Bishop by example

I noticed a few things when our bishop visited a week ago:

1. Instead of bringing elaborate episcopal robes with him, he chose to wear one of the chasubles from the closet in our sacristy. That's a powerful message that he's one of us. He's not some high and mighty figure coming from on high to tell us what to do, but he's part of our parish life.

2. At both services, he chased down the ushers so that he could put money in the offering plates. He explained that it's important for the clergy as well as everyone else to put money in the plate every time it comes around. He lives what he preaches.

3. In the Eucharistic Prayer at the 10:00 service, he altered the prayer slightly to say, "Grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, matriarchs, prophets, and martyrs..." He added the word "matriarchs" to the prayer to recognize the holy women who have been part of the faith since the beginning.  A nice touch.

Bishop Greg is accessible, human, and honest. It was good to have him here.
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