|
Alleluia. Christ is Risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we begin the Great Fifty Days of Easter, I send you greetings and pray that you are having a gentle week as you refresh yourself after a grace-filled but busy Holy Week and Easter. Throughout the season of Lent into Holy Week, and with yesterday's glorious celebrations, you have provided soul food for God's people. For this and for all of your faithfulness and work, I offer my abundant thanks.
On Thursday, I will leave the diocese for a brief trip to visit family and then begin my sabbatical on Sunday, May 1st. As the planning has evolved, the sabbatical time will be interwoven with vacation time. Thus, I will be effectively away until Labor Day weekend. My sabbatical plan is to do reading and research on rites of initiation in the church. It is my hope that the result of this study will be a theological reflection and practical guide for baptism, confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation. After six years as bishop, I am reasonably convinced that there is work to be done in this aspect of worship and formation. I look forward to being with you for our Clericus on Tuesday, September 13, when I will share with you the fruits of this time.
During my sabbatical and vacation time, the Office of the Bishop will continue normal operations under the supervision of the Canon to the Ordinary Suzi Holding. She will be assisted by Canons Howard Smith and Julie Young. Nancy Holland will be on point with all aspects of the Episcopal Church Center (formerly Holy Trinity). The diocesan governing bodies - Council, Corporation and Standing Committee -- will continue their oversight functions. I am confident that I am leaving the diocese in competent hands.
In addition to this project, I will spend two weeks touring the Holy Land as well as ten days in Italy. As I depart for this time of study, reflection, renewal and adventure, I leave with some feeling of regret. The past two years have been some of the most gratifying of my ministry. I depart excited and energized by our life together. Please know that even though I will not be present, I will continue to hold you all in my prayers. I close by thanking you and the people of our diocese for the privilege and gift of this Sabbath time.
Faithfully,  The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes Bishop
|
