Leader of Episcopal Church to visit

February 12, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

Youngstown

Anticipation is running high at St. John’s Episcopal Church, where the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will visit this weekend.

The presiding bishop is one of 12 new members of President Barack Obama’s advisory council for the Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Office.

In 2006, she became the first female head of the Episcopal Church, part of the global Anglican Communion. Theologically liberal, she has said her mission is to heal the divisions in the church.

“This is really a big deal for us,” said the Rev. Dr. Bradley Pace, St. John’s rector.

The Rev. Dr. Pace said the presiding bishop is visiting the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. She attended diocese’s winter convocation on Friday and Saturday in Perrysburg. Bishop Jefferts Schori was the principal speaker.

Dr. Pace said Bishop Mark Hollingsworth of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio wanted Bishop Jefferts Schori to visit the Southeast Mission Area (from Steubenville to Warren). He added that the church has invited clergy and community leaders to the joint service scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 323 Wick Ave. A festive reception will follow. The rector said the church expected up to 300 people.

Dr. Pace said nine area Episcopal churches are hosting the presiding bishop’s visit. They, along with St. John’s, are St. Augustine, Christ Church in Warren, Holy Trinity in Lisbon, St. James in Boardman, St. Luke’s in Niles; St. Stephen’s in East Liverpool and St. Paul’s and St. Stephen’s, both in Steubenville. Four choirs will sing.

Dr. Pace said of her visit, “Having her with us is a rare privilege and a great opportunity for us to meet her, share with her, celebrate Holy Eucharist with her and to hear her preach. She will help us explore ways in which, as Christians and Episcopalians, we are connected with God; with our neighbors, communities and world; and with each other in the Church. We are blessed by her visit.”

Dr. Pace also noted that Bishop Hollingsworth had called him and said Bishop Jefferts Schori had contacted him “to offer condolences and prayers” in light of the off-campus shooting that caused the death of Jamail Johnson, a Youngstown State University senior, and injuries to 11, six of whom are YSU students. Dr. Pace said the church has ties to YSU with some students worshipping there and involved in church projects.

Dr. Pace said the presiding bishop’s visit “says something about St. John’s position.”

He said the church continues its tradition of community involvement and social service.