The Rev. Edward M. Cardoza, who has served as missioner for property stewardship in the Diocese of Massachusetts since September 2020, has been appointed priest-in-charge of Grace Church in Manchester, N.H. He will conclude his ministry on the diocesan staff on March 29 and begin serving at Grace Church shortly thereafter.
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The Rev. Edward M. Cardoza
“Ed has led the way in several major property initiatives during the past three-and-one-half years, including restoration of the property of St. John St. James Church in Roxbury, the renovation of the rectory of St. Mark’s Church in Dorchester and of the former Church of St. Luke and St. Margaret in Allston, now known as Allston Abbey, securing grants of nearly $1 million in public and private funding for those projects," Canon to the Ordinary Bill Parnell said.
"Working alongside our Real Estate Advisory Committee and Property Development Committee, he has supported several opportunities to make the most of the church’s property assets, including sales, leases and development. He has offered expertise to many congregations in our diocese, helping them to face property challenges creatively and with a constant focus on the church’s vital presence in the communities of our diocese,” Parnell said. Prior to serving on the diocesan staff, Cardoza was the rector of St. Mark’s Church in Foxborough.
“Ed Cardoza has brought a rare combination of talents to our common life, including extensive knowledge of restoration of historic properties and pastoral sensitivity to the church’s mission," Bishop Alan M. Gates said. "He is a dedicated priest whose gifts will be missed in our diocese, even as we rejoice in his return to parish ministry at Grace Church, Manchester.”
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Steve Abdow
Steve Abdow will serve part-time as a consultant for property stewardship moving forward during the time of transition in diocesan leadership.
Prior to his retirement, Abdow was the canon for mission resources in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, overseeing financial and property resources. He was instrumental in the launch of Human to Human, a funding and programmatic initiative of that diocese to help the church innovate in addressing poverty through sustainable local partnerships. Among its programs is Building Bridges, a ministry with veterans that is taking root in both Massachusetts dioceses.
Abdow will report to Canon to the Ordinary Bill Parnell and will focus on consultation with the diocese's churches and shepherding proposals through the Real Estate Advisory Committee and Diocesan Loan Committee.