Sínodo

I've been attending Diocesan Conventions for the last (nearly) thirty years of my life -- in San Diego (three times) in New Jersey (twenty four times, I think). Last Saturday, I attended the synod of the Diocese of Mexico.

Here in Mexico, we call it sínodo in English that's "synod."  In New Jersey there were over 160 Churches and there were over 800 people in attendance at the annual convention.  Here in Mexico, there are about 30 congregations -- only a handful are self-supporting, that is to say parishes and the rest of them are mission churches or preaching stations.  There were about one hundred people in attendance. 

Like every other Diocesan meeting I have attended, this one began with a festive service of Holy Eucharist.  This took place at the Chapel of the Seminario de San Andres, which is on the grounds adjacent to the Diocesan Center.  The service included the renewal of ordination vows.  The clergy of the diocese were invited to join in a circle around the altar (I'm behind the altar in this picture.)

Here I am seated here in the chapel, next to my clergy colleagues. 











After the service, the meeting began.  There was the typical business of the church -- reports received, elections held, budgets reviewed.  Of course for me the hightlight was when the clergy new to the diocese were presented.

To the left is the new interim rector of the other English-speaking parish of the Diocese, which is in San Miguel.  To the far right are a deacon and a priest who were both ordained at Christ Church this year.  Bishop Carlos is in the background. 

The delegation of Christ Church at work.