Episcopal Diocese of Albany - Priests and Deacons Update

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Maundy Thursday
March 24th, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we enter tonight into the heart of our redemption we exprience afresh the redeeming love of the Father made manifest in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, the enduring presence He provides until his coming again. On Good Friday we honor the Cross of Jesus with reverence and gratitude, mindful that Christ has done for us what we are incapable of doing for ourselves.

Saturday is the 'great sabbath' and we prepare to celebrate with boundless joy the bodily Resurrection of Jesus, the future guarantee for the resurrection of our race.

These are the Three Days we set aside every competing interest and attraction. These are the days recounting the mystery of our salvation. These are the days when Jesus invites us to a deeper discipleship, renewed conversion, and personal resurrection. This is the victory of our God.

Carol and I returned home Monday afternoon in time for a shower and the first Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. Dean Vang arranged a dinner following served by the Chapter members. It was our largest ever Cathedral Chrism Mass. Tuesday evening was a replication at St James, Oneonta for the Liturgy and warm dinner following - also the largest. And Wednesday at St Thomas, Tupper Lake, the church was filled and another record group. Special thanks to Fr. Hunter and Fr. Cooper for their warm hospitality. It was a wonderful re-immersion into the sacramental life of the Diocese of Albany.

Our wedding anniversary trip was a joy. Reconnection with several friends, celebrating the Eucharist where St Patrick built his first church (Saul) and preaching at Downpatrick for the ecumenical packed cathedral was spiritually energizing. While in Ireland, had a chance to slip off for a few days of retreat at the Benedictine monastery of the Holy Cross in Rostrevor (a community committed to 'spiritual ecumenism'). Prior to that we participated in the consecration of Archdeacon David Chillingworth in the Perth Cathedral in Scotland, 221 years after Scottish non-juring bishops consecrated Samuel Seabury for the fledging church in the newly independent United States.

Tonight off to bless the expanded free medical clinic at St John's, Massena, a parish supper and Liturgy of the Lord's Supper. Tomorrow night at Trinity Potsdam at 7pm for the St Lawrence Deanery liturgy of the Passion and Death of our Lord.

Easter morning the Great Vigil will be celebrated at 5 a.m. at Christ the King with Easter baptisms. Weather permitting the New Fire will be struck on the helicopter pad.

Later Bishop Dave will be celebrating Mass for the infirm Sisters and then at the Cathedral. I will celebrate and preach at St Peter's in Albany.

Please keep Maryellen Bena in your prayers for her shoulder fracture and continued healing.

Next week the Spiritual Life Center hosts the conference on theology and communion. Next month is the Clergy Wives Conference led by Liz Miller from the Diocese of Down and Dromore. At least 2 Irish priests' wives will be coming with her.

LORD JESUS, apart from your holy bodily resurrection we are without hope: but in your risen life we find the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Use us to draw many to a living faith in you and to be collaborators in your work of salvation.

With every wish from Bishop Dave and me for a vibrant and glorious 3 DAYS,

In Christ,
+ Dan

The vision of the Diocese of Albany:

One Church
with many missionary outposts
organized around the Great Commandment and the Great Commission,
rooted in the catholic structures of Anglicanism,
moving from membership to discipleship,
and equipping every
disciple to make disciples.

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