Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550
Blessed John Keble
March 29th, 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Lenten observance was probably violated joyfully on Saturday as the 'alleluias of gratitude ascended above the heavens for the election of our next bishop. Father Bill Love will be a true shepherd, models on the Great Shepherd whom he has served these many years. Yesterday was the 14th anniversary of Fr Bill's ordination as a priest. Bishop Dave and I plan to include him in every aspect of diocesan life, commensurate with his continuing duties as parish priest at Saint Mary's. It was especially beneficial that Fr Bill was part of the recent trip to our sister diocese of Down and Dromore. Bishop Harold sent his hearty congratulations and hopes to attend Fr Bill's consecration in September.
We also owe gratitude to those priests who entered the process and allowed their names to be considered. We were all enriched by their generosity.
Particular thanks go to Col Forest Rittgers, Secretary of the Election and Patti Gibbons, Secretary of the Standing Committee for herculean labors in a myriad of details, background work and facilitating the work of the Standing Committee.
Saturday, September 16, 2006, is the date already established by the office of the presiding bishop for the consecration of the coadjutor-elect.
Registration for the June 9 - 11 Diocesan Convention at Camp-of-the Woods will be available on-line next week.
The Mass of the Chrism will occur at 3 sites in Holy Week:
Monday, April 10, at 6pm at the Cathedral. Dean Vang.
Tuesday, April 11, at 6pm at St James Church, Oneonta, Father Ken Hunter.
Wednesday, Apr 12, at Noon at St Thomas Church, Tupper Lake. Father Bill Cooper.
Each liturgy is followed by a meal at which the clergy and spouses are guests. This year we are also inviting the clergy widows who are able to attend. Please notify the host priest of your planned attendance. Vesture for the service is alb and white stole. The renewal of ordination vows is included in the Mass. Bishop-elect Bill will also be at each Mass. Special thanks to the hosting parishes. Clergy will be able to take oil and chrism home with them. This is one of the most important gatherings for the ordained in the church year, and an opportunity to encourage one another in our vocation.
Holy Week will be observed at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center beginning with the Blessing of Palms and the Mass of the Passion, April 9, at 10:30. Maundy Thursday the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper, with the Foot washing, will be at 7pm. Good Friday the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion and Death will be at 7pm. The Great Vigil of Easter will begin Easter morning at 5:30 including the striking of the New Fire on the helicopter pad followed by the Exsultet, Baptisms, and the First Mass of Easter. Breakfast follows.
THE CATHEDRAL OF ALL SAINTS and THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION will sponsor a 2 day set of teaching on Saturday, April 22 from 3-5pm on the History of Marian Devotion (at our Cathedral) and Sunday, April 23 from 2-4pm on Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ at Immaculate Conception. The speakers will be the Rev'd Dr. Robert Wright of the General Seminary, and Sister Sara Butler of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.
A special word of thanks is due to our fellow disciples who labored to make the Special Convention flow so seamlessly. The liturgy, the music, the warm fellowship were all hallmarks of the presence of the living Lord and the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful affirmation of the community we share in Christ. From the volunteers who made the sandwiches to those who set up or cleaned up, who greeted, who served, and who prayed, THANK YOU from a grateful diocesan family.
Please pray for Fr Walt Collins who has resumed his chemo treatments.
St John's, Johnstown has established a scholarship memorial fund to honor the memory of Marty Small. Contributions can be sent to the parish office marked in her memory.
Saturday, April 1, Fr Joel Grigg will be inducted as Rector of St John's, Massena in an 11 a.m. Liturgy. A reception will follow in the parish house. Clergy: purple stoles.
Sunday I will make a visitation to Trinity, Potsdam and celebrate the liturgy. On Sunday afternoon, April 2, at 4pm I will induct Father Robert Longbottom as Rector of Saint John's, Ogdensburg. Purple stoles as well.
Bishop Dave will be at Christ and St John's, Champlain.
Next Monday, the Convention Planning Committee will meet at Christ the King at 3pm.
Tuesday, April 4, is the Eucharistic Holy Hour, at Noon at Christ the King. Lunch follows.
LORD JESUS, we thank you for the institution of the apostolic ministry, and for calling your servant Father Bill to share in that leadership of your church: give to him and Karen the superabundance of your grace, the support of the saints, and the joy of your Holy Spirit. Enable us to be intercessors for his ministry and supporters in the mission you have entrusted to him. Amen.
In Christ,
+ Dan
Disciples Making Disciples
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