[Discernment Committee News Release]: The Discernment Committee on July 23 announced the dates that nominations and applications will be open, and the anticipated launch of a Web site specific to work being done in preparation for nominations and screening of nominees for bishop coadjutor, the bishop who will succeed the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE upon his retirement as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.
Nominations will be opened on Aug. 5 and closed on Aug. 26, with applications being accepted between Aug. 5 and Sept. 23.
According to David Urion, Chair of the Discernment Committee, "We are in the process of writing the profile and applications format; this will go live by Aug. 5. We anticipate posting on the search and transition Web site on that date."
The search and transition Web site, when it goes live at www.mabishopsearch.org, will be linked to the diocesan Web site, but will be independent to maintain the appropriate level of confidentiality necessary for the search process. Nomination forms and applications will be available on the new site, as well as resources for congregations about the search process.
The Discernment Committee has been meeting regularly, and has held 17 Listening Events throughout the diocese (one in each deanery, three among clergy and one each among Spanish and Chinese-speaking communities) to gather views and perspectives that will help define both the profile and screening criteria.
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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.
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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