Many people have asked questions about the various ministries of the Diocese of El Camino Real. Today’s Did you know…? is the sixth in a series of updates answering some of those questions.
Did you know…?
Did you know that the Bishop Sylvestre Romero is committed to shared ministry?
Bishop Romero has said, Whatever is done should be done for the honor and glory of God, and with the diocese in focus. God has a plan and purpose for our ministry; working as a team helps us discern that purpose. This experience will allow us to tell stories of resurrection.
To support shared ministry, Bishop Romero serves the diocese by
· visiting congregations and meeting with their leaders
· offering pastoral care to clergy
· inviting laity to meet with him to share ideas
· working month by month with diocesan leaders
· representing the diocese to the national church
Did you know that Bishop Romero met with every congregation in the diocese in his first 13 months in the diocese?
Bishop Romero has said, A safe environment where one can speak openly and freely should be created, always remembering that speaking should be done out of – and with – love.
To support congregations, in his visitations Bishop Romero
· led worship services, confirming and baptizing when asked
· was available to meet with vestries to discuss parish affairs, address current problems, help leaders imagine the future
· served as a mediator for identified disputes between vestries and clergy
Did you know that Bishop Romero offers pastoral care and guidance for clergy?
Bishop Romero has said, The team players must help each other to grow spiritually and share their gifts for the welfare of the diocese. They should know their weaknesses and strengths, be mature and open to constructive criticism. They should know that they need each other and have the responsibility for each other, not only when in meetings, but in their work and home.
To support the ministries of the clergy, Bishop Romero
· met with priests in various regions of the diocese
· met with deacons in two regional gatherings and one deacons’ retreat
· brought a deacon chaplain with him on congregational visitations
· met with mission vicars
· attended several clergy retreats
· greeted new clergy coming into the diocese
· licensed non-parochial clergy to officiate in congregations
· supervised clergy discipline
Did you know that Bishop Romero works diligently to strengthen lay ministry?
Bishop Romero has said, We must be sensitive about God using a particular person to reveal a vision through ideas. The model of the Holy Trinity reveals what is meant by teamwork. The team players must be committed persons who understand their call as baptized persons, who pray, teach and learn, listen and respect the dignity of others. Each person has authority that comes from God through his/her relationship with Jesus Christ. Our first loyalty is to God, and God should be seen in every person.
To support the ministries of lay persons, Bishop Romero
· attended all conferences planning for the diocese’s future
· called regional meetings with laity
· licensed lay persons for service in congregations
· reviewed and signed consents to remarriages
Did you know that Bishop Romero works with persons in the ordination process?
Bishop Romero has said, When someone hears a call to ordained ministry, a number of persons help in the discernment process. The church is represented by the Bishop, and by many others - rectors and vicars, Parish COMs, members of congregations, the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee - all working to discern whether the call comes from God. The Bishop also maintains contact with all persons in the process to guide them in academic as well as spiritual preparation.
To support persons in the ordination process, Bishop Romero
· met with the Commission on Ministry with persons in the ordination process
· received and responded to Ember Day letters
· ordained 6 new deacons
· ordained 3 new priests
· received clergy from other denominations
Did you know that Bishop Romero works with every major diocesan committee?
Bishop Romero has said, God’s plan can only be carried out through teamwork. A team is a group of persons that comes together in unity and harmony to accomplish a mission. Constant reminders of equality should be emphasized, as there will be constant resistance to this. Time should be taken to iron out differences; never be in a rush or pressured to accept a plan or idea. But once the plan is approved by all, it should be supported and all should work for its effectiveness in the diocese.
To promote teamwork on diocesan committees, Bishop Romero
· met regularly with the Standing Committee to discuss policy
· met with Diocesan Council and other major bodies
· met with COM to review ordination process
· met with DIEM to supervise and support mission congregations
Did you know that Bishop Romero has shared the leadership of two diocesan conventions?
Bishop Romero has said, The members of the diocese will see the hands and presence of God at work through teamwork.
At each Convention, Bishop Romero
· co-chaired the dispatch of business and the Convention debates
· organized and led worship
· contributed grace and a sense of humor to the debate process
Did you know that Bishop Romero attends a number of national meetings of bishops?
Bishop Romero has said, It is very important that the Diocese of El Camino Real be represented in the House of Bishops. Not to be there is actually an offense, or disrespect to the other bishops. Those who don’t attend the meetings don’t contribute to the bishops’ responsibilities to the church and the world. If we cannot be a part of our own Episcopal Church, it is very difficult for us to feel a part of the wider Anglican Communion.
In 2005 Bishop Romero served
· on the Provincial Hispanic Commission
· as Liaison from the Hispanic Commission to the House of Bishops
If you have questions about the Bishop’s ministries, please contact him at BishopRomero@edecr.org - or via Administrative Assistant Susan Altig, at Susan@edecr.org.
