The Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith
Bishop of Arizona
Being historically a rather new part of the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Arizona doesn't have many physical objects that connect us with our past. Compared to the ancient parishes of the Church of England, which have communion silver and vestments that have been in use for hundreds if not thousands of years, we are bit short in the "relics" department.
That situation improved last week when Robbe Heistand, the widow of Bishop Heistand, sent me the staff (or crozier) used by the bishop during his time in office (1979-1992). This beautiful staff, along with the episcopal ring which belonged to Bishop Harte (1962-1979), are the only two objects we have belonging to former bishops. The crozier will be joining me again on visitations. The amethyst signet ring I usually only wear on special occasions at the cathedral. Both these items I plan to hand on to my successor when that time comes.
Continued at: http://azdiocese.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/452
Calif. monastery burns in wildfire
| The Mount Calvary Benedictine monastery was among the dozens of properties destroyed in the Montecito and Santa Barbara areas overnight. Kevork Djansezian/AP |
Los Angeles - The raging Montecito wildfire has destroyed historic Mount Calvary Retreat House, staff and Santa Barbara County officials have confirmed.
The Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith, Bishop of Arizona, has gone to Mount Calvary for his lenten retreat for years.
Continued at: http://azdiocese.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/454
Window restoration estimate lowered
Greta Huls
Communications Officer
TOMBSTONE - St. Paul's has received a new bid for restoration and protection against accidental damage and/or vandalism is $50,000, nearly half of the previous estimate.
St. Paul's has received about $11,000 in cash and pledges. They need to have $25,000 in cash on hand to qualify for a grant for the balance.
Contributions can be mailed either to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1489, Tombstone, AZ 85638, or directly to Tombstone Federal Credit Union, 101 E. Allen St., P.O. Box 305, Tombstone, AZ 85638 clearly marked for deposit to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Window Restoration Account 5092-3.
Built in 1882, St. Paul's is the oldest Protestant church building in the state still standing on its original site and used for its original purpose and the first Episcopal church west of the Mississippi still serving people of all faiths in its original building.
On the Net: http://stpauls.azdiocese.org
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Communication news
Communications Officer
The December 2008 issue of ArizonaLife is now available online. Click here to look at it or to access archived editions of ArizonaLife. Submissions for the February 2009 issue are due by Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009.
For more current information please go to News at www.azdiocese.org/news/index.html or Events at www.azdiocese.org/events.
To the best of my knowledge, every single church, mission, and preaching station within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona now has at least a very basic website. Please go to www.azdiocese.org/map/list.html and check your church's website and the information listed there.
Please send all submissions or communication concerns to Greta Huls, the Diocesan communications officer, at greta@azdiocese.org.
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