Dear Friends,
As we move toward the end of 2023, there is much to share. We are beginning a new season as a diocese, and we have new staff arriving, search processes under way, and a departure to note. It seems appropriate that as we prepare for 2024, we are getting ready to welcome some new people and to expand our support for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders.
I am delighted to announce that I have called three new people to support formation and Christian education ministries.
The Rev. Susanna Cates will serve as Canon for Formation and Vocations. She is currently the rector of All Saints’, Scotch Plains, and is active in our diocese in a number of different ministries. She is a member of Diocesan Council, coordinates our Fresh Start program for clergy in new cures, and serves as a consultant for congregational transition. Mother Susanna has worked in Christian education and formation throughout her ministry and brings considerable experience to this work. As the Canon for Formation and Vocations, Mother Susanna will lead our staff in work to strengthen educational offerings in congregations and at the diocesan level, support the ordination process, and strengthen discernment for lay and ordained ministry. Mother Susanna begins her new position part-time in January and becomes full-time on February 1.
Mrs. Anne Delgado will serve as Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation. Anne is a longtime member of St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Freehold, where she serves as the part-time Assistant for Formation and Communications. In the diocese, she is the chair of the Committee on Lifelong Christian Formation. This quarter-time position will build upon work already under way by Anne and other committee members, and provides us with ongoing staff support for children’s and family ministries and for intergenerational Christian education. Anne will continue her work at St. Peter’s while extending her support for Christian Formation ministries at the diocesan level and serving as a resource for congregations and leaders across the Diocese of New Jersey. Anne begins her new role on January 1.
The Rev. Dr. Maria Sanzo will serve as Chaplain for Vocations. The Rev. Dr. Maria currently serves as the part-time vicar of St. Raphael the Archangel, Brick. She is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of New Jersey, and is an instructor in the diocesan School for Ministry. She is a gifted chaplain and spiritual director and has considerable experience in working with those in discernment for ordained and lay ministry. This appointment will strengthen our ordination process and work to support people in their vocations through chaplaincy and formation for those in discernment at all levels in our diocese. The Rev. Dr. Maria continues as vicar of St. Raphael the Archangel and begins her diocesan work in this quarter-time role on January 1.
In addition, I have called The Rev. Canon Joan Mason to serve as Interim Transition Officer. Canon Joan is a retired priest of this diocese and served as rector of Christ Church, Tom’s River until 2020. Canon Joan currently serves as a diocesan transition consultant and has worked in the area of congregational transition as both consultant and diocesan staff in different contexts and dioceses during her ordained career. She will assist congregations, vestries, and clergy in transition until a new Canon to the Ordinary is in place. Her work supports our churches, clergy, and lay leaders throughout the transition process, including ensuring that protocols are followed and new clergy can begin work appropriately. I am grateful to Canon Joan for stepping into this work so quickly and effectively and ensuring that the many transition processes currently underway will continue smoothly. The position is a quarter-time appointment.
Finally, I give thanks for the work of Mrs. Christine Briegs, Interim Office Manager at Diocesan House. Chris took on this position last summer when Canon Ann Notte retired. As an interim appointment, Chris helped us to understand the current needs and possibilities of this position and we are grateful for her work and wish her well in her future endeavors. We are now hiring a permanent Office Manager to support the working of Diocesan House, manage Diocesan Convention and other events, and oversee our information and data management systems. Please see the position description and application info here. If you are interested, or if you know of anyone who would be a good candidate, please let us (or them) know.
We are moving forward in our search for a new Canon to the Ordinary and a Canon for Congregations and I hope to have good news to share about these two positions very soon. I am excited about the new possibilities for ministry and the gifts that each of these new staff members bring to support the congregations and people of the Diocese of New Jersey, and I look forward to seeing where God continues to lead us in the months ahead.
May God bless you in this holy season and always.
Faithfully,
Bishop Sally French
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The Right Reverend Sally French
Bishop of New Jersey
