Presentation and hosting the local clericus

We celebrated the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple on Thursday. This feast happens fourty days after Christmas. It is also known as Candlemas or the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin.

We started mass in the Pilgrim Hall that morning with the blessing of the candles. Then we processed with lit candles to the entrance of the church.

Later that same day (Thursday) we were hosting the Ulster county clericus. A clericus is meeting of clergy in a specific area. Our clericus gathers priests from our county. They gather at the monastery for a collegial meal in the St Scholastica room. Some arrive a bit early to join us in the church for the office of Diurnum (our midday prayers). A clericus offers mutual support and an opportunity to compare notes on the priestly ministry.

This week, our diocese's bishop coadjutor elect was visiting the clericus to get to know them and hear their hopes and concerns. 

In the Episcopal Church, a coadjutor is a bishop elected as assistant to a diocesan with right of succession upon the latter's death or resignation. Our diocesan bishop, the Right Rev. Andy Diesche has announced he will retire from his episcopal function in the spring of 2024. The Rev. Matt Heyd, God willing, will be consecrated as bishop coadjutor in May 2023.

Feast of the Presentation. From top left, clockwise: the Rev. Michelle Meech, current rector of St John's in Kingston and the Rev. Janet Vincent, a past rector of St John's; Br. Robert Leo exchanging pleasantries with the Rev. Matt Heyd, bishop coadjutor elect of our diocese; Br. Timothy and the Rev. Matt Heyd; guests and brothers hearing the menu in the refectory; the Ulster county clericus having their talking meal in the St Scholastica room.

Our Br. Aidan, who since January is the priest in charge at Ascension-Holy Trinity parish (in West Park and Highland) was in attendace at the clericus, as was our alongsider, the Rev. Matthew Wright.

Brothers and Guests awaiting the festive meal. From top left, clockwise: Bros. Aidan and Ephrem (past and current Guestmasters); Br. Josép photo-bombing the Rev. Michelle Meech and the Rev. Janet Vincent; Bros. Bede and Timothy; Br. Randy.

Matthew Wright and Yanick Savain, who have been alongsiders of our monastic community for severn years are in the process of relocating to Woodstock, NY, where Matthew has charge of the St Gregory's parish. We are grateful for the sharing of their many gifts over the year. And we look forward to their house-warming party in Woodstock.