October 2023

In the past few weeks, I had the distinct honor of being asked to help at the Diocesan level.

September 30^th, I spent all day at St. Paul’s Rock Creek at a “postulant retreat”.  Not sure why we call it a retreat because it is far from that for the 6 individuals who feel they are being called to the diaconate.  I was a reviewer, and my job was to ask questions to help determine if the person was truly called to be a deacon or maybe a priest or maybe not at all.  At the end of the day, all reviewers met and made a recommendation to the bishop.

October 7^th, I volunteered to assist at the Acolyte Festival held at the National Cathedral.  Sue Kaspar had also volunteered.  This is a first for me since I have never truly been an acolyte.  As a kid, I was in the choir, so I never got to learn the acolyte job.  So here I am as a Deacon and I’m going to learn how to handle a thurible.  You know the vessel that holds the incense that Rev Catharine and Carl swing through the church on special days.  I am excited to learn and serve.

On October 18^th, I attended the Installation of Arch Deacon Steve Seely and was asked to be the Chaplain for the Bishop.  This was a great honor for me to support my friend in Christ and to serve the bishop.