April 8, 2026 | Next eNews: April 22 | | |
Spring Training & Gathering 2026: Living in Hope
Online via Zoom April 27–30
On location at Berlin High School, May 2
including our Plenary Session: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-out World
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Spring Training & Gathering brings together leaders from around ECCT to explore new ideas, share resources, and deepen fellowship. Classes will focus on topics around Administration, Resource Sharing, Lay Ministry, Witness, Lifespan Ministries, and Wellness. Courses are taught by lay and ordained leaders from around the diocese online and in person.
Don’t miss our plenary speaker, David Zahl, founder & director of Mockingbird Ministries, at our in-person day on May 2 at Berlin High School.
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Excerpts from our Bishops' Easter Video
Bishop Jeff: “As you know, recently, I had the incredible privilege of traveling to the Holy Land and spending time with our siblings in Christ in that place. And while we were there, war broke out, and things got quite scary and dark, as they continue to be for those who live in the place where Jesus walked, ministered, healed, died, and rose again. But while I was there, I want you to know that even in the midst of the very scariest moments of that time, when things seemed at their darkest, the people of the Holy Land kept the hope of the resurrection ever before us. They are filled with light and life and hope against all odds."
Bishop Laura: “I love that message of them keeping the hope ever in front of them—and that's our calling, as well, as Christians seeking to follow the Lord and Savior..."
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Welcome to ECCT's new Director for Human Resources, Sophia Cowell
ECCT is pleased to welcome Sophia Cowell as ECCT's Director for Human Resources. Sophia will be continuing on the great work done by ECCT's current Director for HR, Jean Tomasco, who is retiring on April 17.
Sophia is a human resources professional with experience supporting strategic and day-to-day HR initiatives across diverse sectors, including government, higher education, financial services, nonprofits, and manufacturing. Her work focuses on organizational development, building strong cultures, and equipping employees and leaders to navigate change.
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Youth & Young Adult Ministry Update from Ministry Architects
In February, Ministry Architects (MA) spent nearly a week capturing data from many listening groups in various ECCT locations. We listened to youth, young adults, parents, priests, and other stakeholders who care deeply about the young people represented within ECCT. The result was a comprehensive Youth & Young Adult Assessment Report that listed the assets, challenges, and recommendations for building ECCT youth & young adult ministries. MA is now working behind the scenes to build an Implementation Team comprised of representatives from the youth & young adult demographic across ECCT. Once the team is intact, MA will return to ECCT to host a Quick Start Summit to orient the Implementation Team for the work ahead. Chaired by a MA consultant, this team will address each of the recommendations that resulted from the report, develop systems, and create innovative strategies to ensure that the ministries for youth & young adults thrive for years to come.
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Province 1 News & Updates
Province 1's March newsletter is now available.
Including information about the upcoming Earth Day Celebration at Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag, RI, on April 11, the Diocese of Massachusetts' Racial Justice Commission Book Group, and much more!
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Province 1 Youth Climate Justice Event, June 29–July 2
Middle and high school youth (and their chaperones) are invited to come together, build community, and learn about protecting our earth in a beautiful part of Downeast Maine at the Schoodic Institute from June 29–July 2. Lodging, food, and programming will be provided. Learn more and complete the interest form online.
| | | Reflective Preparedness for Immigration Solidarity Training | |
As ECCT continues to respond to the impact of the ongoing immigration crisis on our neighbors, we are hosting a Zoom training on Reflective Preparedness on Thursday, April 23 from 7–9:30 PM.
Designed for clergy, vestry and congregational leaders, the training empowers leaders to do important, prayerful, and reflective grounding work as we prepare for our future partnerships with Hands Off CT.
Those already involved in immigration solidarity work and those interested in becoming more involved are strongly encouraged to attend the trainings.
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Join ECCT's "Happy Campers" at Lone Oak Campsites, August 28–31
Join friends new and old from across ECCT for a relaxed and joy-filled camping weekend at Lone Oak Campsites in East Caanan, CT, from August 28–31. This informal, participant-organized weekend is an opportunity for connection, rest, and late-summer enjoyment of God’s creation alongside colleagues and friends.
To join the fun, make your own reservations directly with Lone Oak Campsites and mention you'd like to stay at “Chuck’s Circle” to be placed with the ECCT group.
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Bishops' Corner: Information about the Ordination & Consecration of the Very Rev. Miguelina Howell | | |
Last November, the Very Rev. Miguelina Howell, was elected the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Her Ordination and Consecration are scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 10 AM at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, MA.
We have heard from many of you hoping to attend the event. Unfortunately given the limited seating capacity of the Cathedral; the Diocese of Western Massachusetts is limiting tickets to invited guests of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Bishop-elect Howell.
We hope you can join online or organize a watch party at your local parish. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Canon to the Ordinary, Ranjit K. Mathews at rkmathews@episcopalct.org.
Thank you for your attention and we know the Bishop-elect and Episcopalians of Western Massachusetts would appreciate your prayers as they approach this important date in the life of the Diocese.
| | It has come to our attention some in ECCT have received emails and/or texts claiming to be from our Bishops or ECCT staff requesting the recipient to do things like purchase gift/phone cards, run errands, or send funds to the bishop/staff person directly. All such texts, emails, or phone calls are scams. No one at ECCT, including our Bishops, will ever text or email you to request you purchase gift cards or send them funds directly. If you do receive one of these texts or emails, please do not respond to it. If you are able, report the message as "spam" and then delete it. And remember, never purchase gift cards or send funds directly when requested to do so via text or email. | | News & Updates from Our Cathedral | On Holy Saturday our Cathedral celebrated the Easter Vigil, with the blessing of the fire, the lighting of the Easter Candle, the ministration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, receptions and the Holy Eucharist, presided over by our Diocesan Bishop, the Very Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello. Bishop Jeff invited us to reflect on the resurrection as a present and permanent event in the life of the Church, animated by the power of love, to bring hope to our world and particularly to our country. | | | News & Updates from Our Camp | |
New this summer!
Changemakers Camp
July 6–9
Ages 12–16
Womens Camp
July 6–8
Ages 21+
"Young" Adult Camp
July 26–30
Ages 21–30
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Register for CW's traditional Summer Camp offerings
Registration is open!
Are you called to be one of our awesome Summer Camp staff?
Apply now!
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Join our Bishops, clergy, and lay leaders around the diocese for a time of discussion and connection Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30 AM.
All Wardens' Call: April 8
Wednesday Bishops' Call for Clergy & Lay Leaders: April 15
Wardens' Without Clergy: April 22
Zoom information is the same for all calls.
By video: https://episcopalct.zoom.us/j/2010776405#success
By phone: +1-646-558-8656 US; Meeting ID: 201 077 6405
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Gather with lay preachers from across the diocese for a time of reflection and conversation as you prepare to preach on Sunday.
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Hours at The Commons
The Commons is open Monday through Friday 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM.
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203.639.3501
290 Pratt Street, Box 52
Meriden, CT 06450
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