Bishop's Monthly Newsletter

 

DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST
Anglican Church in America
The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Marsh, Bishop
1 Main Street, Belchertown MA 01007
(413) 323-6445

March  2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I wish you every blessing of the season. This Sunday, March 30, we will observe Rose Sunday, a customary part of our Lenten journey. Rose Sunday is a time when we are invited to "lighten our burdens" just a bit. This particular festive day is layered with many traditions. In the Anglican tradition, Rose Sunday is often referred to as Mothering Sunday. During this time, the faithful were encouraged to visit their "mother" church, which was often regarded as the diocesan cathedral. A special simnel cake was prepared and eaten as part of the festive nature of the day. Several of our parishes observe this unique English custom. On this day, it was also customary for clergy to distribute bread to the poor, a practice directly related to the gospel message of the day.

 

I expect this will be a brief newsletter, but it will include very important news.

 

Clergy and Postulant News

 

The Rt. Rev. Owen R. Williams has been appointed to a position in the Diocese of the West, Anglican Church in America. Beginning in September, he will serve as Bishop in Residence at St. Mary of the Angels in Hollywood, California. He will also serve as Bishop Suffragan under appointment to the DOW.

 

Bishop Williams has served as rector of Trinity Anglican Church in Rochester, New Hampshire for twelve years. His final service at Trinity will be June 15, 2014. During his time within the Diocese of the Northeast, Bishop Williams has served as a member of the diocesan standing committee, the Board of Examining Chaplains and as a member of the Executive Council of the national church. We will certainly miss his presence in this diocese, but firmly believe that God is calling him to the full exercise of his episcopal ministry in the Diocese of the West.

 

Please join me in wishing Bishop Williams and Marilyn the very best. We pray that they may find this part of their journey to be rewarding and filled with God's grace. But the most important thing for all of us at this time is to say goodbye to +Owen and Marilyn. This is part of any successful and godly transition and must be accomplished with sensitivity and love.

 

During the period of transition, The Rev. Alexander "Hendy" Webb will assist both the parish and the Williamses in making a transition that is guided by the Holy Spirit. He will serve as consultant to +Owen and Marilyn, the bishop and the parish. During the Summer months, as Dean of the New Hampshire deanery, he will serve as transitional vicar, arranging for supply clergy and preparing the way for a full-time interim.

 

The Rev. Andrew Faust will become Interim Vicar on September 1. Father Andrew brings a wealth of experience to this role and I have every expectation that he will guide the parish effectively during his time at Trinity. His responsibilities at Trinity will include developing a parish profile. This is a necessary step prior to the calling of a new rector. We all pray for Father Andrew and his wife, Brenda, as that undertake this new assignment.

 

In other news:

 

Mr. Alex Cortes was approved for postulancy status. Alex is a parishioner of St. Joseph's Anglican Church in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Mr. Mark Black was approved for ordination to the diaconate. Mark is also a member of St. Joseph's Church in Brooklyn, New York. His ordination date has been set for June 14, 2014 at St. Joseph's.

 

Mr. Kevin Kelly has advanced to candidacy status and is currently preparing to take canonical examinations.

 

We pray for all who serve God in His Holy Church.

 

Your Brother in Christ,
+Brian

 

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