Now: Time to pray.
Our discernment retreat with the candidates for bishop was exhilarating. Bishop
John Harvey Taylor celebrated Eucharist for us and delivered an inspiring homily. There were deep conversations, moments of laughter, fellowship at mealtimes with excellent food, and worship services and homilies offered by our candidates.
The retreat location was on a hill overlooking Los Angeles. At night the city lights turned the valley into a bowlful of stars. At dawn there were brilliant sunrises over the mountains. God’s gorgeous creation was spread out in front of us. We found comfort and inspiration in literally praying out over our beloved diocese and could feel ourselves wrapped in the divine presence as we did our work.
By the end of the retreat, when the candidates had departed, we were exhausted. We debriefed and developed follow-up questions for the candidates and those persons providing references for them.
When we gather on Sept. 6 to finalized the slate, which will be announced Sept. 12, we want to be sure all the questions have been asked and answered. During the next week we will process all we’ve learned over the many months of working with our candidates and listen to where God is leading us.
We invite you to pray with us as this holy work continues: Speak through your Spirit, that we may recognize the one whom you have already chosen for this work. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and Bishop of souls.