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Dear friends and supporters of Action for Life and Sunlight Home,
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as CEO for Action for Life. I am proud of all that we have accomplished! Here are some highlights from the last year (NOTE - I say “we” because each of you who have contributed, participated or volunteered are part of our mission!):
Over the last year we completed a successful merger with Sunlight Home, a maternity home that provides hope for moms and their babies; we hosted numerous culture-changing events including the Naples Summit and the first ever concert for youth and family called Vitae Fest; we supported worthy causes such as adoption; your generous support allowed us to grant funds needed to send students to the March for Life; we also launched a new project called AFL News Magazine, which is a community focused publication with the goal to build a culture of life; and finally we hosted the first annual Golden-Age Gala, an event I hope will become a nationally recognized annual gala to support AFL and Sunlight Home. Because of your generosity AFL Sunlight has greatly increased its ability to impact a culture of life right here in Southwest Florida!
While I am immensely proud of the work we have done, the best part of this past year has been meeting and getting to know so many of you! Thank you for the love and generosity you have shown me and my family. It’s been such a pleasure to be here!
Here is my big announcement:
After a great deal of prayer and discernment, I have accepted a new position as Chief Operating Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria in Illinois. This new position will bring my wife and children closer to family and allow for me to undertake an exciting and new chapter in my career.
This has been a difficult decision to make. Frankly it’s hard to imagine moving back to Illinois especially in the winter! Florida is truly the best state in the union. However, as Elise and I discerned this opportunity we were reminded of the story known as Quo Vadis, it goes like this:
During Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome (in the 60s AD), St. Peter is persuaded by his fellow Christians to flee the city to save his life and continue his ministry elsewhere. As he leaves Rome along the Appian Way, he has a vision of the risen Jesus walking toward the city. Peter asks, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”). Jesus replies, “Venio Romam iterum crucifigi” (“I am going to Rome to be crucified again”).
Peter is filled with shame but also courage. He turns around, returns to Rome and helps to spread Christianity until his death. Eventually Peter is arrested and martyred by crucifixion— he famously requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. That’s the story in a nutshell…
Okay, on second thought, hopefully I don’t end up like Peter being crucified upside down after returning to Illinois! But I am very much seeking to go where I am being called!
One of my daily prayers is very simple: “Lord, make me an instrument of your will.” I believe my family and I are being called back to Illinois, at least for a time! Professionally, the opportunity to help lead the Catholic Diocese of Peoria in support of Bishop Tylka will be a tremendous privilege. Personally, the move back to Illinois will bring us closer to family.
My last official day with AFL as CEO will be on December 31. I will remain available to support AFL Sunlight as an advisor as needed and I will continue to pray for the success of AFL Sunlight Home. The mission of caring for moms and babies is so critically important! I hope each of you will continue to support this very worthy cause!
Will you come to say goodbye?
On December 12th AFL Sunlight will be hosting a Christmas Gala at the Vineyards Country Club. Would you consider coming to say goodbye? Elise and I would love to see you there! Register here.
Thank you again for your prayers, support and friendship to AFL and to Sunlight Home!
Hope to see you on December 12!
God Bless,
Royce Hood
CEO | Action for Life Sunlight
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