Diocesan Deja View

I became an official child of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas on May 12, 1964. That is the date I was confirmed by Bishop Goddard at St. Marks Episcopal Church on Bellaire Boulevard. Now there were seeds planted at a little church in Eastern Shore Virginia during Navy years when Chaplain Sam did supply work and we went along, but officially it was May 12, 1964. I e-mailed St. Marks to get the date.

Anyone who knows me much at all knows that I am delighted to be an Episcopalian. And, as a less than wealthy one I have always loved working at whatever church I attended. I love the liturgy, the history, words and music and most of all the folks.

So tonight, at Trinity Church in The Woodlands, was a very special time for me. It is a lovely large church. The procession, marvelous music, and great words in English and Spanish all lent an air. But most of all, I saw the priests who have touched my life in the Episcopal church. From all those many years at Ascension, there were Carl Shannon, Sid Gervais and Al Lawrence. Those three priests cover 1967 to 1999! Also good to see Mark and Liz Crawford, he was, I think, the first Assistant at Ascension. I worked the table in the afternoon with my Brenham priest, Cecilia Smith ... now the Council honcho, and it is always good to be with her. The Cathedral bunch, Patrick Miller, Ed Stein, Luchy Littlejohn, James Derkits and Canon Logan were all there, too.

Others who have touched our lives in other places include Laura and Hollis's long time vicar at St. Margarets, Bob DeWolfe and his Joanne, who now make Tyler home.

And then my friends from St. Francis sat with me as we prayed and laughed and sang. It was a very good night to be an Episcopalian.

Tomorrow is the business session of the annual council of the Diocese of Texas and I'll be volunteering where needed, not just because I want to but because next year it will be held in Bryan/College Station and I am one of the co-chairs. Good Lord, Sally, what have you gotten yourself into this time?