The Jubilee Year 2025 is a time of grace and renewal, inviting us to deepen our faith and embrace hope. Each event celebrates a unique aspect of our shared journey as Pilgrims of Hope. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier has named a steering committee to lead the diocesan efforts and ensure our celebrations align as closely as possible with the Vatican’s Jubilee schedule. We will continue updating this schedule as details become available from the event coordinators.
Jubilee Events Calendar for the Vatican
February 8-9
Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, First Responders and Security Personnel
Parish-wide celebration
We honor the dedication of parish and local community members serving in the Armed Forces, Police, Security Personnel and First Responders. Their commitment to moving beyond their comfort zones and doing work that is “greater than themselves” brings safety, security and hope to the most troubled corners of our community and world. Join in prayer with members of your faith community, asking for their protection when called to serve in danger, and ask for the Lord’s healing and love when dealing with the trauma and wounds they suffer while serving the other among us.
February 1-March 16
Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture
Exhibit featuring local artist Roger Bansemer runs Feb. 1-March 16
Plein Air Artists Invitational runs from Feb. 1-20
Opening Reception is Feb. 9, from 1-3:30 p.m.
Closing Event is Sunday, Feb. 16, from 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Celebrate the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, a tribute to the transformative power of art and culture in expressing faith and hope. We invite artists in our community to share their talents, inspiring others through the universal language of beauty and creativity. Join us for a free six-week art exhibition opening Feb. 1 at the Mission Museum of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine. The exhibition will feature the renowned 2024 Hall of Fame artist Roger Bansemer, showcasing his original collection of landscape paintings titled “On the Path of Beauty.” For more details and planned activities, click here.
February 21-23
Jubilee of Deacons
Parish-wide celebration
Join us in celebrating the Jubilee of Deacons, honoring those who serve the Church through the diaconate. This special weekend will feature deacons preaching at Masses, leading Holy Hours with Benediction, and a prayer for deacons, which is included in the Universal Prayer. Educational resources about the history and mission of the diaconate will also be shared. Let us give thanks for our deacons’ ministry and pray for their continued service with humility and love. Visit your parish to participate in this diocesan-wide celebration of gratitude and prayer! For details, email Deacon David Yazdiya at dyazdiya@dosafl.com, the leader of this initiative.
April 12
Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers
7:30 a.m. Sunrise Mass, National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
We observe the “Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers,” recognizing the resilience of the sick and the dedication of healthcare professionals. Pray for healing and strength for the ill, and express gratitude to those who provide care with compassion. There will be a sunrise Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier is the celebrant. This event is coordinated by Ann Varner of Ascension St. Vincents, ana.varner@ascension.org.
April 26
Jubilee of Adolescents/Youth or Jubilee of Teenagers
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for the Jubilee of Adolescents, celebrating the hope and strength of our youth! The afternoon begins with Mass at the Rustic Altar at Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave.in St. Augustine. Highlights include Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, praise and worship led by musician Matthew Crews and inspiring Catholic speakers. Encourage the young people in your life to grow in faith during this special Jubilee event. For more details, email Robin Shipley at rshipley@dosafl.com, the coordinator of this event.
May 3
Jubilee of Workers
Join us in honoring the dignity of work and its role in building a just and compassionate society. In this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis reminds us that labor, rooted in Gospel values, contributes to the common good. Farmers and laborers from across the diocese will gather at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine for a special day, including Mass celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Felipe Estévez. For details, contact Norma Garcia at ngarcia@dosafl.com, the coordinator of this event.
May 4
Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities
The “Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities” honors the unique gifts and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Their presence enriches our community. Let us strive for inclusiveness and support, ensuring everyone feels valued and welcomed. More details to come.
May 4
Jubilee of Business & Entrepreneurship
Join us in recognizing the role of business leaders in serving the common good. Pope Francis reminds us that entrepreneurs are “a primary engine of development and prosperity” and that “every new job created is shared wealth.” This event will include Mass, an extended Adoration, followed by a picnic lunch and witness talks by those who have encountered hope in their professional lives. There will also be small group discussions. All business professionals and entrepreneurs are invited to participate. Let’s renew our commitment to ethical entrepreneurship this Jubilee year! For more details, email Mel Rio at melnard.rio@gmail.com, the event coordinator.
May 9 or 10
Jubilee of Musical Bands
Bishop Kenny High School, Jacksonville
Celebrate the power of music in faith and community at the Jubilee of Musical Bands! Enjoy performances by the high school bands of Bishop Kenny and Bishop John Snyder, along with talented middle school musicians. The concerts will be at Bishop Kenny High School, 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville (32207). Pope Francis reminds us that “a concert is a beautiful parable, a parable of harmony” that reflects the unity the Church strives to embody. His 2015 album “Wake Up!” blended prayers with diverse musical styles, highlighting music’s role in spiritual life. This Jubilee honors those insights, showcasing the richness of musical expression in worship and fellowship. All musicians, choir members and music lovers are invited to join this joyful celebration. For more details, email Andrew Peterson at andrewpeterson@bishopsnyder.org, the event coordinator.
May 31
Jubilee of Families, Grandparents, Elderly and Children
Join us in celebrating the gift of family across generations! This Jubilee honors the vital roles of grandparents, the elderly, parents and children in our faith community. Pope Francis reminds us that “young people, adults and our society cannot save themselves without the elderly.” This event fosters unity, faith and intergenerational connection. All families are invited! For details email Mike Day at mday@dosafl.com, the event coordinator.
June 7
Jubilee of Sports
6:35 p.m., VyStar Ballpark, Jacksonville
Join us at the ballpark on Saturday, June 7 for a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball game. This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together in the spirit of fellowship and enjoy the unifying power of sports. Pope Francis has often highlighted the profound impact of sports on society. He emphasizes that sports serve as a means of encounter and fraternity, fostering unity, respect and joy within the community. For more details, email Kimberly Whiting at kwhiting@dosafl.com. The Office of Communications is coordinating this event.
June 14-15
Jubilee of Lay Apostolates
June 23-27
Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops, Priests
June 28-30
Jubilee of Young People & Young Adults
August 9-10
Jubilee of Volunteer Workers
Parish wide celebration
September 13-14
Jubilee of Consolation
September 20
Jubilee of World of Justice
October 4
Jubilee of Catechists
The Jubilee of Catechists honors those devoted to teaching and spreading the faith. All catechists, clergy and ministries are invited to participate in the annual Faith Formation Day where there will be a featured keynote speaker followed by workshops. Bishop Erik Pohlemeier will celebrate Mass. Together, let us support and pray for these dedicated educators as they continue to guide others in faith.
October 8-9
Jubilee of Consecrated Life
October 11-12
Jubilee of Marian Spirituality & Feast of Our Lady of La Leche
October 18-19
Jubilee of the Missionary World
October 30
Jubilee of the World of Education
Late October
Jubilee of Government Staff
November 16
Jubilee of the Poor
November 21-23
Jubilee of Choirs
December 14
Jubilee of Prisoners
December 24
Closing of the Holy Door and Conclusion of the Jubilee Year
As we conclude the Jubilee Year, join us for the solemn “Closing of the Holy Door” ceremony, symbolizing the end of this sacred time of grace and renewal. Let us reflect on the spiritual growth we’ve experienced and carry forward the hope and commitments we’ve embraced as “Pilgrims of Hope.”