Join me in giving our Lord God, Heavenly Father, His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the All Holy Spirit praise and thanks for providing the most wonderful time thus far in the life of our beloved jurisdiction—The Celtic Episcopal Church’s first ever Convocation which took place from August 17 with registration and ended on August 20 with the Ordination of two transitional deacons.

The hand of God’s blessing began with giving us favor with the Super 8 Motel in Salisbury, North Carolina who provided us with an astoundingly affordable daily rate for which we are most grateful. I have to also say that the lodging facility was beautiful, spacious, comfortable, and a wonderful staff who made us feel genuinely welcome. The events began with registration at 2:00 p.m., August 17 at Blessed Sacrament Celtic Episcopal Church which was the host parish. Father Bill Agner, Pastor, and the people of Blessed Sacrament made us welcome and provided lunch and supper meals throughout the week-end. A special recognition is in order for Mike and Mary Palovich who opened their home to us for our evening meals and to all of those members of the Blessed Sacrament Church who contributed to the food offerings and assistance in serving, especially Loretta Ennis who made sure that we were properly cared for at each luncheon, and for all who provided the all important cleanup. Thank you! Before enjoying a meal together, the gathering joined together for the service of Evening Prayer led by Father Jim Haack.

The Friday events began with celebration of the Divine Liturgy whereupon Metropolitan John took the sermon time to welcome everyone which was followed by deliberate time for fellowship and training of clergy and lay ministers. This was the first time many of us had met the clergy and people who are members of our jurisdiction, so we can honestly say that we are now a community of faith and not just a organizationally knit together group of people. We deliberately took the time for hands on liturgical and priestcraft experience for all of our clergy but especially for the two men who were to be made transitional deacons. The day was provided a pause at noon for lunch, and after Evening Prayer, we went by caravan to Mike and Mary’s home for supper where eating and more fellowship was enjoyed.

The events of Saturday provided teachings by Metropolitan John on the subject of the Celtic Ethos; by Archbishop Mark on the subject of Christian Stewardship; and by Mrs. Shelby Rinkle and Mrs. Alice Ruby on the subject of being a clergy spouse. A cold plate lunch was enjoyed by all, and the clergy gathered in the sanctuary to rehearse for the ordination service scheduled for Sunday. The day was ended with Evening Prayer and supper at Mike and Mary’s home. By this time those who were attending the conference were thoroughly at ease with each other and lifelong friendships were being established. Finally, the big day arrived, Sunday, August 20th on the feast of Holy Oswin, King of North Umbria, whereupon Mr. Peter Devlin and Mr. Timothy Delbridge were to be made transitional deacons. The liturgy of Ordination was undertaken within the celebration of the Divine Liturgy including a powerful sermon by our Metropolitan.

After the sermon and before the ordination liturgy began, The Most Rev Oscar Joseph, Lord Archbishop and Abbot General of the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross and Dean and President of the Saint Stephen Harding Theological College and Seminary, presented to His Eminence, The Most Rev John W. Rinkle OCMA, Metropolitan, The Celtic Episcopal Church, an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree for his considerable years of service and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ with distinction.

The service continued whereby Peter and Tim were presented to His Eminence for Ordination as Deacons by Archbishop Mark. Both men were then questioned by Metropolitan John and both bishops said the liturgy of Ordination accompanied by the laying on of hands. They were equipped with the Bible and vested according to the Order of Deacons. As the Divine Liturgy continued, the newly ordained deacons were integrated as appropriate. After the blessing and dismissal, the time for a photo opportunity ensued for some time, and the ordination party put off their vestments and fellowship continued for another hour or so. Goodbyes were expressed one to another, and everyone departed to our places of residence for much needed rest and reflection.

Some statistics: Number of bishops–2; priests–2; deacons (including the newly ordained)–5; total people–31; places traveled from–Houston, TX; Paw Paw, MI; Stoneham, MA; Port Charlotte, FL; Corbin, KY; and Valdosta, GA.