Diocese celebrates new ministry with Bishop Gallagher |
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Diocesan community came together at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan on Saturday, May 27 for a Celebration of New Ministry with Assistant Bishop Carol J. Gallagher, who began in the role on Feb. 1 of this year.
In his sermon, Bishop Alan M. Gates said of Gallagher, who is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, that in "her person and in her passions she braids together three strands: Anglican tradition, Native American spirituality and classic Christian teaching."
"We celebrate with joy today, as she marks nearly four months as our assistant bishop," he said, highlighting Gallagher's life and ministry experiences as gifts, along with her love for the Diocese of Massachusetts.
"I am so glad to have Carol Gallagher as my companion bishop," he said. "Here I must acknowledge an added dynamic of our partnership, given the recent announcement of my retirement at the end of 2024," he said. "It’s true this means our partnership in the episcopate will not be especially long. But it is especially vital. I have spoken of my determination for us as a diocese to have a bishop transition which–unlike those in 1995 and 2014–can be realized in the context of a smooth and healthy chapter, with a focus on mission and ministry, an attitude of mutual thankfulness and a forward-looking hope. With that goal in mind, Carol Gallagher is just the right companion for me, and just the right bishop for you. I thank God for her. And she and I thank God for you today."
Find the full text of Bishop Gates's sermon here, and view photos here.
The Church of the Holy Spirit's livestream recording is here.
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Standing Committee invites Bishop Search Committee applications by June 25 |
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The diocesan Standing Committee has invited members of the diocese to apply by June 25 if they are interested in being considered for appointment to the Bishop Search Committee.
The online application form is available here, along with a description of the Bishop Search Committee's responsibilities and the abilities and skills that the Standing Committee is looking for in those to be appointed.
It is anticipated that the Bishop Search Committee's work will begin in August and continue until a final slate of nominees is named in the late spring of 2024. Attendance at an Aug. 12 retreat day is a requirement of those appointed to the Search Committee.
Bishop Alan M. Gates announced on May 10 his call for the election of his successor. He has served since 2014 as the 16th bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts and plans to retire at the end of 2024. The Standing Committee has oversight of the search, election and consecration of a new bishop– a process that takes, on average, about 18 months.
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Reparations Listening Sessions scheduled to hear from underrepresented voices |
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In May 2022, the Reparations Subcommittee of the diocesan Racial Justice Commission conducted nine regional Listening Sessions, with participation from many individuals in the diocese.
"As we analyzed our report, we found that there was underrepresentation from the African American and Afro Caribbean community among us. It is very important that we hear from you in this segment of our diocesan community," the Reparations Subcommittee said in its announcement.
To that end, the Reparations Subcommittee invites African American and Afro Caribbean individuals in the diocese to attend an upcoming Listening Session. As in the previous Listening Sessions, the question the subcommittee would like participants to consider, in advance, is: When you hear the word reparations, what are your feelings, thoughts, concerns and questions?
"Your feelings, thoughts, concerns and questions matter. Your voice matters. Please join us," the subcommittee said.
The Listening Sessions will be conducted on Zoom on:
• Monday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
To register for one of the Listening Sessions, send an e-mail to reparations@diomass.org and include name; e-mail address; name of your congregation and its location; and the date of the Listening Session you plan to attend. Once this information is received, the subcommittee will e-mail the Zoom link for the requested session. Questions may also be directed to reparations@diomass.org.
Last year's Diocesan Convention approved the creation of a diocesan Reparations Fund with an $11.1 million goal "as part of our effort to address our legacy of wealth accumulated through the enslaved labor of Africans and Afro Caribbeans on our behalf and for our use today."
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Diocesan Convention in October to focus on collaboration: “In Christ, Called to Collaborate” will be the theme for the 238th annual Diocesan Convention, to take place Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Danvers. Early plans include Friday afternoon sessions focused on the theme of collaboration and an evening dinner. Business sessions and the convention Eucharist will take place on Saturday.
Positions to be filled by election this year include alternate deputies to the 2024 Episcopal Church General Convention, secretary and treasurer of the diocese and positions on the Standing Committee and Diocesan Disciplinary Board, Provincial Conference, Cathedral Chapter, Board of Directors of the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center and the Trustees of Donations.
Registration opens online in July.
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It's not too late to sign up for a summer camp session at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, N.H.: Families of all configurations can enjoy an extra-long weekend of activities, worship and family-oriented fellowship during the June 30-July 5 Family Camp session. The summer schedule also includes four week-long youth Overnight Camp sessions, running from July 9 through Aug. 4, for those completing 3rd through 12th grades.
Part of the mission at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center is that no child or family be unable to participate in camp due to financial need; camperships are available for those who need them. For details and registration, visit bchcenter.org/bchcamp. |
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New ordinations to the diaconate: The diocesan community's congratulations are with newly ordained deacon, the Rev. Margaret Lias (above, seventh from left, sponsored by Emmanuel Church, Boston), and transitional deacons the Rev. Eva Ortez ( Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston), the Rev. Kevin Vetiac ( Parish of the Good Shepherd, Waban), the Rev. Joshua (Paddy) Cavanaugh (Emmanuel Church, Boston), the Rev. Keith Nelson, SSJE ( Society of St. John the Evangelist, Cambridge), the Rev. Katherine Hoyer ( St. Michael’s Church, Marblehead), the Rev. Paul Keene ( St. Peter’s Church, Cambridge), the Rev. Lisa Faber Ginggen ( Grace Church, Medford), the Rev. Max Sklar ( St. Peter’s-San Pedro Church, Salem) and the Rev. Michael Thompson ( Trinity Church, Melrose), pictured at the Cathedral Church of St Paul in Boston on June 3 with Bishop Alan M. Gates and Bishop Carol J. Gallagher. Courtesy photo
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VT's Canon Brownridge preaches at Pan-African Conference: On Saturday, May 20, about 150 Diocese of Massachusetts Episcopalians gathered under the theme "That they may all be one" at the second Pan-African Caucus Conference, hosted by the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan. The conference was organized by the African Clergy Caucus in the diocese, in conjunction with the diocesan Office of Immigration and Multicultural Ministries.
According to organizers, it was an occasion "to celebrate, pray, listen, worship, eat and talk as one beloved community bound together in agape love–the word central to the sermon" given by the Rev. Canon Walter Brownridge, Canon to the Ordinary for Cultural Transformation in the Diocese of Vermont, "inviting us to build the community of love and resistance."
Music was offered by the Eneza Injiri choir, led by the Rev. Zachary Kinyua of St. Mark's Church in Dorchester and St. Bartholomew's Church in Cambridge, as well as Grace Hampton and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan's choir. Children and adults from St. Peter's Anglican Church in Waltham presented Ugandan traditional dances, three dancers from the Church of the Holy Spirit led a sung version of the Lord’s Prayer and the Girls' Brigade from Grace Chapel in Brockton offered a group dance.
Later, the parish hall was filled for a feast of Pan-African cuisine from around the world.
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Juneteenth extended via "story walk" in Walpole: Through July 4, there is a "story walk" on display in front of Epiphany Parish in Walpole in honor of the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Children and people of all ages are invited to view panels from the picture book Juneteenth: A Children's Story by Opal Lee.
Photo via Facebook
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Choirs join to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension: The Parish of the Good Shepherd in Waban, in conjunction with All Saints Parish in Brookline, along with parishes of the Charles River Deanery, gathered on Thursday, May 18 at Good Shepherd (pictured top) to celebrate with Choral Eucharist. The combined choirs sang under the direction of Jamie Apgar (Good Shepherd) and Stephan Griffin (All Saints), after the deanery meeting that day.
On Sunday, May 21, the combined choirs of Christ Church in Andover and the Parish of the Epiphany in Winchester gathered at Christ Church (pictured bottom) under the direction of Barbara Bruns (Christ Church) and Jeremy Bruns (Epiphany) to sing an Ascensiontide service of Choral Evensong. Fifty singers, including 14 choristers, raised their voices in grateful praise. Courtesy photos
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Presiding Bishop Curry urges renewed commitment to welcoming the stranger: "In the month of June and on June the 20th, we observe World Refugee Day, a day to remind us and to encourage us and for us to rededicate ourselves to the task of welcoming the stranger: those who are refugees fleeing persecution, those who are fleeing famine and natural disaster, those who are fleeing war, those who have lost their homes and everything that they know and simply want to breathe free. This year, we are also mindful that LGBTQ people in many countries are in additional danger. They are often threatened because of who they are, persecuted, and fleeing persecution," Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry wrote in a recent message issued in recognition of World Refugee Day and Episcopal Migration Ministries' Rainbow Initiative to support LGBTQ+ forced migrants.
"As people helped the Holy Family to flee persecution, to find safety, so may we this year on World Refugee Day recommit our efforts and our commitments to do all that we can to welcome the stranger. Whereas you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, says Jesus, you have done it unto me," Curry said. Read his full message here.
World Refugee Day "Reflections on Compassion" at Grace Church in Lawrence: In the Diocese of Massachusetts, the Office of Multicultural and Immigration Ministries is presenting a Celebration of World Refugee Day, "Reflections on Compassion," on Friday, June 23 at 6 p.m. at Grace Church in Lawrence. All are welcome. Questions may be directed to the Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa at jbntagengwa@diomass.org.
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Nominating committee presents profile for 28th presiding bishop, calls for names: The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop on May 15 issued a letter to the church announcing the availability of the “Profile for the Election of the 28th Presiding Bishop” (in English, Spanish and French) and inviting Episcopalians to submit the names of bishops for the committee to consider as nominees. The deadline for submitting names is Saturday, July 15. Find the letter and profile links here. |
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Diocese of Massachusetts delegation prepares for #EYE23: Eight young people will represent the Diocese of Massachusetts at the 2023 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) coming up July 4-8 at the University of Maryland. EYE is a gathering of young Episcopalians ages 15-19 from around the world who assemble every three years on a college campus for learning, fun and worship together.
Toluwanimi Akere, Eghosa Omorogbe, Enoch Sowale, Demilade Aliyu, Jeremy Ujialele and Raymond Massenburg, all from Grace Chapel in Brockton, and Evan Lagueux and Mia Mansir from St. Paul's Church in Newburyport, along with chaperones Patrick Kangrga, Emily Russin and the Rev. Yolanda Rolle, will be traveling by bus with delegations from Maine and New Hampshire to College Park, Md. Bishop Alan M. Gates will join them at the event.
"We invite you to pray with us as we embark on this great adventure," Rolle, who is the diocesan missioner for youth and young adult ministries, said by e-mail. "Thank you for your unwavering support of our youth."
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Churchwide "It's All About Love" festival coming up in July in Baltimore: The Episcopal Church “It’s All About Love” festival of worship, learning, community and action is coming up, Sunday, July 9 through Wednesday, July 12 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Three festival “tents”—devoted to evangelism, creation care and racial reconciliation—will each offer an evening revival worship service and major plenary speaker, plus dozens of daytime workshops, panels, practice opportunities and other ways to engage. Participants can stick with one tent or explore across the tents, following the themes of worship and liturgy, formation, justice and advocacy, leadership, preaching, stewardship, youth and children. Find festival information at www.episcopalchurch.org/ its-all-about-love. |
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Boston Globe: Man who escaped slavery and became Navy veteran honored with statue in Dedham park: Just over a century after William Benjamin Gould’s death, the town of Dedham unveiled a statue honoring the Civil War veteran, who escaped slavery before establishing himself as an anchor of the local community.
More than 100 residents of Dedham and beyond gathered at William B. Gould Park, renamed in 2021 to honor the veteran, for the Sunday afternoon unveiling on the eve of Memorial Day. Gould’s descendants, some of whom flew in from California, joined the celebration.
Gould’s great-grandson, William Gould IV, who wrote a book about the veteran’s daring escape from North Carolinian bondage, thanked the community for its commitment to honoring his legacy.
Gould was 24 when he made a harrowing escape from Wilmington, N.C., in 1862, rowing 28 nautical miles down the Cape Fear River along with seven other enslaved people. Days later, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he would serve the remainder of the Civil War, working on the USS Cambridge and later the USS Niagara, pursuing Confederate warships through European waters.
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Falmouth Enterprise: Church in Falmouth starts permaculture garden: Recently, more than 60 volunteers came out to help plant a new permaculture garden at St. Barnabas’s Church on Falmouth. The 2,500-square-foot garden is located on the church property beside Siders Pond on a section of lawn previously used for auxiliary parking.
The idea for this project began during the pandemic, when churchgoer Bette J. Hecox-Lea read ecologist Douglas W. Tallamy’s 2020 book, Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard. The book guides homeowners in fostering biodiversity by transforming their suburban lawns into native wildlife habitats.
Struck by the ideas in the book and concerned about how climate change was impacting the Cape, Hecox-Lea brought what she had learned to church. St. Barnabas’s ended up organizing a webinar with the author during the pandemic and more than 100 people attended.
The church got a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts for $7,500 to build a permaculture garden and used the funds to have the garden designed by Resilient Roots, a Cape-based nonprofit that specializes in designing such gardens. Read more.
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Dartmouth Week: St. Peter's receives Church Home Society award grant: St. Peter’s Church in Dartmouth has received the 2023 William Tripp Award of the Church Home Society, along with a $10,000 grant to support its youth ministry. The Church Home Society provides grants to nonprofit organizations which support underserved youth. Read more.
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Summer scheduling note:
E-news takes a summer break, returning to its regular schedule
in September with fall news.
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June 23: Celebration of World Refugee Day, Grace Church, Lawrence, 6:00pm
June 23: Ordination to the Priesthood: The Rev. Janelle Hiroshige, Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester, 6:00pm
June 24: St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer "Why Go To Church?" Program, offered simultaneously at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston, St. Paul's Church in Newburyport and St. Thomas's Church in Taunton, 10:00am
June 25: Bishop Gates visits St. Paul's Church in Newburyport
June 25: Refugee Immigration Ministry Walk for Refugees, Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, 4:00pm
June 26: Reparations Listening Session for African American/Afro Caribbean Diocesan Community Members, via Zoom, 10:00am
June 28: Creation Care Justice Network Meeting, via Zoom, 7:00pm
June 28: Reparations Listening Session for African American/Afro Caribbean Diocesan Community Members, via Zoom, 7:00pm
June 30-July 5: Family Camp, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, N.H.
July 1: Reparations Listening Session for African American/Afro Caribbean Diocesan Community Members, via Zoom, 10:00am
July 1-2 & 4: Annual Lobster Lunch, St. Michael's Church, Marblehead, 10:00am-3:00pm (with live music on July 1, 1:00-3:00pm)
July 3: Pre-Fireworks Desserts Sale, Epiphany Parish, Walpole, 6:00pm-9:00pm
July 4-8: EYE (Episcopal Youth Event), University of Maryland, College Park
July 7-9: "Contemplation as the Pathway to Racial Healing," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
July 9-12: Churchwide "It's All About Love" Festival, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.
July 9-14: Summer Camp Session 1, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, N.H.
July 14-15: "Answering the Call to Moral Revival," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
July 16: Bishop Gates visits St. Aidan's Chapel in South Dartmouth
July 16-21: Summer Camp Session 2, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, N.H.
July 18-20: "Memoir: Freeing the Writer Within," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
July 19: Creation Care Justice Network Meeting, via Zoom, 7:00pm
July 23-28: Summer Camp Session 3, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, N.H.
July 25-27: "The Anatomy of a Mystery," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
July 30-Aug 4: Summer Camp Session 4, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, N.H.
Aug 4-6: "What We Get When We Ask for Guidance," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
Aug 9: "The Humanity of Thomas Merton" Quiet Day, Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield, 9:00am
Aug 9: Creation Care Justice Network Meeting, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Aug 10: Diocesan Council Meeting, 6:00pm
Aug 15-18: "Three Days in a Creative Space," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
Aug 30: Creation Care Justice Network Meeting, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Sep 1: Submission deadline for Diocesan Convention nominations, resolutions, materials
Sep 6: Installation of The Rev. Diana Scheide, Church of the Holy Nativity, South Weymouth, 6:00pm
Sep 9: Clergy Professional Development Day: Workshop with The Samaritans, 9:00am, and Safe Church Review, 1:00pm, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston
Sep 10: Bishop Gallagher visits St. Mark's Church in Southborough
Sep 10: Bishop Gates visits Church of Our Saviour in Middleborough
Sep 12: Discussion of Proposed Diocesan Convention Resolutions, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Sep 13: Province I Indigenous Peoples' Justice Network Book Discussion, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Sep 15-17: "The Work of Our Hands: The Craft and Spirituality of Knitting," Adelynrood Retreat and Conference Center, Byfield
Sep 16: Diocesan Council Meeting
Sep 17: Bishop Gallagher visits All Saints' Church in Attleboro
Sep 17: Bishop Gates visits St. Luke's Church in Hudson
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