The work of the Canon to the Ordinary is manifold.  Primarily, the Canon serves as an assistant to the Bishop in matters relating to the pastoral care, vocational development, and the spiritual health and life of our clergy.  Hannah has been a trusted colleague of mine in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, and I have always been impressed by her gifts and skills as one who can listen deeply for the movement of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people and in the Church.  Her experience includes serving Bishop Mark Sisk as the Canon for Congregational Development and serving as either vicar or rector in rural, suburban, and urban parishes.  In addition to serving as the Rector in Pittsfield, MA, Hannah is also the Diocesan Consultant for Innovative and Creative Ministries in Western MA.  As we face this present time of almost overwhelming change in our congregations, with many needing to explore and engage new models of being the Body of Christ in the world, Hannah's prayerfulness, her creativity, and her capacity to equip leaders all lead me to make this decision to call her here.

There are other decisions to be made.  I want you to know that I will rely on the Standing Committee in its function as a "council of advice" as we determine how to meet the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.  The Standing Committee and I will be meeting at length over the next several weeks to discuss the past, present, and future needs of the Diocese and how my staff can most effectively lead and support the ministry of each of the congregations in New Hampshire.  It's my intention that this process not be done in haste, but with prayer and sufficient time to listen, as St. Benedict would say, "with the ears of the heart."

In the meantime, the Rev. Canon Randy Dales will continue to serve as the part-time Interim Deployment Officer. The Rev. Canon Charles LaFond will continue as Canon for Congregational Life, supporting the evangelism and stewardship efforts of our parishes.  It is such an honor to be working with each of them as their gifts and their passion for this ministry we share is well known, even beyond the borders of our Diocese.  They are aware of the process I am undertaking in discerning their future roles on this staff.  Also, Ms. Sheila (Becky) Forbes, our Chief Financial Officer, has announced her retirement in mid-summer.  She will be sorely missed, and I am guarding against the temptation to be anxious as I imagine how her tasks will be adequately undertaken by another.  God is good, and God will be good-for all of us.

In addition, the Registrar and Archivist of the Diocese, the marvelous Ms. Mary Brundett, will be seeing the light of day as she emerges from the "Down Under" of Diocesan House to retire.  Whoever will be sitting in her place will enjoy a space that is incredibly well-ordered, organized, and tidy thanks to her amazing contributions to this important part of our common life.  We hope to announce her successor before the end of the year.

I am so grateful for the stability provided by the work of Paula Bibber, the Executive Assistant to the Bishop(s), Tammy Trahan, our Administrative Assistant, and Cathy Menard, our Finance Officer.  Their dedication to this diocese is quite impressive and is matched by their utmost professionalism and their astounding competency.  

Please keep the Bishop's Office Staff in your prayers as we move through this period of transition and discernment.    You are welcome to contact me, or the members of the Standing Committee (listed below), if you have any questions or concerns.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld

Bishop Coadjutor

Members of the Standing Committee

The Rev. Kevin Nichols, President            rectorst.andrews@comcast.net

Mr. George Sutherland                             gsutherland843@comcast.net

The Rev. Celeste Hemingson                   celeste340@aol.com

Ms. Terry Knowles                                    terry.knowles@doj.nh.gov

Ms. Judith Esmay                                      judithesmay@gmail.com 

The Rev. Teresa Gocha                             tpgocha@yahoo.com