Clergy Resources

This page contains resources for clergy and other parish leaders. Click the links below to jump directly to a section. Other resources may be found by clicking on the menu items on the left.

Characteristics of Vital Congregations

Every now and then it’s good to take a look at how we’re doing as a congregation. The Diocese of Massachusetts has offered this gift to the wider church as way to see just what are the characteristics of a vital congregation. There is something here for every congregation who wants to check in on how they’re doing. Download and read Characteristics of Vital Congregations (Adobe PDF).

 

Welcoming the Stranger

A pastoral letter addressing the need for comprehensive immigration reform

Dear People of God in the Diocese of Maryland,

As our nation continues its troubled and hesitant course toward addressing issues of immigration, we have prepared a pastoral letter that can be used as a teaching document in our churches, to remind all of us of the biblical values and imperatives that should guide our treatment of newcomers and sojourners. Read more...

Acogiendo al Extrangero
Sumario de la Carta Pastoral sobre Inmigración

Estimado Pueblo de Dios en la Diócesis de Maryland,

A como nuestra nación continua su curso preocupado y vacilante al dirigirse a los asuntos de inmigración, hemos preparado una carta pastoral que se puede usar como un documento de enseñanza en nuestras iglesias, para recordarnos a todos de los valores bíblicos e imperativos que debían guiar nuestro tratamiento de recién llegados y forasteros. Leer más...

Guidelines for Blessing a Sacred Union

These guidelines are for the clergy of the Diocese of Maryland in keeping with Resolution CO56 of the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church that states that bishops “may provide generous pastoral responses to meet the needs of members of this Church,” and that we “honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality.”

Guidelines for Blessing a Sacred Union

Guidelines for Confirmation

Confirmation services are an integral and important part of our diocesan life together. The individuals you present bring an exciting energy, faith and love to our Church. The service gathers family and friends from all generations to witness an individual’s mature, adult commitment to their faith and to the promises made for them at baptism. The ceremony and presence of the bishop accentuate the gifts and importance of our Episcopal tradition and faith. It is in that spirit that your bishops have established diocesan standards for confirmation and offer support and resources for your confirmation programs.

Confirmation Guidelines

Licensing Requirements for Clergy

Clergy who receive a call to serve in a congregation of the Diocese of Maryland are licensed upon the receipt of a signed Letter of Agreement. Any cleric not canonically resident in the Diocese wishing to provide supply services or to work regularly in a congregation in any capacity – either as deacon, long-term supply, or sabbatical supply – must be licensed. Clergy wishing to officiate at a wedding in the Diocese need not be licensed; it is, however, customary for the cleric to write to the Bishop to let him know that he or she plans to do so and the date of the wedding.

Licensing Requirements for Clergy

Liturgical Practices in the Flu Season

We have heard from some in our diocese of health concerns as we face a potential pandemic. In an effort to encourage confidence during this time, we want to offer these guidelines for contact during worship and especially around the Holy Eucharist.

Guidelines for Liturgical Practices in the Flu Season

Continuing Education Grants for Ministry

The Continuing Education Committee of the Diocese of Maryland provides grants to be used to further education for the Christian ministry of the laity and clergy of the Diocese. Your grant request should reflect a carefully considered program that provides the kind of continuing education that will enhance your own participation in ongoing ministry as well as strengthen the ministries of the congregation you serve and the Diocese as a whole.

The guidelines for these grants may be found here.

The grant application form may be found here.

Discernment in the Diocese of Maryland

Exploring Baptismal Ministry and Discerning Ordained Vocation are "about transformation in the midst of searching for the will of God in one's life."

The Discernment Process in the Diocese of Maryland is under review. The following applies only to the year 2011-2012.

Learn more about Discernment in our diocese

Conversations about Ordination

In early 2011, Bishop Sutton and the Commission on Ministry held a series of "listening sessions" about the ordination process in the Diocese of Maryland. Click on the links below to view the slide presentation Bishop Sutton used for these conversations.

Clergy/Parish Directory

Episcopal Parish Quickfind

Episcopal Clergy Quickfind