the risks of abortion, one day to view the image of her unborn child’s ultrasound, and one day to consult with friends, family and faith. Read More

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine begins new weekday devotions June 8

June 9, 2015

Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament leads off new Monday through Friday devotions at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine – America’s First Catholic Parish, beginning Monday, June 8. The Cathedral Basilica is located at 38 Cathedral Place on the north side of the Plaza de la Constitución. Read More

Queen of Peace students gain insight into life as a Catholic Gator

June 4, 2015

By Elena Castello When the big, yellow school bus arrived in the parking lot of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Gainesville, Fla., the five volunteers inside Hurley Hall eagerly awaited the students’ arrival. The volunteers were told that sixth graders from Queen of Peace Catholic Academy would be coming for a few hours to meet some of the Catholic Gators and learn how they live their faith daily on campus. Read More

Bishop Felipe Estévez Appoints New Superintendent of Catholic Schools

June 2, 2015

by Kathleen Bagg Bishop Felipe J. Estévez has appointed Deacon Scott J. Conway, M.Ed., of Spring Hill, Fla., as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The diocese encompasses 17 counties of north Florida and has 30 high-performing schools with a total Catholic school enrollment of 10,710. His appointment is effective July 1, 2015. Read More