The discernment process toward the election of the next bishop for the Diocese of Massachusetts is underway.
The Discernment Committee, with the oversight of the diocesan Standing Committee, has begun its confidential screening and interviewing process. The Discernment Committee gathered with applicants Nov. 7-10 at the Wylie Conference Center in Beverly for a worship-framed weekend, during which applicants were interviewed by committee members and then given the opportunity to make a presentation of their choosing.
“This was a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led weekend,” said the Rev. Laurel Deery, Discernment Committee co-chair, in a Nov. 11 news release. “The work was important to our ongoing discernment of who will continue in our process, as we move towards presenting the final slate to the Standing Committee by mid-January.” The committee asks for continued prayers for its work and for the applicants.
More information about the process is available via the committee's independent Web site at www.mabishopsearch.org.
The election of the new bishop takes place on April 5, 2014, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston, and the bishop-elect's consecration is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2014, at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. The transfer of episcopal authority from current diocesan bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE to the new bishop will take place at that time.
# # #
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the witness of your whole church in his name. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, empowering us for ministry. So guide the hearts and minds of all those who shall choose a bishop in this diocese and those who will respond to the call, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people. May our discernment transform our spirits and draw us closer to you, Almighty God. Amen.
Dios omnipotente, dador de todo buen don, te damos gracias por la bendición de tu Hijo Jesucristo y por el testimonio de toda tu iglesia en su nombre. Te damos gracias por tu Santo Espíritu que nos otorga el poder para realizar el ministerio. Te pedimos que guíes los corazones y las mentes de las personas que han de elegir al próximo obispo u obispa para esta diócesis y también a aquellas personas que van a responder al llamado de Dios, para que de esa manera recibamos a ese pastor o pastora que cuide a tu pueblo. Que nuestro discernimiento transforme nuestro espíritu y nos acerque a ti, Dios omnipotente. Amén.
Related articles:
Bishop Shaw announces retirement date
Application period closes Sept. 23
Nomination and application period is now open
Bishop coadjutor nomination and application period opens Aug. 5
Prayer requested for bishop election process
June Listening Events & survey announced
Committees named for bishop election process
Prayer & committee nominating process announced for bishop election
Standing Committee issues letter on Bishop Shaw's call for coadjutor election
Bishop Shaw calls for election of his successor