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

December 1st, 2006
Update from Bishop Bill

Happy New Years!! As we all know, this Sunday marks the beginning of a new year in the Christian calendar as we begin the season of Advent. With it comes the transition to Lectionary C for our Sunday worship and Year One for the Daily Office. As we enter into the season of Advent, I pray that it will truly be a holy time in which we prepare to grow ever closer in our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, repenting of those things which would separate from God, seeking His forgiveness, and inviting the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, helping us to grow ever stronger in our faith. In so doing, we will be better able to worship and serve our Lord, looking forward with joy and excitement to the celebration of His birth on Christmas, and His Second Coming when we will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

I would like to welcome back Bishop Dan, as he returns from his two month sabbatical. Bishop Dan we missed you and look forward to the next couple of months together before you step down as Diocesan on January 31st.

I would also like to say a very special thank you to Bishop Dave for his friendship and many years of faithful and dedicated service to our Lord and His Church as a deacon, priest and bishop. We are all the more blessed because of you. Bishop Dave starts a two month sabbatical on Dec. 1st, which leads into his resignation as Bishop Suffragan on Jan. 31st.

As previously mentioned, I have asked Bishop Dan and Bishop Dave to be our guest speakers at this year's Parish Leadership Conferences (PLC) in January. This will be one more opportunity for us to learn from them as well as to honor them and their ministry as our bishops. A planning committee has been meeting in preparation for the PLCs. More information will be coming out soon.

The Annual Priests' Retreat will be held Tuesday evening, Dec. 12th through noon on Friday the 15th. Originally, the Rt. Rev. Bill Frey, was going to lead the retreat. Unfortunately, last week, Bishop Frey suffered a heart attack and underwent major heart bypass surgery earlier this week. As a result he will not be able to be with us. Please keep him and his wife Barbara in your prayers, as we pray for a full and complete recovery. After praying about whom to invite to take Bishop Frey's place, Bishop Dan and I have asked Bishop Dave to lead the retreat. Bishop Dave is an outstanding teacher. I believe the Lord will bless us richly though his meditations which will focus on II Corinthians 4. I encourage and invite every priest in the Diocese to attend if possible. I realize the Season of Advent is a very busy time, but I hope we can set those few days aside to rest, reflect and recharge our Spiritual batteries. Bishop Dan, Bishop Dave, & I look forward to spending that time with each of you. If you have not yet registered, please do so.

After many years of faithful service to our Diocese as Dean of the Hudson Valley Deanery, The Very Rev. Mark Diebel, has asked to step down as Dean. Thank you Fr. Mark for your dedicated service as Dean and your continued service and ministry as rector of St. John the Evangelist Church in Stockport. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you in your ministry.

Bishop Dan and I have asked Mother Diana Freeman, rector of St. Luke's, Catskill, to serve as the new Dean of the Hudson Valley Deanery. Mother Diana, thank you for your willingness to serve. May God bless you richly in this new ministry. The email address for Mother Diana is incorrect in the Directory. Please note her correct address: revdifreeman@mhcable.com

Fr. Bill Cooper will be at Christ the King SLC this Tuesday, Dec. 5th, for anyone seeking the sacrament of reconciliation or spiritual guidance.

On a sad note, both the Freeman and the Verdaasdonk Families from St. Luke's, Catskill have had a death in their families this past week. Deacon Henry and Joyce's daughter-in-law, Kathy died after a long battle with cancer. Please keep Henry, Joyce and their son Joe and his children in your prayers as they morn the death of Kathy. In addition, I would ask you to please keep Paul and Diana Freeman and their family in your prayers as they morn the death of Paul's brother, York, who was killed in an automobile accident earlier this week. Rest eternal grant to Kathy and York, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Have a blessed and holy Advent. Peace my Friends!

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill

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