Bishop-elect Fisher with Bishop Scruton at a Diocesan Council Meeting on June 7

On June 2, 2012, at a special electing Convention, the clergy and elected lay delegates from across our Diocese gathered at Christ Cathedral in Springfield. As readers of this newsletter know, I had (along with many others) invested time and energy in producing the final slate of candidates to our Diocese. In my capacity as Chair of the Search Committee I was asked to say a prayer, which can be found here. 

But at this gathering, I was simply one priest among many-praying with everyone else that God's will might be done through us in choosing the next Bishop to lead us in the years ahead. It was a joy to be a part of this process, and I think we did choose well. I know that all of you will continue to pray for Doug and Betsy, our Bishop-elect and his spouse, along with Gordon and Rebecca as they navigate this transition toward retirement.

As they say in Congress, I am going to cede my remaining time to the gentleman and gentlewomen from our parish who participated with me on this day.

From Jacqueline Galvinhill (Youth Delegate):

When I was asked to be the youth delegate for the Convention I was ecstatic! I looked forward to the election of our new Bishop for months. I was able to go to the Walkabout and get to know the candidates a little better. When the day finally arrived I traveled with the other delegates from St. Francis to the Cathedral. I had been to the Cathedral before, but as a member of my youth group. This time I was returning as a youth delegate...I felt older. It came to my attention that the last time this Convention met I was only a few months old, it put the whole thing into perspective for me...this really was a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity for me. 

Before the voting began, everyone gathered in the basement for coffee and other refreshments. It was amazing to me to see so many Episcopalians gathered together...and these were only the select few who had been chosen to represent their congregation! As the voting began, I was very anxious. I had never voted on anything before and the whole experience was new and exciting. The waiting after taking the ballots was the worst part...we were all so curious to know the outcome. Our third ballot finished just before lunch so we were sent off while the results were determined. When we returned we were hopeful that the election had been made and we were not disappointed. I left knowing that I had been part of something truly amazing. My vote counted and I had just been part of something that would forever change the life of Doug Fisher and I look forward to seeing what he can do as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

From Dick Delorme:

The Convention to elect a new bishop was an exciting day for me.  As someone that is very interested in politics, I was curious to see what the Episcopal Church's election process was like in addition to being awed by the responsibility associated with electing our next bishop.  Everyone there seemed excited and energized by what was happening.  Having the voting take place in the context of the Eucharistic service made it seem truly special.  Waiting for the results of the first round of voting was the most tense time for me.  How would the laity and clergy vote?  What would happen if each group was looking for a different type of leader?  Those questions were going through my mind as we waited for the first round results to be announced.  To my surprise, the results of lay and clergy voting had the candidates in almost the same order.  From that moment on, I felt sure that, no matter which of the top two candidates would end up being selected, the Holy Spirit was guiding us to the right choice for us at this time.  Having done the work that we were there to do, we completed the celebration of the Eucharist.  As a member of St. Francis, it was particularly special to participate in the service since Gordon is our former pastor and he was assisted by Deacon Audrey Cronin. 

From Dawn Rooke: 

I am thrilled  to have been able to take part in the election of our next Bishop!  From the beginning, attending the listening events which helped determine the diocesan profile, and the walkabouts which allowed an opportunity to get a feel for each of the candidates, to the joy-filled, spirit-filled atmosphere of the election, I felt honored to be able to be a part of this process. As a delegate for St. Francis I felt well informed every step of the way.  I was surprised to learn that the actual election would take place in the midst of a worship service at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield.  I think that contributed to both the solemnity and joyous feel of the events of the day. One of the greatest realizations, or rather reminders for me from this whole experience was that we at St. Francis truly are just a small part of the  larger body of Christ,  something we talk about  but don't often experience beyond our Holden walls.  We are not alone, but are joined in faith by many others; Episcopalians for whom the Word, the Sacraments, and Reason, ring true.

From Robin Carlo:

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the election of our new bishop. At first I was a bit daunted by the responsibility, but the organization, efficiency and sense of cooperation that permeated the process allowed me to truly focus on the gifts and experiences of each candidate. The search committee provided a wealth of information about each of the five finalists, helping me to make an informed decision and also showcasing the wonderful work being done across the country in our denomination.  It was clear from the start that this was not so much an election as a discernment process. Media was effectively used to educate rather than to condemn. The respect with which the candidates viewed our diocese and each other was refreshing. The delegates, although obviously not all of the same mind, were thoughtful and respectful of each other's viewpoints. As we moved to a second and then a third vote, the prayerfulness and thoughtfulness were palpable. I wish our new bishop could have been in the room when the final decision was announced; I am quite sure his heart would have been warmed by the joyous welcome given!