Episcopal Visitations are required by Canon III every three years. In the Diocese of Maine, episcopal visitations are scheduled in rotation about once every 28-30 months. Other celebrations, special services/ mission leadership or pastoral care visits may be scheduled 'in between' official visitations by either the Priest in Charge/Sr. Warden or the Bishop.Episcopal Visitations are required by Canon III every three years. In the Diocese of Maine, episcopal visitations are scheduled in rotation about once every 28-30 months. Other celebrations, special services/ mission leadership or pastoral care visits may be scheduled 'in between' official visitations by either the Priest in Charge/Sr. Warden or the Bishop. You will be provided with visitation forms (available below) ahead of Bishop Brown's visit. Please complete these to help you to prepare for your time together. Here are few highlights: A visitation consists of four parts—a pre-visitation conversation, worship and congregational conversation, vestry/leadership meeting, and time with the clergy person. Please consider scheduling the vestry meeting to a weekday, about 90 minutes, either before or after the visitation. We'll find the time that’s most convenient for you and your leadership. The clergy-bishop time need not occur on Sunday, and when the visitation is online, we’ll likely have to use Zoom for this part. The Bishop's preference, whenever it’s safe and possible, is to have a meal together. Forms to read and complete before Bishop's visit: Bishop's Visitation Customary Notes for Vestry Visits Notes about Confirmation Visitation Planning Worksheet Visitation Schedule Please contact Lauralee Raymond, Executive Assistant to Bishop Brown will any questions.
Discernment by Henry Nouwen In Discernment, Nouwen teaches us how to read the signs of the times; in daily life in order to make decisions that are ultimately guided by God. Nouwen emphasizes listening to...
August 15, 2023 Dear Friends in Christ, The Diocese of Maine is ready to support the people of Hawaii, and especially the people who live on Maui. The loss of life, the unfathomable destruction of...
January 28, 2024 The legislative committees continue to hold public hearings and work on bills at a very quick pace although not necessarily on bills we are working on. Read the legislative report here. Remember,...
Cybersecurity Information & Resources From the Episcopal Diocese of Maine’s Weekly News for Clergy and Lay Leaders, various dates Phishing in churches Please beware of email and text “phishing” in Maine churches. Fraudulent email and...
All matters of clergy misconduct will be reported to an intake officer for the diocese. Matters might then be resolved through pastoral care, mediation, an agreement with the bishop, an investigation or any combination of these. An investigation may result in formal mediation, and, if necessary, a hearing.
Earlier today in a press briefing Governor Mills captured beautifully not only what we’re feeling, but also what we’re praying. 18 of our neighbors have died, and 13 others are injured.* This is a moment...
The Diocesan Central Payroll Program was created to serve our congregations by providing an economical payroll service process. For the fee of $104 annually per employee, we prepare all direct deposits, file quarterly 941 reports, deposit payroll taxes and prepare W-2s at year-end. Basically, if all of your employees are on this program, you simply send money to the diocese twice a month and you have no other payroll responsibilities.
