Ministry to Diverse Cultures
Latino/Hispanic Ministries
The fastest-growing segment of our population in southwestern Florida is in the Latino and Hispanic communities.
Across the Diocese, congregations have begun planning Latino and Hispanic worship opportunities in our existing churches.
The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen, the national Hispanic Missioner in the Episcopal Church, has supported our efforts by facilitating two workshops. He is helping us fully understand the opportunities and challenges of launching Latino/Hispanic Ministries.
Today we have two mature Latino/Hispanic congregations at Redeemer Sarasota and St. Francis Tampa.
The diocese has established a Latino/Hispanic Committee which is developing a strategic plan to take us into this new and exciting ministry field.
- For more information on this ministry, please visit our website in Spanish.
- A listing of the Spanish-speaking congregations is HERE.
Haitian Ministries
The presence of a Haitian worshipping community in the diocese is very helpful and important to the Haitian populations in South Florida.
The worshipping community at St. Paul's, Naples, led by The Rev. Marc Panel Guerrier, Diocesan Missionary, provides support to the Haitian community in areas such as job applications, immigration, healthcare, transportation, counseling, education, and cultural activities.
The community also works with other organizations to enhance the quality of life of the Haitian Community.
For example, Fr. Panel's community works in partnership with The Shelter of Abused Women and Children to raise awereness about domestic violence among the Haitian Community.
Regular Eucharist services and a reading club are scheduled weekly at St. Paul's, Naples.
Asian/Filipino Ministries
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Safety Harbor, led by the Rev. Ray Bonoan, has a strong mission to the Filipino community.
