Episcopal Press and News

New dean plans to turn St. Peter's Cathedral into resource for Diocese of Southwest Florida

Episcopal News Service. December 1, 2008 [120108-05]

Lisa B. Hamilton

Throughout his ministry, the Rev. Stephen Morris has "prayed for a generous amount of imagination and a practical plan." Morris, 43, said in an interview that he will continue that prayer when he moves from east to west across Florida from St. James Episcopal Church in Ormond Beach, where he is rector, to St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral in St. Petersburg, where he will become the dean January 1.

Morris hopes his prayer will be answered in ways that make "the cathedral the flagship, resource congregation for the entire diocese." He envisions St. Peter's as a place where parishes throughout the diocese of Southwest Florida find resources for innovations in Christian education, liturgical and outreach.

Morris is "excited" by the recent renovations to the cathedral, noting that it is poised to host diocesan events and provide outreach. New office space will be leased, which will help finance outreach ministry, including a columbarium to serve the people of St. Petersburg.

Morris, who with his wife, Jayne, is the father of four children ranging in age from nine to 14, plans a focus on ministry to youth. He believes adult Christians "have to be willing to be committed to the ministry of young people and show them there's more to life than what the world models." Morris is convinced this modeling can be a starting point for children to see that church is "not only for me, but of me."

"These are clearly attitudes and priorities that closely align with our own: to grow our congregation, to define our role as the cathedral for the Diocese of Southwest Florida, and to reach out to families, children and youth," said Sheree Graves, the Cathedral's senior warden.

Morris previously served in Texas, Louisiana, Montana and North Carolina. He is an Alexandria, Louisiana native and a graduate of Seminary of the Southwest.