June 2024
Betsy Hooper-Rosebrook
From Dean of Chaplains Betsy Hooper Rosebrook
Why a Dean of Chaplains?
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
In the midst of tumultuous protests on campuses, college chaplains offer calm voices and safe spaces.
In impersonal medical settings, hospital chaplains sit quietly with patients and families in their fear and confusion.
In the loneliness of jails, prison chaplains listen closely with respectful compassion.
In schools and camps, chaplains offer a caring presence by praying for beloved pets who have died, admiring the wonder of bugs, and engaging the faith questions of youth and adult alike.
On base, military chaplains hear the struggles of those who are far from home. In senior housing, chaplains walk with residents through the end of the arc of their life’s journey.
And in the Diocese of Los Angeles, increasingly, chaplains are at parks and ports and parades, at food banks and tent encampments, in libraries and transitional housing settings – in short, in the words of the Center for Lay Chaplaincy’s motto, “Chaplaincy Everywhere” – bringing the gifts of seeing each person as God’s beloved child, of honoring their stories and struggles and questions, and of offering a supportive presence in ways appropriate to the context.
All of this is important ministry, and can be personally satisfying work, but it’s often hard, frequently confusing, and sometimes conducted without colleagues to share in reflection, encouragement, and debriefing. Recognizing that the particular needs of chaplains are easily overlooked, Bishop Taylor invited me in the summer of 2022 to become the diocese’s first dean of chaplains.
With 20+ years of experience as a school chaplain at Saint Mark’s, Altadena, and 35 years as a priest in the diocese and thus familiar with our breadth of needs and opportunities, I felt this was a wonderful chance to support the ever-expanding ministry of chaplains.
Regional deans are familiar in the diocese; each of the 10 deans gathers clergy for periodic clericus meetings, offers pastoral support to clergy, serves as the bishop’s eyes and ears in a geographic area, and works with deanery presidents. However, the dean of chaplains role is unique in that I serve both lay and clergy chaplains throughout the entire diocese. Since I began, this has included:
- Compiling an ever-growing list of chaplains and their ministries
- Casual events to bring chaplains together for fun
- Periodic Zoom check-ins
- Individual communication via text, email, phone, and Zoom
- Vocational discernment as chaplains explore possible new directions
- Support for chaplains during personally or professionally stressful times
- Lunch and a speaker at St. Paul’s Commons
- Connecting chaplains to resources and people who may be helpful in their ministry
My focus has been on those persons, both clergy and laity, who have a primary ministry as chaplains; certainly there are lots of folks who do wonderful chaplaincy work as part of their congregational responsibilities, but in figuring out this new dean’s job description — a volunteer position — I’ve chosen to keep the scope a bit narrower. If you or someone you know fits this description, please let me know at chaplains@ladiocese.org.
Far beyond the walls of our churches, in all sorts of settings, chaplains are here for people of every faith, uncertain faith, and no faith; as dean of chaplains, I’m privileged to be here for the chaplains!
Blessings,
Betsy
The Very Rev. Betsy Hooper Rosebrook serves as the first dean of chaplains for the Diocese of Los Angeles.
From the Bishop’s Office
Canon McCarthy will be away through July 7
Please note that the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, diocesan canon to the ordinary, will be away from the office June 5-July 7 while recovering from an orthopedic medical procedure. Your prayers are appreciated, and please see the following list of whom to contact while Canon McCarthy is recuperating:
- Bishop’s Office confidential communications: Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon Gail Urquidi
- Clergy Deployment and Transitions: The Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage
- Corporation of the Diocese and Finance: The Rev. Susan Stanton
- Diocesan Convention: Samantha Wylie
- General Convention: The Rev. Rachel Nyback (elected clergy deputy)
- Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change: Canon Bob Williams
- All other matters: Canon Gail Urquidi
To complete her recovery, Canon McCarthy has resigned as a deputy to General Convention. The diocese will be represented by elected clergy deputies Rachel Nyback, Antonio Gallardo, Fennie Chang, and Kelli Grace Kurtz, with Dominique Piper as clergy first alternate and Guy Leemhuis as clergy second alternate. Lay deputies are Kathryn Nishibayashi, Canon Andy Tomat, Thomas Diaz, and Alan Herendich, with Cameron Johnson as first lay alternate.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in July 2024.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by June 22.
Angelus is a joint project of the Office of Clergy Formation and Transition Ministry and the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Los Angeles
213.482.2040, ext. 251
The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, editor
revpatmccaughan@aol.com
949.892.0525
Service of Ordination June 8 at St. John’s Cathedral
Bishop John Harvey Taylor will ordain three and receive one to the Sacred Order of Deacons at a service at St. John’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.
The ordinands are: Margaret Stivers of St. Richard of Chichester Church, Lake Arrowhead; Michael Mischler of St. James’ Church, South Pasadena; and Karen James of The Church of the Epiphany, Oak Park.
Hart Roussel of St. Andrew’s, Fullerton, who was formerly ordained in another tradition, will be received as a deacon of The Episcopal Church.
The prayers and presence of the diocesan community are invited. The cathedral is located at 514 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90007.
Reminders
ACTION REQUIRED
Changes to California Paid Sick Leave laws
From the State of California Department of Industrial Relations:
Starting on January 1, 2024, employers must generally provide 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave to their employees in California. The Labor Commissioner has updated the paid sick leave poster and 2810.5 employee notice in English, Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, Chinese Simplified, and Vietnamese. All employers should post the new poster. An employer previously providing less than 5 days or 40 hours of paid sick leave per year will need to provide employees a new copy of the notice.
Links to download the posters and FAQs are here.
Date set for 2024 Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium
Episcopalians are invited to join their Lutheran siblings at Episcopal-Lutheran Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
The Dodgers will play the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets will be $35. Fireworks and a drone show are scheduled after the game.
More information has been sent to clergy and lay leaders, who will work with congregation-level coordinators to collect ticket orders, according to the Rev. Canon Greg Larkin, Dodger night coordinator.
TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship
The Diocese of Los Angeles maintains a membership in TENS, so all congregations may access its stewardship resources. The log-in for 2024 is Ephesians5:2 (note: case sensitive, no spaces). The website is here.
“The theme for the year is Walk in Love, a celebration of the joy and gratitude we have for God and our community that lead us to share our stories, our journeys, and our gifts. Our resources are making a special effort to lift up diverse voices as we share the stories that inspire us to share our wealth, works, and wisdom with our ministry.” — TENS
URGENT CALL: Update Clergy Supply List with Office of Formation and Transition Ministry
We are in great need of more assistance with Sunday supply and interim positions. If you are available to assist with supply, long term supply, transition ministry, etc., please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list. Please consider helping us out!
Connections
BONNIE BRANDON has begun serving as priest-in-charge of Church of the Holy Communion, Gardena.
YOHANES COBIELLAS will begin serving in July as associate rector of St. Luke’s Church in Long Beach. Born and raised in Cuba, he is a hydraulic engineer, and had worked as college professor prior to his 2015 ordination to the priesthood. He has also served as the Archdeacon for the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba, as rector at St Luke’s in Ciego Avila, and recently as a church planter for Jesus Nazarene Church in Santa Clara, Cuba.
ADAM DAWKINS has been called as the sixth rector of St. Alban’s Church in Westwood.
KAREN JAMES, MICHAEL MISCHLER and MARGARET STIVERS will be ordained to the diaconate at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at St. John’s Cathedral by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
KAREN JAMES, MICHAEL MISCHLER and MARGARET STIVERS will be ordained to the diaconate at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at St. John’s Cathedral by Bishop John Harvey Taylor. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
GREG KIMURA has been called as rector of St. James’ Church in South Pasadena.
HART ROUSSEL will be received into The Episcopal Church as a deacon on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at St. John’s Cathedral, by Bishop John Harvey Taylor.
STEPHEN SMITH has accepted a call as senior associate rector at St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades. He will conclude his ministry August 11 at St. Cross Church in Hermosa Beach, where he has served the past five years.
Congregational Openings
June 2024
Clergy are encouraged to request that their name be placed on an “interest list” if they would like to be considered for:
a) positions, regardless of the progress of the congregation in determining their process, or their readiness to receive names;
b) placement by the bishop in mission congregations or where an appointment is otherwise applicable.
Contact the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org or via phone at: 213.482.2040.
Open positions:
ACTIVE (Rectors)
Receiving names/Soon to post
Isla Vista, St. Michael’s University Mission / Vicar
For more information, please contact the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage directly at the email below or by phone at 323-350-7675. All interested appplicants should respond with: a letter of introduction/interest, a current CV/resume, and an updated OTM to: tdiscavage@ladiocese.org
Soon to post: Whittier, St. Matthias / Rector
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
OXNARD, All Saints’ ~ Todos los Santos / Associate Priest for Children’s and Youth Ministry (part time)
This person should be ordained or about to be ordained as a priest, conversant in Spanish and English and ready to learn and support our children’s, youth, and family ministries. Flexible scheduling is available. Please be in direct contact with the Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, rector, with any questions and paperwork, if interested, at: revmelissalangdell@gmail.com. For more info, click here.
SAN CLEMENTE, St. Clement by-the-Sea. Assistant Priest, part-time.
Ministry to include preaching once per month, help with pastoral care, and faith formation. Ideal for a shared ministry with another congregation or a retired clergyperson. Please be in contact with the Rev. Patrick Crerar with any questions and paperwork if interested at: FrPatrick@scbythesea.org or 949-492-3401.
OPEN
Receiving names/developing profile
Inglewood, Holy Faith Parish
Redlands, Trinity Parish
Redondo Beach, Christ Church Parish–St. Andrew’s, Torrance / Rector
Westchester, Holy Nativity Parish
Whittier, St. Matthias / Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
Lompoc, St. Mary’s Parish / Rector
MISSION & OTHER POSITION APPOINTMENTS
Mission congregation positions, some of them part time, for which the Formation and Transition Ministry office is presently receiving names for the bishop’s consideration.
Big Bear, St. Columba / Spirit of Peace Mission
Gardena, Holy Communion Mission
Isla Vista, St. Michael’s University Church Mission
La Verne, St. John’s Mission
Lake Arrowhead, St. Richard of Chichester Mission
Moreno Valley, Grace Mission
Needles, St. John’s Mission
Rancho Santa Margarita, St. John Chrysostom Mission
Rialto, St. Peter’s Mission
Wilmington, St. John’s / Holy Child (PIC) Mission
Yucca Valley, St. Joseph of Arimathea Mission
NON-ACTIVE
Parish congregations that will at some point be searching for clergy leadership, but are now working with supply clergy, a long-term interim or priest in charge:
Arcadia, Parish Church of the Transfiguration
Beverly Hills, All Saints’ Parish
Downey, St. Mark’s Parish
Fullerton, Emmanuel Parish
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish
Garden Grove, St. Anselm’s
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Parish
Los Angeles, Church of Christ the Good Shepherd
Los Angeles, St. John’s Cathedral
Los Angeles, St. Philip’s Parish
Los Angeles (Melrose), Trinity Parish
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s Parish
Monterey Park, St. Gabriel’s Parish
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish
Ontario, Christ Church Parish
Pasadena, St. Barnabas’ Parish
Pomona, St. Paul’s Parish
San Fernando, St. Simon’s Parish
Santa Maria, St. Peter’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
OTHER OPENINGS
WITHIN THE DIOCESE
LOS ANGELES: Episcoal Diocese seeks Communications Coordinator, skilled in social media, digital publications, and news reporting and editing. A description of the full-time diocesan staff position is here. Qualified applicants are asked to email a resumé and cover letter to Canon Anilin Collado, diocesan missioner for human resources, before June 30.
The communications coordinator will succeed Canon Janet Kawamoto, who has announced her retirement after 22 years on the diocesan staff, serving as editor of The Episcopal News and producing other diocesan media. Kawamoto will be recognized at Diocesan Convention for her decades of outstanding service which began in 1981 when she served as communications assistant through 1985.
Based at St. Paul’s Commons in Echo Park, the new coordinator will work with continuing staff members Canon for Common Life Bob Williams, who oversees the diocesan communications department, and the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, longtime senior writer for the Episcopal News and editor of the Angelus clergy community newsletter. Advising the work of the department is the diocesan Program Group on Communications and Public Affairs.
LOS ANGELES: Episcopalian Hospital Chaplain, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Boulevard. Full time, salaried. Reporting to one of our department supervisors or managers, this position provides spiritual support to patients, their loved ones, and staff in our hospitals. This chaplain serves people of all belief systems (religious and non-religious), and provides or arranges special rites and rituals as requested by patients and/or surrogates. Full job description and information here.
OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE
A list of postings from the wider Episcopal Church is here.