Weekly News & Updates

August 5, 2026

Diocesan News & Updates

What Does a Canon to the Ordinary Do, Anyway?

Dear People of God in the Diocese of WNY,

What is a Canon to the Ordinary (CTO), and what does a CTO actually do?

A Canon is someone who works directly for the Bishop. And the Bishop is someone who—like all clergy—has been ordained. "Ordained" and "ordinary" share the same root, which is how the Bishop's right-hand person came to be called the Canon to the Ordinary. We Episcopalians do love our obscure words and phrases, don't we?

So what do I actually do? Well, it depends.

I serve as the Bishop's advisor, and he often asks me to handle things on his behalf, in his name. He's on vacation this month, so I've been trying to cover everything he usually handles. Some of his responsibilities can wait until he's back; others need attention now. Either way, he's just a text away if I need something clarified.

But when the Bishop isn't away, what does a typical week look like? It varies, but here's a sample:

On Sundays, I'm usually at a congregation—filling in for a priest or taking my turn in a rotation of clergy covering a parish. While I'm there, I look around, talk with leadership, and often come back to the office Monday morning with questions for Maria or information to pass along. Sundays also tend to bring calls from priests around the diocese—something came up at their congregation that needs clarifying, or advice, or that they think the Bishop should know about.

Other days might find me meeting with a clergy person working through a difficulty, or sitting down with a vestry to talk about refreshing their ministries. Maybe I'm helping walk a congregation through the process of closing, or arranging the transfer of cremains from a columbarium at a church that has closed. I might be consulting with Diocesan Council, the Trustees, or the Standing Committee. Or I'm working alongside our Missioner for Youth and Children, Wendy Schumacher, or our Transition Officer, Bonnie Morris. Some days I'm on a Zoom call with Bishops and Canons from across the Episcopal Church, or with Canons to the Ordinary from other dioceses. And some days I'm writing a sermon.

Through it all, I am praying—praying that I give my best to our diocese and to the wider Church; praying that I don't take to heart the slings and arrows that come with this job (I'll admit, I'm not very good at that!); and praying that our diocese keeps its heart and soul open, ready to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Gifts waiting for us to say yes to. Gifts waiting for us to accept. Gifts meant especially for you, and for me.

Canon Cathy

Bishop Search Update

Listening Sessions Head into the Home Stretch

Sessions have now been held in 44 congregations, and the Listening Teams will be visiting two more this Sunday...St Mark's & All Saints in Buffalo and St. Andrew's also in Buffalo.

Each congregation has added its own voice to the record that will shape both the search for a new bishop and the diocesan profile that follows it.

And please send us stories from your congregations. We’d love to share them with the diocese!

In Memoriam: Ed Hill

The Diocese mourns the loss of Ed Hill, a longtime parishioner of St. Peter's, Eggertsville, who died following a vigorous battle with cancer.

Ed's service to St. Peter's spanned decades and roles — vestry, warden, and search committee among them. His commitment extended to the wider Diocese as well, where he served on Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and a previous Bishop search committee. Above all, Ed lived his faith daily — including, friends note, on more than a few golf courses.

A funeral will be held at St. Peter's, Eggertsville, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11am.

Condolences may be sent to:

Sharon Hill

204 Allenhurst Rd

Buffalo, NY 14226

Memorial gifts may be made in Ed's name to St. Peter's, 205 Longmeadow Rd, Buffalo, NY 14226; or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

May Ed's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Job well done, good and faithful servant.

Clergy Shortage

Final Part in a Series by Canon Cathy Dempesy-Sims

I bet there are a number of you who read my articles on the clergy shortage in the diocese and thought, "I don't care, my congregation won't change."

I don't blame you. Who wants to change? I was born and raised at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity in Clarendon Hills, IL. When I was a kid, Sunday worship services were held at 7:30am and 9:30am. These days the 7:30 Holy Eucharist has been discontinued, but the 9:30am continues. Holy Eucharist has been held at 9:30am every Sunday since 1958, so I get tradition.

But I also get the commission we have from Jesus to make disciples — not just at 10am on Sunday morning. We are to share the Good News of God through Christ with as many people as we can, in any way that we can, for as long as we can. One of the ways we are strengthened and encouraged for this work is through the act of corporate worship, using the glorious liturgy of the Episcopal Church, week in and week out — a group of people who may have never become friends if not for the weekly commitment to corporate worship, a worship that strengthens, emboldens, and encourages us to go out and make disciples...READ MORE

Worship Leader Training

The Revs. Karen and Kathy Lawler will provide training for anyone needing a new worship leader license on August 22 at the Diocesan Ministry Center from 9am-3:30pm.

You you only need a previously issued license renewed (every 3 years), clergy may use this link to request one: RENEW LICENSE

Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels

The Bishop Holly Chapter of the Union for Black Episcopalians (UBE) invites you to a free viewing and discussion of the award-winning film, Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels, with the film's creator Dr. Lawrence Benaquist. The movie and lunch will be held at the Diocesan Ministry Center on August 15, 9am-1pm.

The story of Jonathan Myrick Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian from Connecticut who answered the Rev. Martin Luther King's call for northern clergy to come to the South to advocate for racial justice and voting rights, is one we should know. Each year, on August 14th, the Episcopal Church remembers the martyred Jonathan Daniels, who gave his life during the civil rights movement. His sacrificial courage calls us to stand where Jesus stands—in solidarity with the oppressed.

Regional Confirmations

Regional confirmations have been scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 10:30am at St Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo.

The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane (Bishop Provisional of WNY) is presiding.

Please refer to the diocese's REGIONAL CONFIRMATION CUSTOMARY for guidelines to participate.

Combating Human Trafficking

Rotary clubs across WNY and Southern Ontario are inviting the public to join the fight against human trafficking in conjunction with Project Mona’s House of Buffalo centering in a second geographical area of Western New York: Lockport.

The event, titled “Rotary Wants Your Help to Stop Human Trafficking” will take place on Saturday, September 12 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County Training Center. Doors will open at 11am and includes a complimentary lunch.

This will be the second of at least 4 geographically-spread training opportunities planned throughout the WNY portion of Rotary District 7090, Rotary’s cross-border district serving Western New York and Southern Ontario. Additional sessions are planned in Erie County and the Southern Tier... READ MORE

Registration due by September 6: REGISTER

Brookside Chapel Schedule

Brookside Chapel in Lockport will be offering Summer services every Wednesday evening and continuing thru August 26.

To view the schedule, click HERE

September EFM Classes Forming

Education For Ministry (EFM) is a unique experiential theological education program for laity.

Since its founding in 1975, the program has assisted participants in discovering how to respond to the call of Christian service. EFM helps participants encounter the Christian tradition’s breadth and depth and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together An EFM group of six to twelve participants with a trained mentor meet weekly for two and a half to three hours over the course of a nine-month academic year.

For more information on joining a September class, contact:

Karl Costello, Mentor

716.397.3327

Linda Makson, Coordinator

585.781.4661

Office Manager

St. John’s Grace in Buffalo is seeking a part-time Office Manager (15-25 hours/week).

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The ideal candidate is hoped to begin on, or as soon as possible after Monday, August 24, 2026.

For a complete position description and application procedure, visit the diocesan website, EMPLOYMENT PAGE

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Director of Music

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Buffalo is searching for a director of music. It is a quarter time position with a pay offer of $16,000-$18,000 depending on experience and aptitude.

Applicants may send a resume to the church office.

You can also contact:

David Campbell

Music Committee Co-Chair

Educational Offerings from the Stevenson School for Ministry

Paul and Empire: The Political Economy of God's Messianic Community

Mondays, 7-8pm, August 24 - December 7

Join Dr. Joshua Davis for an exploration of the life and teachings of Paul based primarily on his epistles and the Acts of the Apostles. We will put special focus on the connections between Jesus’ mission and Paul’s work among the Gentiles (nations), as well as the radical nature of the assemblies Paul founded within the political economy of the Roman Empire. This course meets on Zoom on Monday nights from August 24 to December 7. Register here!

Creating Worship That Works

Tuesdays, 7-8pm, August 25 - December 8

This course explores principles and best practices for designing worship that works. This is a great course for those in the ordination process, for worship and liturgy leaders, and all musicians in The Episcopal Church. The full breadth of the Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, The Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Wonder, Love, and Praise, and other liturgical and musical supplements will be discussed. The topics covered include the liturgical year, the Eucharist, Baptism, Lenten and Holy Week services, and special services. Special attention will be paid to smaller-resourced parishes. This course meets on Zoom on Tuesdays 7-8:00pm, beginning August 25 and ending December 8. Register here!

Episcopal News Service

Stay informed on everything in the wider Church by visiting and/or subscribing to the Episcopal News Service (ENS).

ENS WEBSITE

Prayer for the Bishop Search

Gracious God, we give thanks for your loving care for the people of the Diocese of WNY and the members of the Bishop’s Search and Transition Committees. Give us wisdom and understanding as we discern your will. We

ask for the gifts of honesty, to speak the truth in love; openness to the gifts and ideas of others and to the Holy Spirit; and willingness, to see your Light shining among us and on the path ahead. Prepare for our Diocese a bishop who will be a faithful pastor, and equip us for the ministries to which we are

called in these changing times. Help us to love and serve your world and one another in the Spirit of Christ, trusting in you to be our steadfast helper and guide; let us pray to the Lord. AMEN.

Ordination Anniversary

The Rev. Caroline Hass: August 7

We give you thanks, almighty and gracious God, that you have blessed us with their ministry, and we pray that they may continue to exemplify in word and deed the Gospel of your Son. Amen

Did You Know?

IRS Mileage Rates

Did you know that effective July 1, 2026, the IRS has increased the standard mileage rate to 76 cents per mile?

If your worship services include supply clergy, please update the correct calculation when determining their round-trip mileage.

Congregational News & Stories

Stories Wanted

Over the past few weeks, we've been delighted to share news and stories from congregations across the diocese—celebrating your outreach in the community, personal reflections on life in your church, and the special events that have strengthened faith and brought people together.

We'd love to continue sharing the stories that make your congregation unique. If you have an article, a reflection, and photos you'd like to share, please send them to Communications. Your stories help inspire and connect our diocesan community, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Congregational Events

Summer Carillon Concert Series

Calvary, Williamsville - We invite you to the free Annual Summer Carillon Concert Series.

Calvary’s carillon consists of 44 fixed bells which are struck by clappers connected to a keyboard of batons and pedals.

Concerts will begin in the Kryder Courtyard, moving inside to the air conditioned church for the second half of the evening. Attendees are asked to bring chairs for use in the courtyard.

August 5 at 7pm features Carillonneur Julie Zhu (USA, Michigan) followed by the Anderson Saxophone Quartet.

August 12 at 7pm features Carillonneur Michael Gancz (USA, California) followed by Ethan Hart and his Jazz Quartet.

Friday Concert

St. Peter’s, Eggertsville - The pre-admission fee of $20 per person for our band concert registration expires this Friday, August 7. You may still REGISTER ONLINE by following the prompts. Walk-ins will be accepted on the 14th, but the fee will be increased to $25 per-person.

Free finger foods, snacks, soda ,coffee and tea will available, along with limited wine and beer for purchase. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

The folks at St. Peter’s, as part of their Capital Campaign, are offering a night of music entertainment at the Diocesan Ministry Center on August 14 from 7-10pm

Bonus: Father Dan Pinti of St. Peter’s is one of the band members!

Hearts of Hope Grief Support

St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us at 10am on the 2nd Saturday of every month (August 8).

We practice an unstructured format. Our purpose is to share and support each other's journey through the changes and challenges of navigating the new landscape of our day to day existence that grief has presented to us with mutual compassion, support and confidentiality.

Join us for light morning refreshment and compassionate conversation

July Holy Hike at Owen Falls Sanctuary Trail, East Aurora

Holy Hikes

St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Join us for our monthly hike on August 8 at Stiglmeier Park in Cheektowaga.

We hike rain or shine starting at 10am. All are welcome; carpooling will be available from the Cathedral at 9:30am or you can join us directly at the appointed hike location.

Join us as we will hit the trail to celebrate the Eucharist in nature!