Prayers Requested

For Diocesan Synod

These have been very, very busy days! When I returned from teaching Sacramental Theology at St Patrick’s Theological College, I had to hit the ground running because I only had 6 days to prepare for my diocesan synod.

I had to prepare my Charge. This is a significant challenge, for in it I am trying to set forth a vision for the upcoming year(s) -a vision that is not just mine, but which has been the work discernment in prayer and of listening and heeding what the priests and Christians of the various parishes are saying. Thankfully I believe that the two main issues before us at this synod, that of church planting and evangelism, and updating our Canons, will be very helpful in guarding and guiding our corporate work together.

To prepare the Canons part of our synod, I had a day long meeting with the Canons Committee. We walked through our Canons as they are, and compared them to other Malagasy Diocese. We have 20 motions of amendment - Please pray that these motions pass without any rancour…. there are always a few people who want to debate everything!!

The Church Planting and Evangelism Strategy which will be presented to synod is very detailed – but in fact, quite simple. I had a series of meeting with this committee to make sure that everything is in place for this presentation. Simply put, we need strong, healthy, growing parishes, who will give birth to new congregations. The daughter congregations will be cared for until they have the maturity, both spiritually and financially, to become independent. This strategy, if the synod accepts it, will help guide where the priests and evangelists are placed in the diocese, but it also will guide where we use funds which come from abroad.

I also had a day long retreat with three Deacons who will be ordained at the closing Eucharist of Synod on Ascension Day. It was important for me to spend this time with my deacons as we prayed for each other, took nourishment from the Bible together, and as we walked through the liturgy of ordination in the Malagasy Prayerbook – which is almost a direct translation of the Ordinal in it’s 1662 form….with the terrifying phrase “You know the horrible punishment which will ensue!” I have also been trying to fit in as much Malagasy practice as possible – so that I will not have to ordain my deacons in English. On top of this, I had the installation of the new Dean of the Cathedral Church.

Later (it is 5 am right now as I am writing this) I have a day long meeting with my clergy. They have gathered from the far reaches of the Diocese to attend synod. We will simply catch up, discuss clerical matters together, and hopefully, enjoy some time in the pool together. Tonight I am taking them to supper at a local restaurant – which is for most of them a very special treat.

My Synod and the Ordination will together cost around $4,500. To make a donation in support of these costs please use either of these links:

SAMS Donation

Into All The World (Canada) Donate

As always – I ask – even beg for your prayers! I am (honestly) very tired – so I am relying on the Holy Spirit to lead and to guide me through these next several days. Synod ends Thursday evening. 5 am Friday morning I begin the long journey from Madagascar to Nashotah House to speak at Commencement…which I pray I will be able to prepare while on the long 17 hour flight!