Official Diocesan Blog

This is the first of what we intend to be monthly communications from Standing Committee in which we will provide updates on the Standing Committee’s work during this season in our Diocese. The Standing Committee meets four days a week by Zoom, and subcommittees work daily on various initiative and matter important to our Diocese. The Standing Committee welcomes questions about its work during this season, about our collective ministry, or about other questions about the ongoing mission of our Diocese.

Letter to Clergy from Interim Bishop Minns

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful, were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church.

This Book Conversation was different than previous ones. According to Bernice McDonald from Church of the Transfiguration in Elizabeth, “This was the best and most relevant of the Conversations I've participated in." As with our previous books, Beyond Racial Gridlock by George Yancey was very thought-provoking.

Letter to Clergy from Interim Bishop Minns

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Letter to Clergy from Interim Bishop Minns

Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)

Dear Friends:

Attached to this letter are two prayers for the Diocese as it enters into this season of discernment and search for a new bishop. The first prayer was written specifically for the leadership of this diocese and the second taken from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.

I have reviewed these prayers with the Standing Committee and it is their hope, and mine, that you would use them in your personal devotions and also during the public prayers of your congregation in whatever way you are able to gather for worship.

The Standing Committee is pleased to announce that Ms. Sarah Kwolek has been appointed as the new Director of Administration for the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Sarah was previously the Director of Stewardship and Partnership. Sarah has held numerous development and administrative roles in the corporate and non-profit sector and has volunteered throughout her life in the administration of various congregations. She exhibits a deep commitment to collaborating with partners across the diocese to further its mission and accomplish its work.

Letter to Clergy from Interim Bishop Minns

"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

As we watch and pray over the disturbing events in our Nation’s Capital, and the struggles between powerful elites and special interest groups, we can be distracted from the day to day reality of most Americans as they face into the growing pandemic and its many challenges - especially those who are powerless and who live with special needs. It is a world with which we became much more familiar on August 6, 1982.

Letter to Clergy from Interim Bishop Minns

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a great privilege to be able to serve with you during this interim season and Angela, Rachel and I are very much looking forward to being with you physically once restrictions on travel and meetings abate. I did, however, enjoy meeting many of you through the clergy Zoom calls before Christmas and I plan to hold another series of calls in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I want to use these letters to introduce myself a little more.

The 155th Convention of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh has adjourned. Below are some highlights and updates on the proceedings.

View Session on YouTube

Convention has adjourned, but you are still welcome to watch today's resumed session and the previous Nov. 7 session on our YouTube channel.