Webmaster's Note: Bishop Mathes has given permission to print his notes to the clergy of his diocese. The Bishop writes regularly to his clergy in order to inform, to teach, to share his joys and sorrows, and to encourage the clergy to likewise share with him. We are grateful to Bishop Mathes for allowing us to share these notes with you.

September 12, 2006
John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The grace and goodness of God abounds through out the fifty-one congregations of our diocese. On Saturday, the people of St. David's dedicated their new Mission Center. On Sunday, four people were baptized at All Saints', Vista. Later that afternoon, I had the privilege of installing Michael Kiji Paul as rector of St. Luke's. It was also an opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership of David Montzingo who transformed that community through his leadership of the Sudanese Refugee Network. Also across our diocese from the ocean to the desert, congregations kicked off their program years with joyful celebrations. And yesterday, whether in the quietness of our own prayers or in public worship, we all remembered the tragedy of 9/11 and the change that it brought to our world.

On Thursday, we will gather for our Clericus meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Escondido. We will begin our time in prayer and quiet reflection. I ask that you bring with you a blessing and a burden to share with your table companions. Let us be in companionship with each other as we continue this extraordinary ministry in Jesus' name. Following our reflection, we have time to take counsel together regarding our shared diocesan ministry. The framework for this discussion will be my Pastoral Letter of June 2, 2006.

I look forward to being with you and give thanks for all that you do in the care of your community of faith and servant ministry in Jesus' name.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes