April 29, 2026

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Our Mission:

Join us in following Jesus Christ

with bold acts of

justice, peace, and love.

Our Vision:

A world transformed,

where all creation knows

God’s life-changing love.

Download this printable PDF with highlights from The VOICE Online to share with visitors, and with parishioners who are not online.

From the Bishop

Practicing the life of faith


Many long for a deeper faith – but like any discipline, it takes practice. This Confirmation season, as people proclaim their faith, Bishop Hughes reflects on faith as a skill shaped over time and invites us into action: praying, learning, and sharing our faith with others.

(Time: 5:15 | Read the transcript.)

Bishop Hughes: Practicing the life of faith

Features

Updates from the Pilgrims to the American South


For the second year in a row, a group from the Diocese of Newark undertook a powerful pilgrimage through Alabama, retracing the footsteps of history and the brave souls who fought for civil rights. See updates and photos shared by the Pilgrims from their journey.

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Former Diocese of Newark priest consecrated 10th Bishop of Western Massachusetts

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The Diocese of Western Massachusetts ordained and consecrated the Rt. Rev. Miguelina Howell as its 10th bishop on April 25 at Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts.


Howell, who formerly was dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, Connecticut, succeeds Bishop Doug Fisher. Read the ENS article.


Before becoming the cathedral dean in Connecticut, Bishop Howell served in the Diocese of Newark as Assistant Rector at St. Paul's, Paterson (2008-2009) and Priest-in-Charge at the former Epiphany, Orange, now Epiphany & Christ Church, Orange (2010-2013).


Bishop Carlye Hughes served as one of the co-consecrators for Bishop Howell.

Diocesan Events

Confirmation services begin this Saturday!

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All services will be live streamed to the diocesan YouTube channel.


Photos will be published on the diocesan Flickr account within a day or two after each service.


SAT, MAY 2 | 10 AM at St. James, Upper Montclair

SAT, MAY 9 | 10 AM at St. Mary’s, Sparta

SAT, MAY 16 | 10 AM at St. George’s, Maplewood

SAT, MAY 30 | 10 AM at St. Matthew’s, Paramus

TUE, JUN 2 | 7 PM at Grace, Madison

SAT, JUN 13 | 10 AM at Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark

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Hegg Awards

SUN, JUN 7 | 3 PM | St. Peter’s, Morristown


You are invited to join Bishop Hughes and the Commission on Aging for the 28th annual David P. Hegg II Lifetime Achievement Awards. This event begins with a reception at 3 PM, followed by the awards service.


The Hegg Awards are given annually to members of our diocese who are age 60+, a long-standing, active member of one of our congregations, and made or makes contributions to their congregation and/or the diocese.


DON'T MISS OUT! Deadline for Honoree Submissions is 5 PM Friday, May 8. Submissions must be complete, with bio information.

See a list of past Hegg recipients.

School for Ministry 2026-2027


The Diocese of Newark School for Ministry is launching its third year with training for lay people to become licensed Worship Leaders, Preachers, or Pastoral Leaders.

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Pastoral Leader Training

Twelve sessions: MAY 13, 2026 - MAY 15, 2027

Designed for lay people who are called to assist their clergy person in providing pastoral and spiritual leadership in their congregation. Includes Worship Leader and Preacher training.

Register and pay online by MON, MAY 4, 5 PM.

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Worship Leader Training

Two sessions: WED, MAY 20 & SAT, JUN 20, 2026

Enables a lay person to plan and lead public worship, focusing on Morning Prayer and Ante-Communion (the Liturgy of the Word).

Register and pay online by MON, MAY 4, 5 PM.

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Preacher Training

Six sessions: AUG 22, 2026 - FEB 20, 2027

Designed for lay people who are invited by their clergy person (or if no clergy, the Wardens and Vestry) to preach in public worship on an occasional or regular basis.

Register and pay online by FRI, AUG 3, 5 PM.

Sign up now!

2027 Pilgrimage to Iona with Bishop Hughes

MAY 29 - JUN 6, 2027

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The sacred isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, is the symbolic center of Scottish Christianity. Through 1400 years of history, it has been revered as a holy place and a center for pilgrimage.


Prices from £3,600 (approximately $4,860 USD). Prices are valid against increase for bookings made by May 31, 2026.


Click here to learn more, including the full itinerary and room options, and to reserve your spot.


You can also download this one-page flyer and four-page brochure to share with your parishes.

Spring Wardens & Treasurers Meetings

THU, MAY 14 & MON, MAY 18 | 7-9 PM | The Diocesan Center


Wardens and Treasurers are invited to their final meeting of the ’26-’27 program year. In order to accommodate the number of attendees, we’ll host two meetings, both covering the same topic: Vestry responsibilities for property and related issues, with John Garde, President of the Trustees, as the primary presenter. Find out more and RSVP.

Community Events

Parish Events in May

Saturday Luncheon Social

Saturdays | 12-1 PM | St. John’s, Boonton

Popup Thrift Store

FRI, MAY 1 & SAT, MAY 2 | Church of the Saviour, Denville

Motorcycle Blessing

SAT, MAY 2 | 9 AM | St. Bartholomew’s, Ho-Ho-Kus

Messiah’s Maker’s Market

SAT, MAY 2 | 1-5 PM | Messiah, Chester

Chamber Music Concert

SUN, MAY 3 | 4-5:15 PM | St. James, Upper Montclair

Chelsea Chen Organ Concert

SUN, MAY 3 | 4 PM | Christ Church, Short Hills

Faith and Film Series

WED, MAY 6 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

2026 Spong Lecture Series: The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers

SAT, MAY 9 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | St. Peter’s, Morristown

Mother’s Day Tea

SAT, MAY 9 | 1-3:30 PM | Trinity, Allendale

Fish & Chips Dinner

SAT, MAY 9 | 5:30-7 PM | St. Matthew’s, Paramus & St. Martin's, Maywood

Prayers for our Nation

WED, MAY 13 | 7-7:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

Ascension Day Eucharist & Reception

THU, MAY 14 | 6:30 PM | St. Paul’s, Englewood

Trivia Night

FRI, MAY 15 | 6:30 PM | St. Andrew’s, Harrington Park

Walking the Appalachian Trail in NJ Presentation

SAT, MAY 16 | 1-3 PM | St. Paul’s, Morris Plains

Rummage & Collectibles Sale

SAT, May 16 & SUN, MAY 17 | St. Peter’s, Mount Arlington

Love Unfolding: A service celebrating God’s Unending Love

SUN, MAY 17 | 5-6:30 PM | St. George’s, Maplewood

Healing Prayer

WED, MAY 20 | 7-7:30 PM | Holy Communion, Norwood

Events at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

The Bishops’ Cup - Cross Roads' Annual Fundraiser


MON, JUN 15

9:30 AM - 5 PM
Copper Hill Country Club,
Ringoes, NJ

Wednesdays Away: Color & Calm

WED, MAY 6 | 9:30 AM - 3 PM


Opening Day at Cross Roads

SAT, MAY 16 | 9 AM - 12 PM


Open House at Cross Roads

SAT, MAY 23 | 10:30 AM

Register for summer camp now!

"Early Bird" and "Bring a Friend" discounts available.

Joint Cross Roads' summer staff

Make an impact. Live the adventure. Build community.

Diocesan Announcements

Updated Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for May-December 2026


If you're following the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, you will want to download the updated version posted recently.

DIT Investment Returns


For the three months ending March 31, 2026, the DIT reported the following returns (before modest fees):

Fund

1st Quarter

YTD

2025

Equity

-1.12%

-1.12%

19.73%

Growth

-0.85%

-0.85%

16.60%

Balanced

-0.57%

-0.57%

13.91%

Fixed Income

-0.08%

-0.08%

7.38%

The most recent quarterly report can be found here. Members of the DIT board would be happy to meet with any existing or prospective investor. Questions should be directed to CFO Sam Reckford.

Job listings


Minister of Family Ministries

Part-Time | St. George's, Maplewood


Center Coordinator

Part-Time | North Porch Women & Infants’ Centers

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, MAY 13

Submission deadline: FRI, MAY 8, 10 AM

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