Bishop Megan Traquair, our diocesan bishop, will visit us at Saint Patrick's on Sunday, October 13. She will celebrate and preach at both services, and will attend both coffee hours. Bishop Megan will perform any requested Confirmations and Receptions into the Episcopal Church at this time. Let’s plan on giving Bishop Megan a special welcome!
The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and Christ’s Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry.
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion with 70 million members in 164 countries. The word “Episcopal” refers to government by bishops. The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church.
A diocesan bishop has the ministry of oversight, with the authority to be the “ruler” of the diocese, with the council of The Standing Committee, a body of clerical and lay members who advise the bishop. A diocesan bishop is the chief pastor of a diocese.
The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. Holy Baptism is one of the sacraments.
It is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
Baptism is required for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmands should be instructed in the Christian Faith, be penitent for their sins, and be ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Reception is the rite by which persons previously confirmed in another denomination and who desire to make a commitment to the congregation of an Episcopal Church, formally become full members. They are recognized by the congregation as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic church and are received into the fellowship of this communion. They are blessed by the bishop in the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
If you would like to be confirmed, or received, into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Megan on October 13, please let me know as soon as possible. You can contact me at 520-268-0366, or, at stpatricksrector@gmail.com. I will then give you more information about this sacrament and let you know what information I need from you to prepare for Bishop Megan's visit.
Yours in Christ,
Priest Doyle
Doyle Dietz Allen, Rector
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