Did You Know?

Some facts about the search for a new Bishop of El Camino Real:

When? The electing convention will be June 16, 2007, and the ordination service will be in the fall of 2007.

Who? Anyone who meets the canonical requirements of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and is between 30 and 72 years of age.  Any nominees currently serving as Bishop or Bishop Coadjutor of a Diocese must be have served there for at least five years to be eligible.

Who can Vote? Every cleric who is not under ecclesiastical discipline and who is and has been canonically resident within the diocese and performing the duties of office on a regular basis for a period of six months prior to the first day of the month in which the Convention is held may vote.  Also, Lay delegates will be elected from their congregations in the same numbers as are regularly elected for deanery and diocesan convention.

The Search Committees Job is to create a profile of the diocese, receive names and evaluate the qualifications of prospective candidates, select between 4-6 nominees, and introduce them to the diocese.

The National Church’s role is to confirm the elected person.  This is done by a majority of the bishops exercising jurisdiction and by a majority of the Standing Committees of all the dioceses.

Once elected and confirmed… the transition committee ensures that we properly celebrate the episcopate of Assisting Bishop Sylvestre Romero, help the diocese welcome the new bishop and family, design the service of ordination for the third bishop of El Camino Real, and handle the public relations concerning the process including communication to the other dioceses, and the Anglican Church.

Your role in the process. To pray for wisdom for the standing committees and a good outcome from the process. If you would like to propose a candidate, please refer them to the search committee.  All are welcome to attend convention.

If you have further questions regarding the election of a new Bishop, please contact your delegate: Bill Kelly.

             Annie Warr, Bishop’s Committee

Dogs at God's House

Grantham, a 3-year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, knows Sit and Stay, but he also knows one less common canine word -- "church." "If he barks and acts up, I say "church," and he quiets down immediately," says owner Lillian Kraemeer of Stamford, CT. Grantham and Kraemer attend a perishioner and pets service at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Stamford, where pets receive blessings and owners receive communion. ( http://www.stfrancisstamford.org )

The Rev. Mark Lingle, pastor at St. Francis, says people's relationship with pets is a significantly spiritual one. "It's a connection with the larger creation, and it is divine for us to honor that expression," Lingle says.

Any animal is welcome at this casual monthly service, says the Rev. Molly McGreevy, who blesses the animals.

Kathy Hart of Stamford jokes that it's fun to mingle with dogs of the same "faith." She credits her 8-year old Maltese Toby and 6-year-old Shih Tzu Jezebel for her attending services again. "I started coming back to church through my dogs," Hart says.

McGreevy adds, "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I just find myself totally in the moment and I am always amazed at hom much love people have for their animals."

    Jaimie Cura, "Dog Fancy" Feb 2006