Libby House, chair of the Diocese of Bethlehem's Audit Committee, has released this letter and the 2011 audit report to the people of the diocese.

July 30, 2015

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Our Diocese:

We are attaching the final audit report, summary report, and communications letters regarding the financial statements of the Diocese of Bethlehem for the year ending December 2011. These reports represent the fourth of six (2008-2013) financial audits of the diocese that Bishop Sean and the Standing Committee hired the accounting firm of Campbell Rappold & Yurasits to undertake in March 2014.

These are the complete reports as presented to the Audit Committee. No information has been left out. These audit reports and letters indicate the firm has found no malfeasance or misuse of funds in the years that have been examined. However, as with the previous three reports, the auditors have pointed out a number of weaknesses and deficiencies to be addressed and which we began to address as of the 2014 fiscal year.

Read the entire letter and download the final audit report on the website.

Updates

• Convention begins at 9 am on Friday, October 2 and concludes at noon on Saturday, October 3.

• The Certificate of Elections of Lay Delegates was emailed to each parish earlier this week and can be downloaded on the website. The form was due July 20, so please submit it as soon as possible. 

Call for Resolutions

Resolutions for the 144th Diocese of Bethlehem Convention are being accepted through August 2, 2015. Resolutions should be submitted in the following format:

1.  Title of the resolution

2.  The full resolution beginning with "be it resolved

3.  The explanation of the resolution

4.  The names of those submitting the resolution (three (3) delegates or by a Committee or Commission.)

The resolution can be emailed, faxed to 610-691-1682, or mailed to Jo Trepagnier in the diocesan office.

Effective July 1, 2015, Pennsylvania law has new requirements for the clearances necessary for employees and volunteers who work with or come into contact with children. The new law also requires that employees and volunteers are considered mandated reporters of suspected child abuse.

The diocese is asking that current clergy and employees come into compliance by December 31, 2015. Clearances need to be renewed every 36 months. Congregations are required to see original documentation and maintain records of their volunteers' and lay employees' compliance with these guidelines.

To assist with compliance, the diocesan office has made available for download information regarding the basics of clearances and training as well as verification forms. Please find more information about Safe Church policies and procedures on our Safe Church page.

Read more.

On July 20, clergy of the diocese and their families gathered at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown to see the Lehigh Valley IronPigs take on the Toledo Mud Hens. 

The game's first pitch was thrown out by Lauren Rowe, age 2, daughter of Bishop Sean and Carly Rowe.

See more photos on Facebook.

The Diocese of Bethlehem's Commission for Lifelong Christian Formation offers consultations to assist congregations and regional groups of congregations seeking to explore new formation ministries and programs. 

Canon Anne Kitch writes, "Are you or your congregation wondering what the future of Christian formation will look like in your context? The Commission for Life Long Christian Formation can help you discern where the Spirit may be leading you. Is your parish looking at the upcoming season of Sunday school and wondering what to do next? Are you considering becoming a Sunday School teacher, youth mentor, or engaging in some other formation ministry, but just aren't sure if it's for you?"

To schedule a consultation, which can take place in the evening, in a day-long retreat, and even via Skype, email Canon Kitch.