My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

                Blessings to you all as we draw close to the end of the Lenten season and begin the great pilgrimage toward Easter. I trust that this upcoming Holy Season will serve to strengthen and renew your faith. The heart of our faith is the Easter story of the death and resurrection of Jesus, proclaiming the passionate love of God for each of us. May you experience that divine love this Easter leading you to renew your commitment to return that love to God by valuing the gift of your life and reaching out to every person you meet.

 I want to share with you some news and information from my office.

 The 150^th Anniversary Celebrations “Into the World”

                 Plans continue to unfold for the celebrations marking the 150^th anniversary of our diocese. The planning team are working hard to make our major celebration at the K-Rock Center on June 3^rd a memorable and inspirational event. We are looking forward to having Naomi Tutu with us as our guest speaker along with a visit from bishops attending the Africa-Canada Bishop’s Consultation. We are planning to hold a “Diocesan Marketplace” where there will be displays from various groups, committees and organizations and we would encourage parishes to plan for a display table showcasing the ministry and life within each of our parishes. Information is also posted on a website dedicated to our anniversary year which you can visit at www.intotheworld.ca. I want to extend my thanks to those who have contributed to sponsoring our June 3^rd celebration. Stay tuned for detailed information on this and other events from the Events Committee.

 The Bishop’s Dinner 2012 and “Love in Action”

                Letters are being sent out soon inviting you to attend the annual Bishop’s Dinner on Tuesday, May 22nd. I am delighted that our guest speaker this year will be Archbishop Colin Johnson of Toronto and Metropolitan of our Ecclesiastical Province. Two things have changed regarding this year’s dinner namely the location and the objective. In response to a number of suggestions we have changed the venue for the dinner to the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on King St. in Kingston. I have also requested that funds generated from the dinner be directed toward our annual “Love in Action Appeal” which this year will be shared equally between the Anglican Appeal and our own Diocese of Ontario Foundation. The Love in Action Appeal for 2012 will have a particular focus on programs and ministries in support of children and families. Information and liturgical resources will be available soon for this year’s appeal, which will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27^th.

Service of New Ministry for Rev. Michael Rice and the People of Christ Church Belleville

                I am pleased to pass on the news that The Rev. Michael Rice and his wife Hilary have arrived in the diocese from their previous posting in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland and taken up residence in Belleville. The service for the Celebration of New Ministry will take place on Sunday, April 22^nd at 5p.m. Christ Church is located at 39 Everett St and I would encourage one and all to come along and celebrate this new beginning with Michael, Hilary and the people of Christ Church. A reception will follow the service.

Times of Transition

                The Pastoral Unit comprising Christ Church, Gananoque and Church of the Redeemer Rockport are awaiting the arrival of their new Incumbent, Rev. Christine Downey who will relocate with her husband Benjamin from the Diocese of Huron and begin her ministry with them on May 1st. Also, the people of St. Mark’s, Barriefield will welcome their new Incumbent, Rev. Haynes Hubbard, his wife Susan and family who will relocate from the Anglican Chaplaincy in the Algarve, Portugal on July 1^st. Please continue to hold these parishes, clergy and families in your prayers as they continue through this time of transition.

                Expressions of interest for the Incumbency of The Anglican Churches of Quinte West which comprise the Churches in Trenton, Frankford and Glen Miller closed on March 15^th and they will soon move to the interview stage. The Parish of Kitley has recently established their Parish Advisory Committee and are in the process of developing their Parish Profile.

                I was pleased to welcome onto the strength of the Diocese Major The Reverend Catherine Askew. Catherine is the assistant to the Command Chaplain of the Army at the National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa. She is the daughter of Susan and Warren Everett at St. George’s Cathedral and married to Capt. Stewart Askew. They are the proud parents of six month old daughter Sarah.

News From the Provincial Synod Council

                I attended the meeting of the Council of Provincial Synod this past Tuesday which followed the meeting of the Provincial House of Bishop’s. The Provincial Synod will be meeting this fall in our diocese and we will be pleased to welcome the delegates to the Limestone City from October 10-12^th.

                We heard a presentation from Barbara Hall, former mayor or Toronto and Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The Commission is updating its policy on “Creed and the Accommodation of Religious Observances”. This update will include a review of current case law, research papers, discussion papers and a survey. I would encourage you to follow the development of this policy by checking the Commission’s website at www.ohrc.on.ca.

                A short while ago our diocese was invited by the Archdiocese of Kingston to join in a discussion regarding the impact of the new “Cemeteries Act” which will come into force in July. A large number of our folk took advantage of this invitation to hear a presentation from Mr. Michael D’Mello, the Provincial Registrar of Cemeteries. The Provincial Synod Council had the benefit of that presentation as well. We in the Diocese of Ontario will be establishing a cemeteries committee at the diocesan level to provide support for those who take on the vital task of maintaining the administrative and regulatory requirements for our cemeteries, especially in light of the new regulatory requirements coming in July.

                Last December, Archbishop Colin Johnson requested the Dioceses to undertake an informal survey of their governing bodies regarding a proposed reduction in the size of the membership of Provincial Synod. The proposal would have the effect of having Synod and its Council comprised of the same membership, essentially one clergy member, one lay member, the diocesan bishop and provision for a youth delegate. The feedback was predominately negative from the Dioceses leading to a decision to defer this matter until the 2015 Synod.

                The Diocese of Moosonee made a presentation to the Council concerning the adoption of a canon at their recent Synod entitled “A Canon to Provide for the Administration of the Diocese of Moosonee as a Mission Area of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario”. You may remember that the Diocese of Moosonee has been coming to terms with the unfolding future of their diocese in the face of serious financial challenges. This canon sets out a way forward for ministry in Moosonee and they have asked the Provincial Synod to adopt this canon at the fall Synod.

                Essentially, the canon sets out a process whereby the Diocese will be placed in suspension and become a mission area of the Province under the authority of the Metropolitan. This will come into effect when the current Bishop Tom Corston ceases to hold office and remains in effect until such time as the Metropolitan and Executive Council of Moosonee determine that the diocese be returned to its former status. The canon expires upon the installation of a new bishop. Please continue to hold the people of the Diocese in your prayers as they continue to work through this difficult phase of their common life and ministry.

 Update on the Progress of Decisions Following Budget 2012

                We continue to live into the reality of the adoption of the 2012 budget and are beginning to set in motion the process leading to the budget for 2013 which will be presented to the November meeting of the Diocesan Synod. The Finance Committee has developed a process that will be forwarded shortly to the committees and groups of the diocese. The Finance Committee hopes that during April and May, each committee and group will prepare and present their budgetary requests to Synod Council based on the following analysis: 

-          Current program and status

-          Objectives and Goal for next year

-          Key programs and the elements required to achieve

-          Key success factors, risks and opportunities

-          Costing of programs and elements

-          Requested budget

               Synod Council will prioritize the overall program from June to August and have the first draft of the consolidated budget for 2013 ready for consideration by Council at the end of August. The final budget draft will be ready by the end of September for the pre-synod meetings in October.

               The decision of Synod Council to lift the suspension on the 2012 camping season at Camp Hyanto has been met with an influx of funds pledged and received totalling $47,917. We are getting close to the target needed to cover the annual cost which is $65,000. We want to encourage those who have pledged funds to the camp to send in those amounts to the Diocesan office as operating costs will begin to escalate as staff are hired and the camp gears up for operation. I would also continue to encourage you all to identify young people who would benefit from the camp experience and work to support their attendance so that camp attendance will increase from the 64% capacity last year. I am encouraged by the leadership being shown as plans continue to be developed to address the long term business and ministry plans for the future of Hyanto.

               The Communications Committee under the Chairmanship of Rev. Steve Timpson, has been working very hard to develop a print and electronic communication strategy for our diocese. They are not letting much grass grow under their feet having held three meetings since my last letter to you. I know that for many, the suspension of the Dialogue Newspaper has meant the loss of a significant means of connecting with events, activities, stories and inspirational articles. I would continue to counsel patience as these dedicated folk work toward a new communication strategy to bring before the Synod Council.

               I want to extend my appreciation to a number of staff from General Synod who made time available to come to the diocese and lend assistance as we address the challenges of these days. No less than six staff people have become involved in helping us through their and I am extremely grateful for their assistance.

 Prayer Request for Ven. Bev Lindsey

                On behalf of Bev, Margaret and the family, I want to thank you for your ongoing prayers for Bev. He has had a particularly difficult time over the past week, but rallied in the past couple of days and was transported to the Kingston Regional Cancer Center for treatment. He is currently a patient at Kingston General Hospital. Your prayers mean so much to the family and as Marg says: ``makes us feel like we are wrapped in a warm blanket.`` Please continue to hold them in your prayers for strength and healing and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop’s Principal Engagements

Sunday April 1^st: Episcopal Visit to Holy Trinity Church, Frankford

Holy Tuesday, April 3^rd, Noon: Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Holy Oils at St. George’s Cathedral

Maundy Thursday, April 4^th: 12:30p.m. Holy Eucharist at the Regional Treatment Center

                                        7:00p.m. Holy Eucharist at St. George’s Cathedral

Good Friday, April 6^th: The Celebration of the Lord`s Passion, St. George’s Cathedral

Holy Saturday, April 7^th: The Great Vigil of Easter, St. George’s Cathedral

Easter Sunday, April 8^th: The Celebration of the Resurrection, St. George’s Cathedral

April 10^th: 1:30p.m. Holy Eucharist at Providence Continuing Care

                 7:00p.m. Justice and Peace Commission

April 11^th: 2:00p.m. Training and Development Committee

April 12^th 10:00a.m. Communications Committee

April 13^th 9:00a.m. Bishop`s Advisory Committee

               2:00p.m. Synod Agenda Committee

               4:00p.m. Events Committee

2^nd Sunday of Easter, April 15^th: Episcopal Visit to the Parish of St. James, Kingston

                 April 16^th – 20^th: Meeting of the National House of Bishops

 3^rd Sunday of Easter, April 22^nd`: Episcopal Visit to the Parish of North Hastings

                                                       5:00p.m. Celebration of New Ministry of Rev. Michael Rice at Christ Church, Belleville

 April 24^th: 5:30p.m. Synod Council meeting at Christ Church, Cataraqui

 April 26^th: Annual Meeting of the Diocesan A.C.W. at Christ Church, Cataraqui

 April 28^th: Anniversary Service of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Brockville

 4^th Sunday of Easter, April 29^th: Episcopal Visit to Emmanuel Church, Portland for their 150^th Anniversary

                 Jeanie and I wish you all a blessed Holy Week and a glorious Easter. Should Easter bring friends and family your way or should you be travelling, my prayer is for safe travels and a time of rest and refreshment. May the presence of the crucified and risen Christ give you strength, confidence and vision as you continue we continue to live in response to his call to serve.

 In Service of the Crucified and Risen Christ,

 Bishop Michael