Celebrating Transitions

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Trinity Episcopal Church
44 East Market St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-5989
610-867-4741

Celebrating Transitions
Fr. Nick Knisely - Written for Newsletter, May 2001

One of the best things about being a priest is the opportunity that the clergy have to be present at important moments and transitions in people's lives. There is nothing to compare with the wonder of seeing the shining joy and pride in parents' eyes as they stand beside you at their child's baptism. I never tire of hearing the thrill in people's voices as they whisper excitedly when the Bride makes her grand entrance during the wedding liturgy. And I never feel pride such as I feel when a group of people stand before their Bishop, making their mature commitments to Our Lord Jesus and to our Church at their confirmation.

On the 6th of this month, we are going to have one of those moments. Bishop Paul will be with us during our Sunday Service to do a number of things.

First, and probably most importantly, he will preside over a baptism and the confirmations of more than 15 young people of our parish. He will receive people into the Episcopal Church from other churches in the Christian faith. And he will preach the Gospel to us, and share our parish's warm fellowship.

Bishop Paul has very graciously agreed to make a special one-time exception for Trinity Church and to be present at both our Sunday services. This is because of the large number of people being confirmed and received into the church that day and our nave's limited seating capacity. As you might expect, many of the young people will have their godparents and extended family present for the service, and seating at the late service will be at a premium. Bishop Paul will be preaching and celebrating at both services on Sunday, and perhaps you might consider attending the early service so that there would be room at the later service for all the guests.

In addition to all of that, I do have some other exciting news for you.

As you may recall the Rev. Laura Howell is ordained a priest of the Apostolic Catholic Church (part of the Old Catholic churches of Europe and North America). Because the Old Catholic Church is in communion with the Episcopal Church, Bishop Paul licensed Laura to serve as a member of the clergy here at Trinity almost two years ago. But because of the warm welcome she has received, not just from our parish but from the clergy of the Diocese as well, Laura has asked to be received into the Episcopal Church and thus to become an Episcopal priest. We have just completed the paperwork for the process, and during the Bishop's visit, at both services, we will have an opportunity to recognize this moment of transition in Laura's life and work among us as a priest and as a friend.

I expect that the majority of you remember that the word "Episcopal" means "Bishop" and we are called the Episcopal Church because the role our Bishops play in the Church is so profoundly important to us. In some ways we are completely gathered as a Church only when the Bishop is able to be present with us, and though this is possible only every other year or so, it is a time of great joy when it does happen.

I do so hope that you'll be able to make a special effort to be present to support those in our parish who are making life commitments to Christ on this day, to share in the joy we all feel at Mother Laura's reception into this branch of Christ's Holy Church, and celebrate the fullness of the Church gathered together with its Bishop.

Days like this rarely happen in a congregation's life. It is going to be a day to remember, one of the best kinds of days to share.

Blessings on you.

-Nick+