Announcements

The Search Committee has finalized the schedule for the remaining in-person listening sessions. They are as follows: In-Person Gatherings: St. Peter’s, Springfield, MA, Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 10:30-1:00 PM; All Saints, Worcester, MA, Tuesday, Feb. 25th, 6:00-8:00 PM; Holy Spirit, Sutton, MA, Wednesday, Feb. 26th, 5:30-7:30 PM...

The Bishop Search Committee has created a survey for anyone who is unable to participate in one of the scheduled in-person or Zoom listening sessions. You can find the link to the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9xp2z9. Please note that submissions will not be accepted after Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. We ask that you contact Caleb Ireland, Co-Chair of the Listening Subcommittee, by email at caleb.s.ireland@gmail.com if you have any technical difficulties or questions as you complete the survey.

How will you arrive at our upcoming listening sessions as we prepare to discern our next bishop? Nothing like watching a helicopter land outside of our first listening session at St. Helena’s. Regardless of your mode of transportation, your perspective is important and valued. We also promise you will be well fed, as together, we listen to what the Spirit is saying through God’s people. Below is a list of upcoming dates. Our hope is to provide ample opportunities for your voice and perspective to be heard either online or in person. Please mark your calendars.

Jesus’ ministry began on the edges of the society he lived within. As we have prayerfully thought through our process, we will offer listening sessions that speak to our Diocese’s diversity, respecting the dignity of all voices present, and contribute crucial perspectives to a unifying profile for our next Bishop.

On January 18, the Search and Transition Committees participated in a discernment retreat to begin the process of electing the 10th bishop of our diocese. Throughout the day, we prayerfully learned about the process, got to know each other, reviewed our schedule, and established subcommittees. More information and updates will be provided on a regular basis. Please keep these two committees in your prayers as we proceed through this holy work.

The Standing Committee of the Diocese wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for all of those who were willing to serve on the search and transition committees. We were greatly encouraged by the number of applicants and feel very fortunate for the incredibly faithful and talented lay and clergy members of our diocese who feel called to serve.

Will you share in the work ahead to elect the tenth Bishop of Western Massachusetts? The Standing Committee is seeking individuals to serve on two committees charged with undertaking the work of our episcopal transition. The work of both will be carried out with the support of the Standing Committee and a consultant hired to assist us through the process.

Will you share in the work ahead to elect the tenth Bishop of Western Massachusetts? The Standing Committee is seeking individuals to serve on two committees charged with undertaking the work of our episcopal transition. The work of both will be carried out with the support of the Standing Committee and a consultant hired to assist us through the process....

It’s my pleasure to be writing to you all as President of the Standing Committee. I had intended this month to offer an infomercial of sorts for the role the Standing Committee plays when parishes decide to sell property or take on debt. Long story short, it’s more interesting than it sounds, and it’s most helpful that you contact the Standing Committee [...]

To the faithful in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, I am abundantly blessed to be your bishop. For twelve years now, we have collaborated on Jesus’ mission of mercy, compassion, and hope. It is in service to that mission that I am announcing plans for my retirement and calling for the election of the tenth bishop.