From the Rector

Grace and peace. The Greek word episcopos means bishop or overseer and is the root word of Episcopal. St. Patrick's is a parish in the Episcopal Church. Our church is, by its name, connected directly to bishops. Bishops are important to the life of St. Patrick's and of all the Episcopal Churches. I note this important connection because this week the five nominees to be the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington are making themselves known through a series of walkabouts. The Diocese of Washington was formed in 1895 and our current bishop, the Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, is only its eighth bishop. As you can tell, the election of a bishop happens once in a generation. The June 18th election is an important step in setting the future vision and direction of the parishes in this Diocese.

Here is why bishops are important:

1. The Episcopal Church, under the leadership of bishops, keeps in tension a great diversity of faithful people (all are welcome in the Episcopal Church) who gather in community to share a common meal, pray, learn, and be inspired to explore new ways to serve the world. Bishops help us keep a pulse on the world and help parishes and their leaders stay mission focused rather than inward focused. The sum of our collective energy is much more than our individual congregations. Bishops are charged with the responsibility of keeping parishes and institutions of the Church connected and moving toward fulfilling God's mission in the world.

2. The Episcopal Church does not publish a set of answers. Instead, the Church opens up opportunities for discernment and questioning. Bishops are the catalysts in the Church to stretch our faith and our understandings of God. A bishop teaches and inspires and sets priorities for the clergy in a diocese.

3. Bishops are called to channel the Holy Spirit to missions and ministries of the Church. Bishops support the growth of parishes, help resolve conflict, and vision new opportunities to serve in a region. Bishops also represent the diocese at national and international meetings, and bring new ideas and questions back to the region where he or she serves.

Peter Jobusch and David Beers are the elected delegates for St. Patrick's at next month's election. Along with your clergy, they will represent this Parish in the selection of the next bishop of the Diocese of Washington. Please keep them and this discernment process in your prayers.

More information about the five nominees for the Ninth Bishop of Washington 

Faithfully,