Saturday, November 7, 2026
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing before you, O Lord, our rock and our Redeemer.”
Good morning, Saints!
Three hundred fifty-seven days ago, this body gathered to elect your next chief pastor. On that day, the Holy Spirit began something new among you, within me, and, as I have come to understand more deeply, among all of us together. I arrived in Western Massachusetts carrying both gratitude and a healthy sense of the magnitude of this call. You welcomed me with generosity, candor, curiosity, and prayer. And today, at my first diocesan convention as your bishop, I want us to remember where this chapter began.
Before I say anything about budgets, buildings, programs, staffing, or the work ahead, I want us to do what the Church must always do first: Pray. If you are comfortable, I invite you to stand and, where appropriate, join hands with those beside you. If you prefer, simply remain as you are. Let us give thanks for the journey that began in prayer and ask for grace to continue in prayer.