Episcopal services will resume at St. James Church in Penn Hills on July 3, at St. Thomas Church, Barnesboro, in Cambria County on July 17, and at St. Christopher's Church in Warrendale later this summer, the release said.
"Just as the Diocese of Pittsburgh itself has been rebuilding over the last few years, we are now turning our attention to rebuilding congregations in areas where Episcopalians have been underserved throughout the diverse regions of our diocese," said Pittsburgh Provisional Bishop Kenneth L. Price Jr., in the release.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has been reorganizing since October 2009 when a majority of its members left the Episcopal Church, created an entity they call the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (Anglican) and realigned with the Argentina-based Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. Subsequent court rulings have found that all diocesan assets must be held by the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh that is recognized by the Episcopal Church.
The three church properties where congregations will be re-established are owned by the Episcopal diocese. Two of the churches have been recently vacated by the breakaway congregations and one has not been in use since 2004.
At St. James, where the breakaway congregation has moved to a new facility, the first Episcopal-led service in two years will be held at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 3.
"We decided to be there immediately after the move to maintain an Episcopal presence for any parishioner who wishes to stay, as well as to welcome anyone from the larger community who wishes to join us," said Price, who has written a letter inviting current members to remain at the church.
Price emphasized that the decision of the St. James leaders to relocate was voluntary, according to the release. "At no time did we ever ask for the congregation worshipping at St. James' Church to leave the building," wrote the bishop. He noted a "spirit of open cooperation and courtesy" by those handing over the building to the Episcopal Diocese.
The bishop has appointed the Rev. Vicente Santiago, a former rector at St. James, as the priest-developer for the continuing congregation.
At St. Christopher's, the congregation also has moved to a new location and no services have been held there since February. Price is assembling a ministry team with the Rev. Stephen Smalley as priest-developer and the diocese hopes to resume services there in the near future.
St. Thomas, which has been closed since 2004, has merged with St. Luke Church in nearby Patton and will resume weekly services beginning 10 a.m. on July 17 under the leadership of Deacon Ann Staples and Chris Baumann, who will serve as parish administrator and preacher, and is in the process of becoming a deacon.
"The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is committed to allocating financial and personnel resources to minister to those who wish to remain Episcopalian but are no longer served by a local church," the release said. "The re-opening of the three parishes is the result of that commitment."
No comments:
Post a Comment