Vision Statement
Teaching and Living the Light of Christ Jesus: Toward Goodness, Righteousness and Truth. - Ephesians 5:8-10
Mission Statement
You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. - Matthew 5:14,16
Diocese of Orlando Logo Description
THE COLOR BLUE
The color blue has a Biblical meaning symbolizing heavenly grace. The Virgin Mary is often depicted wearing blue clothing, representing her role as Queen of Heaven and earth. Mary, the Mother of God, is the patroness of the Diocese of Orlando and we seek her intercession so that our efforts to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, form leaders, harmonize ministries and enkindle deeper faith will be blessed by God.
“The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship. The Church rightly honors the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of ‘Mother of God’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #971).
THE COLOR GOLD
The color gold symbolizes what is precious and valuable, and symbolizes majesty, joy, and celebration. Because of its brightness, gold also symbolizes the presence of God. It is most often used with white for solemnities and feast days of the Church Year, especially the seasons of Christmas and Easter. The faithful in the Diocese of Orlando joyfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as we teach and live the light of Christ Jesus.
CROSS
The gold cross within the blue circle symbolizes the cross of Jesus Christ by which his passion, death and resurrection he has redeemed the world. The cross also represents a monstrance which is the vessel used to display the consecrated Holy Eucharist.
EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is centered within the cross and the logo because the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. “The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2177). The Holy Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments of the Church and also communicates the importance of the sacramental life to Catholics.
LIGHT
The beams of light shining forth from the cross and the Eucharist symbolize the Light of Christ and remind us of the Diocese of Orlando mission statement: “You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father “(Matthew 5:14, 16).
BODY OF CHRIST
Diocese of Orlando is prominently visible on the logo because it is the name which represents all parishes, schools, entities and ministries within Central Florida that are united under Most Reverend John Noonan, bishop of the Diocese of Orlando. We are the mystical Body of Christ because of the intimate communion which Jesus shares with us, his followers and disciples. The nine counties of the Diocese of Orlando are Marion, Volusia, Sumter, Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Polk and Osceola.
TEACHING AND LIVING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
“Teaching and Living the Light of Christ Jesus: Toward Goodness, Righteousness and Truth” is the vision of the Diocese of Orlando, which is based on Sacred Scripture, Ephesians 5:8-10. The hope is that this vision will unite all Catholics with their shepherd, Bishop John Noonan who has been entrusted to lead the people of God in Central Florida and that the vision will inspire Catholics to know their faith and live their faith as each of us is called to do by God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
