In consultation with the Convocation Deans, Bishop Itty has created an updated list of responsibilities for the Deans, which has been mailed to the clergy of the diocese this week. The Deans will focus on “exercising a ministry of encouragement and support to the clergy and lay leaders of our diocese,” said Bishop Itty in his letter.  Before this time, no itemized set of duties were outlined. “We hope this detailed ‘job description’ will create a mutual understanding of what the role of Convocation Dean is,” said the Rev. Jonathan Weldon, Canon to the Ordinary.

The Diocese of Oregon is divided into seven geographical areas, or Convocations, each comprised of specific churches. The idea of Convocations is a time-honored one that harkens back to traditional Anglican structure, where members of a “deanery” were a Bishop’s liaison, regional representative and pastoral minister.

When the Episcopal Church first came to the Oregon Territory (1889), there were two convocations—east and western Oregon. In 1906, those convocations became the Western Diocese of Oregon and the Eastern Diocese of Oregon.

The detailed ministry description focuses on each Dean assisting The Bishop by serving as a pastoral resource for clergy and lay leadership in their respective convocations, especially during times of transition, illness, or other pressing circumstances. Each Dean will also coordinate meetings with local clergy, facilitate communication and work with his or her Convocation President (lay person) in convening gatherings of Convocation delegates.  “Most importantly, the Dean will be exercising a ministry of encouragement and support to the clergy and lay leaders of our Diocese,” said Bishop Itty.
 
The goals of the detailed ministry as envisioned by The Bishop are described below:

• To exercise a ministry of encouragement to clergy and lay leaders, and to help recruit, train and develop lay leaders for ministry.

• To visit each congregation, to establish a relationship and to foster collegiality, congeniality, and to be known to the congregation as a friendly face, an advocate, and a connection to The Bishop. To be knowledgeable about the vision of our Diocese.

• To be a pastor for the clergy (active, retired, and spouses of deceased clergy) and their families in time of need, i.e. hospitalization, illness, death, divorce, separation, funerals, and other crisis situations.

• To help coordinate regional confirmations or other diocesan gatherings, such as Day of Sacrament and Song.

• To be knowledgeable about the various program groups and ministries of the Diocese.

• To welcome new clergy (priests and deacons) who enter our Diocese.

• To be involved in planning and to be an active participant in the Celebration of New Ministry liturgy

• To coordinate Clericus meetings and to work with Convocation Presidents on Convocation activities, developing agendas for Convocations meetings, and being in contact with Convocation representatives to Diocesan Council.

• To serve as a representative of The Bishop, and to assist when directed by The Bishop to participate in conflict resolution at the parish level.

 Click here for more specific information and contacts for the Diocese of Oregon’s seven Convocations.