2 August 2021

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Light for all people!

Earlier today, the Diocese of West Virginia announced their candidates for bishop and the Rev. Matthew Cowden (pictured), a priest of our diocese who serves as Rector of St. Michael and All Angels in South Bend, is one of their candidates. Please join me in praying for Matthew and Melissa and their family as the public part of this process now begins. The next step is the walkabout which will occur in August. The Electing Convention is scheduled for 25 September 2021.

I invite you to pray for the people of St. Michael and All Angels as well. The bond between a clergy person and those they are called to serve is deep and while it is a time to rejoice and give thanks for this potential opportunity for Fr. Matthew to be called to serve the wider church in episcopal ministry. Nonetheless, this process profoundly effects the life of the faith community of St. Michael and All Angels. Let us also pray for all those involved in this process of discernment and election in the Diocese of West Virginia.

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!

Every Blessing,

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

You can view the official release from the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia here.

You can read Fr. Matthew's email to the people of Saint Michael and All Angels here.