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

November 8th, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A dear friend of many in the diocese, Barbary Letteney, has taken up residence at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center as Volunteer Coordinator. Barbara bring a wealth of experience from the days that her late husband, Fr. Ward Letteney, was Chaplain at the St Francis Home for Boys in Lake Placid, through their years at Unadilla and Cooperstown and leadership in Cursillo and many active apostolates. She is also the coordinator for Widows and Widowers within the retired clergy group. Her enthusiasm and devotion have been a blessing to many and her new ministry will bring joy to many lives.

The Priests' Retreat, our first at Christ the King, begins Tuesday evening, Nov 15th and lasts through lunch on Friday. We are expecting two priests from our sister Diocese of Down and Dromore to join us. Scholarships for clergy, as well as financial assistance with child care is available. I ask every disciple to pray for our priests this week. Unless we seek lives of conversion, holiness, and charity, we are not much use in disciple-making ourselves.

The Deans will meet on Tuesday the 15th beginning at 2:00.

The Grow the Vision campaign committee for the SLC met with our advisor, Charlotte Cummings, last week to review the developments to date. She is a valued counsel to us. Ray Farrara reports that giving to the campaign has exceeded $1.25 million, and that eleven more parishes plan to begin their campaigns in January.

The Construction Oversight Committee met this morning and learned that architects are working on drafts of the Infirmary for the new Beaver Cross. Last summer we needed to use half a cabin for that purpose. A new operation Infirmary will then free up an additional dozen beds for more campers next season. Also, remodeling of the building adjoining the library to create two additional guest rooms is moving ahead.

Last weekend was the first Cursillo Weekend held at the SLC. There was an enthusiastic group of Christian men taking part. Reports are that it was the best site the community has every utilized. This coming weekend is the Women's and we ask your prayerful support for this apostolic initiative. Cursillo has played a key role in revitalization of many parishes and it is strongly commended.

Prayers are asked for Rita Byrne who is hospitalized at Glens Falls with a blood clot. Also for Fr Herb Sanderson who is hospitalized. In the continuing prayer dept, remember Deacon Faye Vandermark, and Mtr Linda Wilson.

The Rev'd Nigel Mumford will be leading a healing conference on Fri/Sat Nov 11/12 beginning at 6:30 Fri and Sat 9a.m. at St George's Church, Clifton Park.

Bishop Dave wrote the following about beginning his working sabbatical:

"My first week of the "Working Sabbatical" was exactly that. In the "working" category: I did a visitation to Christ Church, Walton, ordained Linda Wilson at St. Paul's, Bloomville, interviewed a prospective priest for this diocese, participated in a conference call, assisted Nigel Mumford at a healing service in Chestertown, hosted the Hoosac school at the Cathedral, attended some meetings at the diocesan office, did some telephone counseling, prayed for the Prayer teams at the Survivors prayer service, and tried to answer email. In the "Sabbatical" category: I prayed for an uninterrupted hour each day, put together a preaching plan for Year B which starts this Advent, got through half of Introduction to Christianity by Benedict XVI, and did a scripture study of I Peter. WHEW!!!! What did I learn the first week? Work this uninterrupted hour of prayer into my daily schedule! Balance better being a contemplative with being an action figure!"

Next week, starting Monday, I'll be silent for three days, and try to place myself humbly in the arms of Jesus. Thank you for giving me the opportunity for this "Working Sabbatical."

As we engage in this working sabbatical, we do ordinations and Sunday visitations as well as any key meetings that arise. I will begin Thanksgiving week.

Last Sunday enjoyed visitation at Trinity, Whitehall where Fr Marc Rogers is doing a great job as Vicar. Lovely new sign out in front. The previous Sunday Carol and I were at St Paul's, Salem where Fr Gary Kriss has increased attendance and the frequency of services for holy days.

Last Sunday Bp Dave was at Bethesda, Saratoga and saw the vitality of the parish under Fr Tom Parke's leadership. The previous week he was at Holy Cross, Warrensburg and met with the Vestry about the emerging vacancy early next year when Fr King retires. Fr King continues to serve as Chairman of Constitution and Canons for the diocese and has a vast knowledge in this area.

Last Saturday over 80 leaders spent the day with Fr Alan Hansen and his Workshop on Opening Doors. Lots of enthusiastic response. He will be making a return trip on April 29. Also this weekend, Christ the King welcomed the leadership of the Episcopal Church Women of Province 2 with Shirley Parker as their host.

Today Bp Dave and Mary Ellen left for the Hope and a Future Conference in Pittsburgh. I fly there tomorrow, returning to Ogdensburg on Saturday night for a visitation in Massena Sunday morning and Confirmation at Potsdam in the evening. That day will be the 34th anniversary of my ordination as a priest. On Monday, stop for a sub-committee meeting of the Missions Committee. Bp Dave returns for a Sunday visitation in Schuylerville.

Bp Dave and I are hosting a table on Friday evening for N.O.E.L. (National Organization of Episcopalians for Life) during the Hope and a Future Conference. We also hope to connect especially with the vigorous leadership of the expanding parts of the Anglican Communion from around the globe. [Sadly this will contrast with the continuing decline our own church reported this month.

This coming Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. is Safeguarding Our Children, presented at the SLC by Fr Michael and Marianne Gorchov. The Commission on the Ministry will also meet on Saturday at the SLC.

The Diocesan Council will meet on Saturday, November 19 at Christ the King.

Sunday, Nov 20, Bp Dave will induct the Rev'd Diana Freeman as Rector of St Luke's, Catskill at 4pm. White stoles. Vesting clergy should arrive by 3:30.

LORD JESUS, give to your Church holy leaders at every level. Enable us to open our hearts and minds to the transforming power of your Holy Spirit. Give us the example and prayers of your Saints, and permit us to be so vulnerable to You that we may confront our sin, seek Your forgiveness and be equipped by Your grace for Your purposes. Amen.

In Christ,
+ Dan

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