The diocesan community is invited to save Saturday, Oct. 19 when the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth as the diocese's next bishop will take place at a special 11 a.m. liturgy at Trinity Church in Boston. The Episcopal Church's presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, is scheduled to preside.
Whitworth, the rector of Trinity Church in Indianapolis since 2016, was elected at a special convention on May 18 at Trinity Church in Boston to become the diocese's 17th diocesan bishop. Notification was received on June 27 that her election had received the required consent from a majority of The Episcopal Church’s diocesan bishops and a majority of its dioceses via their Standing Committees.
Courtesy photos
Consecration Committee members (from top, l-r): Michael Dangelo, John Clarke, Judith Dilday, Louise Gant, Celine Larimer, Colin Lynch, Abigail Moon, Suzy Westcott.
A Consecration Committee is in place to plan and prepare for the Oct. 19 celebration and, with Standing Committee oversight, is already at work "creating a framework liturgically and logistically in order to welcome the people of the Diocese of Massachusetts, clergy and laity of the wider Episcopal Church and many ecumenical partners, well-wishers and friends to join us," said the Rev. Michael Dangelo, the rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill and chair of the Consecration Committee.
Also serving on the Consecration Committee are the Rev. John Clarke, retired rector of St. Paul’s Church in Malden; Judith Dilday of St. Cyprian's Church in Boston; Louise Gant of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan; verger Suzy Westcott of the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill; and, from Trinity Church in Boston, events manager Celine Larimer, director of music, Colin Lynch and the senior associate, the Rev. Abigail Moon.
"I cannot thank the Consecration Committee enough for the time, energy and creativity over these last several months," Dangelo said. "We have a long way to go before Oct. 19th, but I am so grateful for their can-do attitudes and all the good work they have offered and will offer in the months ahead."
More details about the Oct. 19 service--including seating, livestreaming and regional watch parties--will be available as the date approaches.
Meanwhile, the participation of many more people will be needed to make the occasion a success, Dangelo said.
"We will be looking for over 100 volunteers, ranging from choir members, acolytes, crucifers, liturgical ministers, procession marshals, greeters, ushers, hospitality and watch party hosts and more, to help throughout the consecration weekend," Dangelo said. Anyone who is interested in participating as a volunteer is invited to sign up to be considered for available roles. The online volunteer sign-up form is now live and available at www.diomass.org/consecration.
Updated June 27, 2024, to include notification of successful consent process.