The Diocese of St. Augustine honored Bishop Felipe Estévez by hosting an 80th birthday celebration for him at San Jose Catholic Parish in Jacksonville on April 30.

Bishops, priests, deacons and lay people from across the diocese and the state took part in the festive occasion, as well as many members of his family.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami served as celebrant for the Mass held in memorial of the Feast of St. Pius V and Bishop Erik Pohlmeier offered the homily where he focused on Bishop Estévez’s constant striving to abandon himself into the Lord’s hands and how that has guided him throughout his years and continues to this day.

“Bishop Estévez has been a great grace to all of us,” Archbishop Wenski said. “This is a man of great spirituality, of prayer, and of great integrity, and one that we have been blessed to have in our presence for all these years.”

According to Deacon Peter Dang, one of the fruits of Estévez’s time in the Diocese of St. Augustine continues to be the number of seminarians currently in the diocese, which reflects his dedication to vocations.

Father Manuel Puga and Bishop Estévez have maintained a close relationship over the years, who Puga regards as a mentor, and they talk to each other over phone nearly every day.

“Thank you for believing in the power of the seed, which is planting and tending to the word of God,” Father Puga said. “Thank you for teaching us to always see the good side of things and the good side of people.”

One of the aspects that he mentioned that made Bishop Estévez connect deeply with people was his smile that Puga stated has brightened so many people’s days over the years and mentioned that even his sister has the iconic “Estévez smile,” so it must run in the family.

“It was not just his face, his soul is always smiling,” Puga said.

Another who views Bishop Estévez as a mentor is Bishop William Wack of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee who could not attend the celebration but sent his congratulations via video message.

“It’s an honor to be your brother in the episcopacy,” Bishop Wack said. “I learned a lot from you and thank you so much for mentoring me when I came here eight and a half years ago. I still have a lot to learn, and I would love to be a bishop like you one day.”  

The crowd that filled the San Jose parish hall wrapped up the special night with the singing of happy birthday, both in English and Spanish as it reverberated through the hall.

“After listening to all these presentations given out of love, I know that I am a very blessed man, having been chosen to be a priest, chosen to be a bishop,” Bishop Estévez said. “It is a great privilege to serve God’s people.”

Photos by Fran Ruchalski

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Smiles, joy and faith, are the three words to best describe the Diocese of St. Augustine’s Second Annual FAMILY FEST, which took place on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine on April 25.

There was something for the entire family to do at the event, which was organized by the offices of family life, human life & dignity, and the youth & young adult ministry, from sand, blocks and face-painting for younger children to a “teen hut” providing a dedicated space where teens could enjoy.

According to Robin Shipley, director of the diocese youth & young adult ministry, said that the teens were very appreciative of the “teen hut” and having a place to call their own where they could interact with other teens during the event.

There were also many interactive inflatable activities for families to take part in, including an obstacle course, a baseball hitting cage, golf and a human foosball area.

In the midst of all the family fun were the constant reminders of God’s love on display throughout the day and His constant presence in our lives, which can sometimes get busy, but FAMILY FEST allowed families to reflect on what it truly means to be a family and how it is one of God’s greatest gifts.

One of the special moments Maureen Shilkunas, director of the diocese human life and dignity office, witnessed was when she saw a child take a piece of paper she was coloring with an image of a chalice on it and lift the paper up in the air just as she said she had seen Bishop Pohlmeier do during Mass earlier in the day.

“That was just a reminder that the day meant so much more,” Shilkunas said.

The event started with Mass, had feature speakers Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford share their testimony, and ended with a Eucharistic Procession led by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier through the shrine grounds and adoration on the event stage.

Multiple priests concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Pohlmeier and were available to hear confessions. Deacon Angel Sanchez assisted in helping the young altar servers during both the Mass and Eucharistic Procession.

There were many different types of families that attended the event, from large and small in size to foster families, and even couples who were not yet married or had children.

Mike Day, director of the diocese family life office, noticed the large number of families that chose to follow along with the Eucharistic Procession.

“The significance of that hit me,” Day said. “It reflected the entire day, with each family allowing Christ to be truly present in their lives. That is something that resonates with both young and old.”

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Father Alberto Esposito, affectionately known as Father Al, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood and Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville will hold a special celebration for him to commemorate the occasion Friday, May 1.

The celebration will include a special Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by a short but special musical program and reception.

Father Esposito, a classically trained violinist, loves music of all types, and the program will feature several different songs that are parish favorites, as parishioners hope to show their appreciation and love for their pastor. 

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree in music from Yale University, he began his professional music career and the call to the priesthood became continually stronger.

He responded to the call and entered Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in 1995 and was ordained a priest in the Diocese of St. Augustine by Bishop John J. Snyder in 2001.

His first assignment as a priest was at Queen of Peace before serving as parochial vicar at San Jose Catholic Church in Jacksonville and pastor at Santa Maria del Mar in Flagler Beach.

However, eight years ago he returned to Queen of Peace appointed as its pastor.

“When he came back, it’s like he was back home after 15 years,” said Glen Vassou, Queen of Peace parish administrator.

Vassou first met Father Esposito during his first stint at Queen of Peace and the two never lost touch and picked up right where they left off decades later.

“The beauty is that he’s never changed who he is,” Vassou said. He is still that passionate, caring and joyful personality he has always had. He’s one of those people that as soon as you get to know him, you’re now friends for life, and people are drawn to that.”

According to Vassou, the Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) program, which is a spiritual renewal weekend designed for Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as many Bible studies have been created since Father Esposito returned eight years ago. The construction of a new family life center has also taken place during that time.

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The Diocese of St. Augustine will celebrate the ordination of four men to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jacksonville. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will serve as the principal celebrant.

The men preparing to be ordained—Justino Moreno, Ken Laybourn, Steven Henderson and Stephen Parker—come from different backgrounds and stages of life, but each has responded to the same call to serve Christ and his Church.

Their journeys reflect the many ways God works in the lives of those he calls.

Moreno, who once worked in banking, returned to the Catholic faith after years of searching and encountered Christ in a way that redirected his life. Laybourn first felt called to the priesthood as a child and, after time away, found that the desire never left him.

Henderson, a Navy veteran and business professional, discovered his vocation later in life and chose to pursue it fully after years of discernment. Parker, who built a career in finance, ultimately followed a persistent sense that God was calling him to something more.

Together, their stories highlight a common truth: a vocation to the priesthood is not one-size-fits-all. It is a personal response to God’s invitation, shaped through prayer, discernment and the support of the Church.

The ordination Mass is open to the public, and the faithful are encouraged to attend and pray for these men as they begin their priestly ministry.

Join us at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11757 Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville.

For more information about vocations in the Diocese of St. Augustine, contact Father Clay Ludwig, director of vocations at, vocationdirector@dosafl.com.

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St. Luke Parish in Middleburg hosted the event, which has been recognizing individuals and their service to parish and school formation programs since 2014.

It was fitting that there were eight awardees this year, as Sister Celinie was one of the original eight religious Sisters of St. Joseph who came to Florida at the request of Bishop Augustine Verot in the 1870s to help educate the African American population in the North Florida area.

This year’s award winners:

Dr. Jack Daniels – Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Peg DeCurtins – St. Mary, Mother of Mercy

Georgeanne Donnelly – St. Luke

Kathleen Drop – Mary, Queen of Heaven

Diane Foley – San José

Lisa McQuagge – Queen of Peace

Deacon Doug Nullet – Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Regina Taylor Murphy – St. Pius V

According to Erin McGeever, director of Christian formation with the Diocese of St. Augustine, together, the eight have provided more than 170 years of service to the faithful at their respective parishes and schools.

Kathleen Drop has been helping in Christian formation at Mary, Queen of Heaven in Jacksonville for 36 years, and was asked by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, how soon after the church was built after she started and she responded, “the year it was built,” as she has been a fixture at the parish since its inception.

The Sisters of St. Joseph were on hand and offered the event’s invocation, while Bishop Pohlmeier presented the awards and thanked them for the work they have done to grow the Church and spread God’s love.

Photos by Fran Ruchalski

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The shared history of St. Augustine’s Minorcan community will take center stage Thursday, May 7, during a special St. Augustine History Festival presentation at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios.

“The Orthodox and Catholic Minorcans of St. Augustine” will be held in the Father López Meeting Room of the Pilgrim Center, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Light refreshments begin at 5 p.m., followed by the lecture at 5:30 p.m. The program is co-hosted by the Archives & Records Management Office of the Diocese of St. Augustine and the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.

The evening will offer a dynamic dual lecture examining the religious experiences of the Orthodox and Catholic Minorcans of St. Augustine during the Revolutionary War, shedding light on a chapter of local history that reflects both hardship and perseverance. Organizers say the presentation will help participants better understand the faith traditions that shaped Minorcan life and the lasting influence of that community on the nation’s oldest city.

Guest speakers for the program are Katy Lockard, director of Archives and Records Management for the diocese, and Archon Carl R. Hollister, executive director of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. Together, they will offer insight into the intertwined histories of Catholic and Orthodox Minorcans and the significance of their witness in St. Augustine’s past.

A highlight of the evening will be the rare viewing of the Golden Book of the Minorcans, described as a powerful connection to this unique and enduring history. The opportunity to see the book adds a special dimension to the event and gives attendees a tangible link to the people and stories being discussed.

The presentation is part of the 2026 St. Augustine History Festival and is expected to appeal to anyone interested in local history, Church history, the Minorcan community and the longstanding relationship between Catholic and Orthodox Christians in St. Augustine.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Reservations may be made through Eventbrite by visiting MinorcanOrthodoxCatholic.eventbrite.com. For additional details, contact Katy Lockard at klockard@dosafl.com.  

Click here to see the event flyer.

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Key Buick GMC Hyundai and North Florida Lincoln return as presenting sponsors of this fundraiser for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors.

The community’s hub is located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road. It was named in honor of the late Bishop John J. Snyder. Many of the activities and services for the 110 senior residents are held at the center, which doesn’t receive HUD assistance. The complex is managed by Family Housing Management Company for the Diocese of St. Augustine.

The event is free, while day-of-show vehicle registration is $25. There will be a DJ, refreshments and plenty of door prizes. 

Last year’s 10th anniversary show had 80 vehicles from various eras competing for awards in 12 classes. The show raised a record $13,000 for the center. A full-scale custom build 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle, from Visual FX in Green Cove Springs, was judged Best of Show.

The San Jose Apartments board of directors and staff also secured support from additional sponsors and received generous donations at the show to propel this annual fundraiser over the $85,000 mark in total funding since its inaugural show in 2016.

A potential record turnout of more than 100 vehicles at this year’s event could push total earnings over the $100,000 mark.

Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company, is appreciative of the support given to San Jose Apartments and the Bishop Snyder Center.

“Going into our 11^th year is amazing; it shows the resilience of a great show and those that come year after year to support it,’’ Ballard said. “The show is like a family gathering to raise much-needed resources for such a worthy cause.

“The Snyder Community Center brings a sense of community and the social engagement of our most vulnerable — our seniors,’’ Ballard said. “I am so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the future. We are blessed!’’

Ballard and the board have done an outstanding job securing and retaining sponsorships on all levels.

“We couldn’t do without our sponsors,’’ Ballard said. “You get ‘X’ amount of cars attending the show, but the true funds come in from the sponsors, who are friends, people that have heard about us or people within the community. They understand the need and they’re just so open and willing to support it. I don’t even have to just say, ‘Are you willing to do it again next year?’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah, sure.’ It’s amazing.’’

In an area of the state that perennially has a crowded spring car calendar, the San Jose Car & Truck Show has done a solid job of building and sustaining a stellar reputation. 

Judging by Dan Scanlan’s experience with the show, that’s quite true.

“What it says about this show is that people are aware that it’s here; they know the quality is here,’’ said Scanlan, a veteran and award-winning automotive journalist and now news reporter for WJCT, who has judged all 10 shows.

Eric Thompson, general sales manager of Key Hyundai knows firsthand how the San Jose Car & Truck Show has grown over the years and what it means to the residents of San Jose Apartments as well as to the dealership group. 

“We value our relationship very highly; we feel like it’s part of our DNA to be part of this effort,’’ Thompson said. “We’ve made so many good friends and relationships from being involved. It’s just such a big, friendly group of people who are all working toward the same goal in a spirit of generosity for the San Jose residents.’’ 

Click here for a brochure of this year’s event and here to download the entry form for registration.

For more information on car registration, contact Alma Ballard at (904) 632-1255 or aballard@ccbjax.org. 

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Pajcic & Pajcic announced April 16 a $100,000 donation to Catholic Charities in the Diocese of St. Augustine to assist with programs serving those in need, including refugee families and individuals requiring housing, food, medical care and other basic support.

The gift was prompted by national developments reported by the Miami Herald, which detailed the cancellation of an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities in Miami. The funding had supported care for unaccompanied migrant children entering the United States.

Catholic Charities agencies provide these services through federally authorized programs that operate within the law. Their work is humanitarian in nature, focused on caring for vulnerable individuals, especially unaccompanied children, while upholding the dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status. This commitment reflects the Church’s longstanding mission to serve those most in need.

According to reporting by the Miami Herald, the contract termination affects services that provide shelter and assistance to minors who arrive without a parent or legal guardian, raising concerns among service providers about continuity of care for this vulnerable population.

Moved by the situation, attorney Seth Pajcic and his uncle, Steve Pajcic, founder of the firm, acted quickly. After learning of the funding cut earlier in the day, Seth Pajcic contacted Catholic Charities locally and arranged for the donation to be delivered that same afternoon.

“We are all immigrants, and to take out a political vendetta against the most vulnerable is wrong,” Pajcic said in a statement. He also encouraged others in the legal community and beyond to contribute in support of those in need.

Eileen Seuter, regional director of Catholic Charities Jacksonville, expressed gratitude for the gift and emphasized its local impact.

“When we help our neighbors in need, it comes back around and makes us a better community as a whole,” Seuter said, noting that the funds will remain in Jacksonville to support area residents.

Within the Diocese of St. Augustine, Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. operates four regional offices—Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville and Lake City—serving a wide range of needs across North Florida. While each office responds to local circumstances, they are part of a broader network of Catholic Charities agencies across the state.

In Florida, Catholic Charities offices exist in each of the state’s seven dioceses. These agencies collaborate and share a common mission rooted in the Church’s call to serve the poor and vulnerable, even as they operate independently within their respective dioceses.

Catholic Charities agencies provide essential services including food assistance, financial support, housing help, refugee resettlement, and access to medical and social services. Changes in federal policy or funding—such as the recent contract cancellation in Miami—can have ripple effects across this network, increasing demand for services in other regions.

The Pajcic donation highlights how local individuals and organizations can respond quickly to emerging needs, even when those needs originate beyond their immediate community.

In addition to this gift, Pajcic & Pajcic is also supporting Catholic Charities Jacksonville as an “Angel of Light” sponsor for the organization’s upcoming Black & White Soirée on May 15, further contributing to its mission and outreach efforts. To purchase tickets for the annual fundraiser, visit https://www.ccbjax.org/bwsoiree.

As Catholic Charities agencies continue to assess the broader impact of federal funding changes, local leaders remain focused on meeting immediate needs within their communities.

For Catholic Charities in Northeast Florida, the unexpected gift provides both practical support and a visible sign of solidarity—an example of how quickly generosity can respond when the needs of the most vulnerable come into focus.

To learn more about Catholic Charities community outreach in the Diocese of St. Augustine, visit https://www.ccbdosa.org/.

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By Kathleen Bagg

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. For many people, especially those outside the Catholic Church, there is still a real and understandable question: Is the Church doing enough to protect children?

It’s a fair question. It deserves a clear answer.

The Catholic Church today is not standing still on this issue. It has put in place protections, training and accountability measures that are active in parishes, schools and ministries every day — not just in April.

Across the United States, the Church requires safe environment training for clergy, staff and volunteers who work with minors. These programs help adults recognize warning signs of abuse, respond appropriately and create safe environments for children.

The U.S. bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, establishing national standards for preventing abuse, responding to allegations and supporting victims. In Florida, the bishops have expanded those protections to include vulnerable adults, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding all who may be at risk.

The risks children face today are not only physical — they are increasingly digital. Social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps have created new ways for predators to target young people. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to remain actively involved; understand the platforms their children use and maintain open conversations about online safety.

The Church continues to support victims and survivors through counseling, victim assistance programs and opportunities for healing. It also works with law enforcement and national organizations to ensure accountability. Reporting abuse is not only encouraged — it is expected.

Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that protecting children is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It belongs to all of us.

The Church has learned hard lessons. Those lessons have led to stronger protections, better training and a deeper understanding of what it means to safeguard the dignity of every child.

That work continues — quietly, consistently and often without recognition.

But it is happening.

And protecting children is not only the responsibility of the Church. It belongs to all of us.

Protecting Children: What You Can Do

Recognize the signs

• Sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, anxiety or secrecy
• Unexplained injuries or fear of certain people or places

Talk with your children

• Have open conversations about online safety
• Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong

Create safer environments

• Use parental controls and review apps and games
• Keep devices in common areas of the home

Report concerns

• Call (911) – your local law enforcement office if a child is in immediate danger
• Report suspected exploitation at report.cybertip.org
• To Report Abuse, the Diocese of St. Augustine recommends you call the police or the Department of Children and Families at (800) 962-2873. Or call the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (904) 208-6979 or email inquiries@dosafl.com. To report abuse by a bishop, call (800) 276-1562 or visit www.reportbishopabuse.org.

Get help

• Boys Town National Hotline: 800-448-3000
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 800-843-5678

Get involved

• Wear blue during April to support Child Abuse Prevention Month
• Observed on April 26, “Blue Sunday” is a National Day of Prayer for victims of abuse. On this day, please pray the Holy Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

• For additional resources, visit the U.S. Catholic Bishops website by visiting https://www.usccb.org/committees/communications/abuse-prevention-resources   

If you want more information on child protection in the Diocese of St. Augustine, email Donna Wilhelm, director of the Safe Environment Office at dwilhelm@dosafl.com or call (904) 262-3200, ext. 104.

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In response to these reports, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, wrote to recently confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Todd Lyons, senior official performing the duties of the director at ICE.

The two bishops urged ICE to abide consistently by its existing policy, avoiding the arrest and detention of pregnant and postpartum mothers, absent exceptional circumstances. They went on to state:

“No matter one’s immigration status, there is no overarching justification for separating nursing infants from their mothers or endangering the health and safety of pregnant women or their preborn babies. In this regard, we urge you in the strongest possible terms to extend the administration’s commitments on life to all vulnerable mothers, infants, and children in the womb.”

The bishops also took the opportunity to congratulate the Secretary on his confirmation and assured him of their prayers as he continues his service to the country.

The full text of their letter may be found on the USCCB’s website.

Their letter follows a joint statement made last May by Bishop Thomas and Bishop Cahill’s predecessor on pregnant and postpartum mothers and infants in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody, as well as a statement by Bishop Thomas in January, welcoming pro-life actions taken by the administration.

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