Weekly News & Updates

July 22, 2026

Diocesan News & Updates

From Bishop Steve

Dear Friends,

One of our long term challenges as The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Western New York is calling, forming, and ordaining priests and deacons. The factors which go into the current shortage are complex, but I think it’s important to understand them.

The population and the church grew rapidly after World War II. 40% of Episcopal churches were built in the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. There was a great demand for clergy, and the recruitment system that depended on bishops was not adequate. The church shifted to a recruitment system based on congregations and clergy.

In the 1970’s and ‘80’s, especially after the ordination of women was approved, there was a flood of candidates. I was one of 13 men and women in my ordination conference in the Diocese of Rochester in 1975. (Only two of us were accepted.) There were so many aspirants that the church went into a “selection” mode. We wanted only the best. And we could afford to be rigorous in our choosing. Our ordination conferences became “screening conferences.” Many aspirants were told to “get some life experience” and then apply again. They did as they were told – got educations, spouses, families and careers – and never came back. Others came back for second careers. The average age of ordinands began to rise until, by the ‘90’s, ordinands were the same age as those already in orders – 55+. The clergy became concentrated in the Boomer generation.

To encourage Boomer retirements, and therefore create more movement among the clergy, The Church Pension Fund offered a 55 and 30 plan. Clergy who reached 55 years of age and had 30 years of service could retire with full benefits. The plan never really caught on. It served as a kind of safety valve – one could retire if one wanted to – but the Social Security retirement age of 65 kept many clergy from retiring.

In the early 2000’s, the church began to recognize the dilemma that we were very dependent on older clergy. And so, efforts were made to open the ordination process. The diaconate was redefined and separated from priesthood as a “separate and equal” order, with different requirements for formation. Commissions on Ministry were encouraged to recruit and nurture rather than screen. But the changes in American culture regarding trust in institutions, the scandal of clergy sexual abuse, the need for two incomes in most households had by then taken effect. Congregational income was in decline, and we began telling aspirants that they needed a second set of skills to earn an income and that the church could not guarantee a full-time income. For many young people, a career in the church did not seem attractive or sustainable.

The Boomer generation has now largely retired, and the flow of aspirants has slowed to a trickle. We need about twice as many candidates for the priesthood. At the same time, more than half of our congregations cannot afford a full-time priest. Deacons are non-stipendiary and need another source of income. In the current economy, calling a priest often means moving two full-time jobs, trying to sell a house, and buy a house. Priestly households face some difficult economic calculations in order to move.

Despite all this, God is still at work. People offer themselves for ordination because God calls them. Priests move for the same reason. The Spirit whispers, clergy feel a pull, and people seek ordination. Conversations with congregations deepen into a sense that God wants a priest in this new place. Our task in all this is to faithfully continue our ministries so that prospective clergy see the Spirit at work among us. And for those communities that cannot afford a priest, The Episcopal Church and the Diocese continue to look for ways to provide support and oversight. This is a transformational time for the church, and God is calling all of us to take a part.

Blessings,

Bishop Steve

Male Camp Counselor Needed

Sleep Away Camp is seeking a male counselor for this summer's camp session, August 8–12, to replace a staff member who is unable to attend due to health concerns.

Sleep Away Camp is a wonderful experience for both youth and adults, offering opportunities to build community, create lasting memories, and have plenty of fun together.

While a replacement counselor would be greatly appreciated, please be assured that plans are already in place to ensure all health and safety protocols are fully met for camp this year.

If you are interested in serving as a counselor, please contact:

Wendy Schumacher

Youth Missioner

(716) 830-5443

We would love to hear from you!

Bishop Search Update

Young Voices Bring Hope to Listening Sessions

Among those taking part in a recent listening session were two younger participants, whose perspectives shaped much of the conversation — particularly when it turned to where people find hope in the church today.

They pointed to music as a real source of joy: the mix of traditional and contemporary styles, moments like flute performances or selections from Wonder, Love, and Praise, and collaborations between parishes that make services feel alive. They also spoke to the promise of efforts that bring generations together outside a typical Sunday morning — like Holy Hikes and Youth United in Ministry — as models for the kind of connection they'd like to see more of across the diocese.

Why Can't We Find More Supply Clergy?

Canon Cathy Dempesy-Sims

Many of our congregations have felt the frustration firsthand: a priest is needed for a Sunday, and the diocese simply doesn't have anyone available to send. This isn't an oversight or a lack of effort — it's the result of a structural shortage that has been building for some time. Here's a closer look at why supply clergy are so hard to come by, and what we might do about it together.

The Numbers Behind the Shortage

Our diocese is home to 52 congregations. Of these, 40 are part-time — meaning they do not have the resources to support a full-time priest. That's already a significant share of our congregations relying on clergy who split their time and energy across other commitments. Within that group of 40 part-time congregations, the picture becomes even more challenging... 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

Sleep Away Camp 2026

Ten Days Remaining for Registration!

Summer Camp is a long-standing tradition in the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, and we are delighted to share that planning is underway for this year’s camp.

Sleep Away Camp will be held August 9–12 at the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center in Bemus Point. Camp is open to all youth currently in 2nd through 12th grade, and campers will be divided into three groups based on grade level to ensure age-appropriate programming and activities.

Registration

To register a camper, REGISTER HERE 

by July 31st.

Brookside Chapel Schedule

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

To view the 2026 schedule, click HERE

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.

Diocesan Grant Reminder

The deadline for the next cycle of diocesan grants is September 1. There are three diocesan grants available to apply for, and the next grant cycle will be March 2027.

The details and the application may be found on the diocesan website: GRANT PAGE

People Against Trafficking Humans in Western New York

PATH Inc. (People Against Trafficking Humans) in Western New York is strengthening its mission to end human trafficking through education, prevention, and restoration—giving survivors compassionate, trauma-informed support and empowering communities to recognize and respond to exploitation. PATH is a faith-motivated, not-for-profit (501c3) organization working to ensure victims of human trafficking are not alone.

“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it affects people right here in our community,” said PATH leadership. “PATH exists to educate the public, reduce harm before exploitation escalates, and restore hope through survivor-centered care.”

PATH’s work is organized around three core areas: READ MORE

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Rotary and Project Mona’s House Set to Offer Training in Lockport to Combat 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 on September 12 in Lockport, NY.

Details coming soon...SAVE THE DATE

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. Stephen Lane: July 28

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

Ministry Spotlight

Little Free Library

A Little Free Library was installed at St. Mark's, LeRoy at the end of June with books for all ages!

This was an idea inspired by our discussions during the Lenten Study of The Serviceberry, and the project was coordinated by church member Jen Hayes. Several others helped her in building and installing the box, collecting the books, and four children painted the exterior design.

It's a welcome addition to our community!

Deanery News & Stories

Two by Two: Erie North Deanery Gathers for Fellowship and Feast

Rev. Dr. Jason Miller, Dean of Erie North Deanery

On Thursday, July 16, the Erie North Deanery took a wonderful and delicious step toward deeper community with a special deanery-wide dinner. With an open invitation extended to all twelve churches across the deanery to come together for an evening of shared fellowship, the gathering marked an inspiring chapter in our shared ministry across the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York.

Over the years, it can be easy for individual congregations to become deeply focused on their own day-to-day ministries, unintentionally allowing barriers and distance to grow between parishes that sit just miles apart. Gatherings like this potluck remind us of the strength, resilience, and beauty of our connected diocesan family... READ MORE

WNY Deaneries

The Diocese of WNY is comprised of 5 regional deaneries with a dean appointed by the Bishop to lead each of them:

Cattaraugus & Chautauqua Deaneries

Dean: The Rev. Luke Fodor

Erie North Deanery

Dean: The Rev. Dr. Jason Miller

Erie South Deanery

Dean: The Rev. Ann Tillman

Genesee Region Deanery

Dean: The Rev. Canon Barbara Price

Northern Region Deanery

Dean: The Rev. Nick Evancho

To view the congregations in each Deanery, visit the diocesan website: FIND A CHURCH

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.

July 22 at 7pm, featuring Carillonneur Andrée-Anne Doane (Canada, Montreal) followed by Calvary Singers presenting music from the Great American Songbook.

July 29 features Carillonneur Sheryl Modlin (USA, Ohio) followed by Roland Martin and Friends presenting music featuring the newly-acquired harpsichord.

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

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

Chicken-n-Baskets

A joint fundraiser for St. Andrew's, Burt & St. Paul's, Lewiston will be held at St. Andrew's on July 25 from 2-6pm with a portion of the proceeds donated to charitable organizations.

Chicken Dinners are Eat-in or Take-out

Adults: $18, Child: $9, Dinner for Two: $25

Multiple Baskets and high-end items with tickets being drawn at 6pm. Win a 70" TV to watch the Bills!

Special Guest Preacher

St. Paul's, Stafford - Join us on July 26 at 9am along with our special guest, The Rev Dr. Kevin Goodrich.

Fr. Goodrich will preach at our worship service and then engage in time of coffee and conversation with all in attendance. Learn about Dominicans in The Episcopal

Church, The Christian Mystics, and more.

Blood Drive

Good Shepherd, Buffalo - Donate blood on July 27 from 3-7pm.

All donors will receive a Delta Sonic gift card.

All donors will be registered to win a pair of Buffalo Bill pre-season tickets at the new stadium.

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!