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

March 15th, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Lots of activity the past several days.

On Saturday, Canon Darwin Kirby was buried in a liturgy that truly marked the end of an era. His 40 years as rector of St George’s brought back an array of friends, curates and old parishioners. The Saratoga choir sang Faure’s Requiem. I was honored to pontificate and welcome Bishop Jackson Biggers, retired of Northern Malawi as celebrant of the Pontifical Mass. The vestments were those of the Guild of All Souls. Clergy processed vested in surplices, stoles and birettas. It represented the Anglo-Catholic life which attracted much the energy of Fr Kirby’s life. An excellent turn out of the clergy. I was grateful to Canon Wampler and Canon King for attending me.

Sunday I was at Middleville where Deacon Joe Famulare has substantially built up the congregation. Deacon Joe will be ordained to the priesthood in Little Falls on April 22. Enjoyed lunch with dear Mary Overlease, now in her 90’s, and undeterred by age. Bishop Dave reported an enjoyable visitation to St John’s in Copake Falls.

Monday was the meeting of the planning group for the special meeting of the Convention for March 24-25. Col Rittgers and Patti Gibbons have done outstanding preparation. Fr King contributed from his vast knowledge of the canons and process.

The first regional Lenten Service of Healing was held on Monday evening at Christ Church, Schenectady. Excellent music, a sterling talk by Fr Nigel Mumford and lots of direct ministry. A lovely dinner for the clergy preceded the service. On Tuesday evening The Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls, hosted the same Lenten Service for the Southern Adirondack and Hudson Deaneries. Thank you to Fr Brad Jones and Fr Scott Harding for welcoming us all.

Tuesday the Christ the King Oversight Committee met to review developments to date: the erection of new signs at the entry off the highways. The draft design for the Adult Lodge was presented. Applications are already beginning to come in for Beaver Cross Summer Camp. We also reviewed designs for the infirmary. The Oversight Committee has representatives from the Standing Committee, Trustees, Diocesan Council, Diocesan Development Fund and Episcopal Charities. Canon Matt also advised us that the DVD /Video about he Community of St Mary was awarded a NY Regional Emmy for Best Writing in a Television Documentary. It can be checked out here.

Tomorrow I leave for the Spring Meeting of the House of Bishops in North Carolina, returning home early next week.

The Rt. Rev’d Vincent Pettit, Assistant Bp to Bishop Ball, has died and the Funeral Mass will be Saturday March 18th 11:00 a.m., at Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, NJ. Bishop Bena will attend as a representative of the Diocese while Bishop Herzog is at the House of Bishops. Rest Eternal Grant unto him.

Congratulations to Sarah and Scott Garno on the birth yesterday of Samuel Robert. Congratulations too to grandparents Fr Bill and Barb Hinrichs and Dcn Art and Tammy Garno.

The regional Lenten Services of Healing will be Monday night, March 20, at 7:00 at St John’s, Johnstown; and Tuesday night, March 21, at 7:00 at Trinity, Potsdam. Fr Nigel will be the preacher at each service. A supper for the Clergy and spouses will be at 5pm at the host church.

CHRISM MASS:

Monday in Holy Week The Cathedral 6pm

Tuesday in Holy Week St James, Oneonta 6pm

Wednesday in Holy Week St Thomas, Tupper Lake Noon

LORD JESUS, as we commemorate your servant Patrick this week, let us see in his sacrificial love for You and for the unconverted, the path to true discipleship. Give to each of us in this diocese a love for you like St Patrick’s, and a devotion to following your most holy will. Amen.

In Christ,
+ Dan

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