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

January 30th, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Next Sunday, February 4th, at 4:00 p.m. is the Enthronement of the Ninth Bishop of Albany. We do treasure the traditions that the church in this diocese has passed down, though we are hardly medievalists.

Sunday's liturgy, in the context of Evensong, led by the cathedral choir, is the visible transition in the episcopate which points to the future.

The retiring bishop presents the crozier / staff to the new bishop, and Bishop Love then moves to take possession of the Chair, and cathedral and diocese. The bishop's cathedra is the symbolic locus of his office of teaching and leading.

A reception will follow.

This is a significant event in the life of our Diocese and we should be there to show our support for our new Bishop. Clergy planning to attend should arrive by 3:30. To facilitate seating for the procession, clergy are asked to email Dean Vang this week here.

This past weekend was a whirlwind with three Parish Leadership Conferences and an Ordination. Bishop Dave and MaryEllen, Carol and I were happy to see so many fellow clergy and fellow disciples. We thank Bishop Bill for inviting us to speak at these PLC's. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity in providing us each a "key" to Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. It has played a vital part in the spiritual nourishing and growth of so many. We look forward to receiving the memorabilia, notes and pictures from you. At a time of upheaval across the church, the Diocese of Albany kept its eyes on the goal, who is Christ Jesus.

When Canon Matt Baker reported just fewer than 30,000 (!) were guests in 2006 we were all astonished. The SLC obviously is meeting a need and filling an important role in the life of our parishes. It was encouraging to hear the reports and plans from Deacon Laurie about Christian Education in the Diocese, and the major role it plays in strengthening parishes.

Father Nigel Mumford described the vast number of individuals who have come for prayer for healing- now in excess of 10,000 - and the broad array of individuals assisting on a volunteer basis at the Oratory of Christ the Healer.

Last Sunday I had the joy on my final Lord's Day as bishop to ordain the Rev'd Joseph Acanfora to the diaconate at Christ Church, Gilbertsville. It was a beautiful liturgy with very fine music and a lovely luncheon. Torre Bissell posted about 10 minutes of the Service on his site http://albanyintercessor.blogspot.com/

Fr Dan Moore can receive emails via his wife Pat who reads them to him. He remains in a coma in Fletcher-Allen Medical Center in Burlington. Click: http://www.Fletcher Allen.org/General_Public/Volunteers/email.html. It is important to type "Fr Dan Moore" in the subject line after you have clicked on the link.

The Community of Saint Mary will mark their 142 Anniversary of their foundation on Friday, Feb 2, the Feast of the Presentation, with A festal Mass at 11:00 in the Convent Chapel. Associates and friends are invited to attend.

The February (pre-Lent) Eucharistic Holy Hour is Thursday, Feb 8th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Convent Chapel at the SLC. Includes exposition and ends with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Lunch follows.

LENT begins on Ash Wednesday (a Prayer Book FAST day) Feb 21.
Palm Sunday is April 1
Chrism Mass: Monday 6pm @ Cathedral
(White) Tuesday 6pm @ Oneonta
Wednesday Noon @ Tupper Lake
GOOD FRIDAY - April 6
EASTER DAY - April 8
Diocesan Convention: June 8 - 9 - 10
Tomorrow, Jan 31, I'll celebrate the Noon Mass at the cathedral to wrap up my ministry on Swan Street. My last official stop will be at Christ the King.

Bishop Bill wakes up on Thursday as the 9th Bishop of Albany. He merits our daily prayers, our support and loyalty. As well we need to pray for his family and all those who assist him in his apostolic ministry.

ETERNAL FATHER, thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on your servants +Dave and me, for the unwavering support of Carol and MaryEllen; for the holy priests and deacons, for the committed disciples who have labored side by side with us, for the hearts transformed, for the lives healed, for the sins forgiven, for the hope of glory given. Bless now and empower your servant +William with the anointing of your Holy Spirit; send your holy angels to watch over Karen and Chris and Katie, and at length of days, bring us all to your everlasting kingdom where in the company of Blessed Mary and all your Saints we may love and adore you forever.

LORD JESUS CHRIST, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the Cross, that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: so clothe us in your Spirit, that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you for the honor of your Name. Amen.

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