FL Catholic Bishops

The FCCB's Michael Sheedy was honored to participate in 'Tampa in Scrubs' hosted by @BayCare Health System at St. Joseph's Hospital. Community leaders were provided an immersive experience to learn about health care delivery in the Tampa Bay area. Pictured L to R: Jason Rodriguez, Director of Government Relations, BayCare; Michael Sheedy, Executive Director, FCCB; JoJo Dyachim, Vice President of Mission and Ethics, BayCare

🌿 Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Today we welcome Jesus with palms in our hands and faith in our hearts. Lord, prepare our hearts to walk with You this Holy Week all the way to the joy of the Resurrection. ✝️ Happy Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion! #palmsunday

BREAKING: Temporary Stay of Execution granted for James Duckett, who is currently on Florida’s death row awaiting execution for a crime he has always maintained he did not commit. This execution was scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 6 pm. fadp.org/james-duckett-…

🙏“And the Word became flesh.” Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation commemorating the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. O Mary, teach us to say yes to God with courage and trust. Happy Feast of the Annunciation!✝️

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay the March 31 execution of James Duckett and choose life without parole. Pray for all involved and take action: flaccb.org/flcan-take-act… 🙏 In a letter to DeSantis, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, recognized the gravity of Duckett’s crimes, yet appealed to the governor for mercy. “To punish with lifelong imprisonment is not to minimize the heinousness of Mr. Duckett’s crimes,” wrote Sheedy. “It is rather to recognize with awe that God is the author of life, and to reserve to him the taking of human life except where it is otherwise impossible to maintain the common good.” The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. The alternative of lifelong incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that upholds the inherent dignity of the offender while also protecting society.

#SaintJoseph cared for the family that the Lord entrusted to him. Guardianship means being attentive to others, respecting their choices, and caring for them. St. Joseph shows us that presence and guardianship are inseparable dimensions: we can only care for others by being present, and we are only present when we assume responsibility for the other.

✝ Solemnity of Saint Joseph – March 19 🛠️⁣ ⁣Today, we honor Saint Joseph, the faithful protector of the Holy Family and a model of humility. Though Scripture records no words from Joseph, his actions speak volumes – his trust in God, his obedience, and his quiet strength remind us that true holiness is found in faithfulness and love. Memorare to St. Joseph: "Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen." Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and Mary, pray for us! 🙏 #SaintJoseph

Florida has executed #MichaelKing. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Dear Jesus, open our eyes to the dignity of every person that you have created, even when they have committed grave harm. Heal wounds that man cannot mend and give comfort to those affected by violent crime.

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session concluded and adjourned on Friday, March 13, but due to delays in budget negotiations, state lawmakers will return to Tallahassee in mid-April to negotiate and pass a spending plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Bills of interest to the FCCB are listed at the link below with their final status. Those bills that passed the legislature will be presented to Governor DeSantis for final action. VISIT: votervoice.net/iframes/FCC/Ne… Let us pray for all who serve—that they lead with wisdom, protect human dignity, and work for the common good.🙏

Fr. Tim Holeda, FCCB Chaplain and Rector of the @stmcocathedral in Tallahassee, delivered the opening prayer for the Senate session on March 13. He reminded leaders of their solemn responsibility to govern with wisdom and to seek the common good for all. 🙏 Let us pray: Guide these senators, their staff, and all who support this work. Grant them discernment in their deliberations, integrity in their choices, the courage to do what is right, and compassion in addressing the needs of all. Instill in them a deep remembrance of the sacred duty to the people of Florida to place the welfare of those they serve above personal interests, above any conflicts or divisions, and above considerations of self or party. May they lead with selfless dedication, seeking always what is just and true for the flourishing of our state. Help them to honor the dignity of every human person, the unborn, the young, the elderly, the poor, the stranger, and all who face hardship.

On the eve of the United States' 250th anniversary, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will award its 38th annual Liberty Medal to the first U.S-born pope, Pope Leo XIV, in a ceremony designed to reflect on the meaning of liberty across generations and borders. ncronline.org/news/pope-leo-… Leo will accept the award virtually from the Vatican in remarks broadcast live to the audience gathered in Philadelphia. The medal recognizes the pontiff's lifelong advocacy for religious liberty and freedom of conscience — principles embedded in the Constitution's First Amendment. ~ National Catholic Reporter

☘️Today we honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and of hearts set on fire for Christ. “Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me."– Saint Patrick • Happy St. Patrick's Day!✝️

🙏 A moment of prayer for those who lead! Fr. John Belmonte, S.J., Superintendent of Catholic Education for the @DioceseofVenice, led the opening prayer in the Senate chamber on March 9. In his prayer, he asked the Lord to guide our state leaders to pursue true greatness through service, virtue, and courage. He prayed for leaders willing to make sacrifices for the good, defend the most vulnerable, strengthen families, and work for the common good. Fr. Belmonte also asked God to grant them wisdom and courage as they serve our communities—making them safe, supporting farmers, strengthening schools, and upholding fairness in our legal system.

✝Urge Governor DeSantis to spare the life of Michael L. King The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay March 17th scheduled execution of Michael L. King and commute his sentence to life without parole. ➡TAKE ACTION: flaccb.org/flcan-take-act… King was sentenced to death for the 2008 first-degree murder of Denise Amber Lee, a wife and mother of two young children. While acknowledging that the grave nature of King’s crimes warrants severe punishment, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, pleaded with the governor to spare King’s life. “We appeal to you that it is possible both to achieve the purposes of punishment and to exercise mercy,” wrote Sheedy in a letter to DeSantis. The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. The alternative of lifelong incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that upholds the inherent dignity of the offender while also protecting society. In the days leading up to the execution, Catholic faithful and community members will gather at various locations across Florida to pray for King, Lee, and their families, as well as for DeSantis as he considers the request to spare King’s life. Please take the following two actions in support of human life and dignity: 1. PRAY: Join us in prayer for King, Lee, and their families, and for Governor DeSantis as he considers the request to stay the execution, as well as for an end to the use of the death penalty. 2. CONTACT GOVERNOR DESANTIS: Send a message to Governor DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of Michael L. King and commute his death sentence to life without parole. flaccb.org/flcan-take-act…

🏛 Seventh-grade students from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Miami visited the Florida Capitol this week to learn about the legislative process and the Church’s role in public policy. FCCB Executive Director Michael Sheedy shared his vocational journey and encouraged students to trust God’s call in their lives. The group was also recognized in the chamber galleries by Rep. Blanco and Sen. Calatayud.

Florida has executed #BillyKearse. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon him. “Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.” (Romans 14:8) Come, Holy Spirit, strengthen us to uphold the dignity of all people and to work for true justice.

Happy 181st birthday, Florida! With our incredible beaches, sandy shores and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that the Sunshine State is the best place in the country to live, work, and visit.

✝Urge Gov. DeSantis to spare the life of Billy Leon Kearse The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay TODAY's scheduled execution of Billy Leon Kearse and commute his sentence to life without parole. ➡TAKE ACTION: flaccb.org/flcan-take-act… Kearse was sentenced to death for the 1991 first-degree murder of Danny Parrish, a Fort Pierce police officer. In a letter to DeSantis, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, recognized the gravity of Kearse’s crime, yet appealed to the governor for mercy. “To punish with lifelong imprisonment is not to minimize the heinousness of Mr. Kearse’s crimes,” wrote Sheedy. “It is rather to recognize with awe that God is the author of life, and to reserve to him the taking of human life except where it is otherwise impossible to maintain the common good.” The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. The alternative of lifelong incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that upholds the inherent dignity of the offender while also protecting society. Please take the following two actions in support of human life and dignity: 1. PRAY: Join us in prayer for Mr. Kearse, Sergeant Parrish, and their families. Please pray also for Governor DeSantis as he considers the request to stay the execution, as well as for an end to the use of the death penalty. 2. CONTACT GOVERNOR DESANTIS: Send a message to Governor DeSantis urging him to stay the execution of Billy Leon Kearse and commute his death sentence to life without parole. flaccb.org/flcan-take-act…

Congratulations to the Most Reverend Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez! 🙏 The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is overjoyed to celebrate the Ordination of Bishop Rodríguez to the Diocese of Palm Beach. We join together in prayer as he begins this new chapter of apostolic service. May the Holy Spirit guide him in leading his new flock with wisdom and grace!🕊️✝️ @DiocesePB

We couldn't agree more!😀