The 109th Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts
For one hundred and nine years now, Episcopalians throughout the five western counties of the Commonwealth have gathered to discern God’s call to mission as the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
This year, we will gather as “a Convocation of Missionaries” over two days - still leaner and greener as last year but with substantial work to accomplish. While all the details are not yet settled, we are planning a two day Convention on Friday / Saturday, October 22-23, 2010 in Springfield. Read more here or click on the Convention link in the menu above.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land January 2011
This adventure is an exploration into the land where Jesus walked, and into God’s healing for the conflicts in Israel/Palestine. The leaders are The Rev. Len Cowan and The Very Rev. James Munroe. The dates are January 1 through 12 and it is open to everyone in the Diocese.
Read details of this visit to the Holy Land by downloading the brochure here.
Safe Church Training Courses
The next training session is September 21. See all the course dates for 2010 and 2011 here.
EYE: 2011 Episcopal Youth Event!
The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) will take place in St. Paul, Missesota, June 22 - 26 and will be attended by 32 youth and adults from the Episcopal Church in our area. This national gathering will talk about Mission, with a mission opportunity to follow. Appication to the Diocese must be made by October 1. For more details, click here.
Mission to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Summer 2011
A team of 16 from the Diocese of Western Massachusetts will travel to Jimani, Dominican Republic, a community located on the border with Haiti. The team will stay at a Diocese of the Dominican Republic (DR) conference center currently under construction. Lead Vacation Bible School (VBS) with local Dominican Episcopalians for 100-400 children for one week teaching biblical stories and the Christian faith. Many of these local children will be Haitian immigrants.
In addition to a VBS, team members will participate in a building/repair project to be determined in the Diocese of Haiti(in the Croix des Bouquets area) to help that diocese and country recover from the disastrous earthquake of January 12, 2010.
This trip will be co-led by the Very Rev. Jim Munroe, Christ Church Cathedral and The Rev. Peter Swarr, St. Mark’s, East Longmeadow. For details, click here. For an application form, click here. Apply today for this trip as space is limited! Applications are available by contacting Fr. Swarr at St. Mark's. Next Meeting: August 29, 5:00 PM at Christ Church Cathedral.
Cycle of Prayer for 2010
The Diocesan Prayer Cycle is available for downloading. To get this PDF document now, click here.