PARRISH – The Council on Deacons, the leadership body of the Order of Deacons in the Diocese of Southwest Florida announces new appointments and reappointments for 2023.
Led by Archdeacon Michael Kitt, the Council on Deacons assists in the development of candidates for the Order of Deacons, facilitates servant ministry among deacons in the diocese, is responsible for planning and facilitating annual meetings and retreats, assists in grant funding selection for the Episcopal Charities Fund and serves as counsel for Bishop Scharf concerning matters pertaining to the diaconate.
2023 Council on Deacons
For Reappointment:
The Rev. Kathlyn C. Gilpin, Church of the Ascension, Bradenton
The Rev. William K. Gilmore, St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs
The Rev. Denise C. Healy, St. Peters, Plant City
The Rev. Robert P. Kinney, Holy Trinity, Clearwater
The Rev. Cynthia A. Roehl, Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin
The Ven. S. Michael Kitt, Good Shepherd, Venice
For Appointment:
The Rev. Lisa M. Parker, St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota
The Rev. Jane Y. Kelly, St. James, Port Charlotte
The Rev. Martha E. Goodwill, St. Thomas, St. Petersburg
The Rev. Dr. Lynn D. Grinnell, St. James House of Prayer, Wesley Chapel
Ex-Officio: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman, Jr.*
*Commission on Ministry Liaison
Council on Deacons Responsibilities:
Revised Jan 2023
- It shall be the ministry of the Council on Deacons, to be a council of advice to the Bishop, the Deacons, and any other committee, council, or group in the diocese concerning matters pertaining to the diaconate in the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
- Areas of concern of this council include the recruitment, discernment, formation, assignment, and continuing development of those in the process to be ordained diocesan deacons, and of all Deacons in the diocese.
- The council will offer leadership to the unique order of Deacons in the diocese by identifying and facilitating servant ministry. Of equal importance will be the encouragement of the Council on Deacons, to all Deacons that their ministry reaches beyond the parochial level and is intended to be shared with the diocese.
- The council will consult with the Bishop and seek the Bishop’s direction regarding its ministry. The council membership shall inform the Bishop, the Archdeacon, resident Deacons, Postulants, and Candidates to the diaconate, and Deacon Directors, supervisors, and liaisons, of all actions of the council through the distribution of its meeting minutes.
- Other duties will include the annual review of grant applications for the Episcopal Charities Grant Awards. This will include an ongoing review of the grant application guidelines, instructions, and award procedures.
- The council will be responsible for planning and facilitating an Annual Meeting with the Bishop, Retreats, Clergy, and Continuing Education events.
The council will submit items for funding to the Archdeacon, who will prepare and oversee, on the Bishop’s behalf, an annual budget for the administration and support of the diaconate.