The Commission on Ministry (COM) advises and assists the Bishop in determining present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons in the Diocese; in recruiting and selecting persons for Holy Orders; and in guiding and examining Postulants, Candidates, and Deacons in training for priesthood. The COM provides financial assistance for the continuing education of clergy and lay professionals. The COM also assists parishes in discerning appropriate candidates for Holy Orders.
To faciliate its work, the COM is divided into these committees:
- Laity Committee
- Diaconate Committee
- Priesthood Committee
The process of ordination to the priesthood in the Diocese of Rochester is described in detail in "The Commission on Ministry: Vocational Discernment Handbook."
By diocesan canon, the COM is both elected and appointed. The Commission on Ministry shall consist of not more than nineteen(19) nor less than nine (9) persons, no more than a simple majority of which may be from either the clerical or lay order. Terms are three years. After serving two terms, a member must rotate off for at least one year. A simple majority of the members are elected at Convention. The remaining membership is appointed by the Bishop.
The COM meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 5 - 7 p.m. Committees may have additional meetings.
Roster
Name | Role | Details | Term | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ellen Ralston | Cochair | Appointed Monroe |
2020 to 2023 | Lewis1958@me.com |
James Cannon | Appointed Monroe |
2020 to 2023 | jamescannon6@gmail.com | |
Brent Underwood | Elected Southeast |
2021 to 2024 | bcu2717@gmail.com | |
Kathy O'Leary | Elected Rochester |
2021 to 2024 | kathyjoleary@gmail.com | |
The Rev. Michael Laver | Elected Rochester |
2021 to 2024 | michael.laver@gmail.com | |
Rev. Jimmie Sue Deppe | Elected Monroe Clerk |
2019 to 2022 | jsadeppe@gmail.com | |
Rev. Georgia Carney | Cochair | Elected Rochester |
2019 to 2022 | gmcarney5070@gmail.com |
Rev. Saundra Cordingly | Elected Monroe |
2019 to 2022 | scord1944@aol.com | |
Rev. Abi John | Appointed Rochester |
2019 to 2022 | abi74john@gmail.com | |
Rev. Andrea Stridiron | Appointed Rochester |
2019 to 2022 | stritz@frontiernet.net | |
Patricia Feeney | Appointed Monroe |
2019 to 2022 | feeney134@aol.com | |
Anne Lewis | Elected Northeast |
2020 to 2023 | stjohnscliftonsprings@gmail.com | |
Very Rev. Virginia Mazzarella | Elected Southwest |
2020 to 2023 | mamazzarella@gmail.com |