The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer describes the ministry of a Bishop in the following way:

The ministry of a Bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry. (p. 855)

In the Episcopal Church, it is always an important day in the life of a parish when the Bishop makes a visitation.  It is an acknowledgment for all of us that the ministry we carry out here at All Saints’ is a part of a much wider ministry which we share through the Diocese, the Episcopal Church in the United States, and the Anglican Communion. 

In this light, it is our honor to have the Bishop of Southern Virginia, the Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith, IV, D.D., with us on Sunday, February 26, 2012.  In the line of succession that goes back to the formation of our Diocese in 1892, Bishop Hollerith is our Tenth Diocesan Bishop, and, prior to his election and Consecration, he served as Rector of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg.

At 9:00 a.m., Bishop Hollerith will speak to the Adult Class and the Confirmands in Baines Hall. At 10:00 a.m., he will Celebrate, Preach, and administer Confirmation and also Receive some persons into this branch of the Body of Christ.  I cordially invite everyone to come and share in this exciting day as we welcome our Bishop to All Saints’ for his first official visitation to us.