Dear Cathedral Congregations,
As you are aware, our God Almighty has blessed Daniel McKinley and me with the gift of another child, whom we are looking forward to meeting on September 25th when our rainbow baby enters this world. Our journey to parenthood has been long and filled with grace and challenges. To me, infertility was a spiritual path that taught me a lot about myself and my relationship with God and others. For that, even in the midst of the challenges, I am thankful. We have been blessed with an amazing community of family and friends. I am also very thankful for the pastoral support my family and I have received from Bishop Douglas. He has been a true chief pastor to us.
Now is a time when our lament has been transformed into joy! We covet your prayers of intercession for a safe delivery and prayers of thanksgiving for our son. At this time, my husband Daniel McKinley and I anticipate the birth of baby Dorian McKenzie and the completion of the adoption process for Dominic McKeair and Darius McKaiden. Joy all around!
In consultation with our Bishop Diocesan, Cathedral Staff and Lay Leaders, I have combined my vacation time, medical leave and maternity leave in order to recover properly from surgery, bond with my son and adjust to a new life routine with two toddlers and a newborn at home, before returning to my responsibilities at our beloved Cathedral. I depart for leave tomorrow at the conclusion of Chapter meeting and return on January 6, 2019. God willing, I plan to be here for Annual Meeting, Christmas Eve and to work with Cindy Hursty and the Finance Committee to finalize the budget process for 2019.
In my absence, Canon Pallares will have oversight of our liturgical and pastoral life and will be working with Jilda Aliotta, Chair of the Congregations Committee, in overseeing our programmatic life.
Our Office Manager and Accountant, Cindy Hursty, will provide administrative and financial oversight. Peggy Ornell, our Head Verger, will be available to coordinate and support ECCT liturgical events hosted at our Cathedral. My outstanding Administrative Assistant, Kathy Frisoli, will be providing them administrative support.
They can be contacted as follow:
The Rev. Canon Jorge Pallares: [email protected]
Cindy Hursty: [email protected]
Jilda Aliotta: [email protected]
Peggy Ornell: [email protected]
Kathy Frisoli: [email protected]
For your convenience, please see document below which outlines our regular responsibilities and the adjustments made to cover all needs, that are usually supported by my office, during my absence.
Once again, thank you for your constant encouragement and good wishes. I will miss being at our Cathedral on a weekly basis and know that all will be well. God is in charge and you are in great hands with an outstanding team of faithful people.
With gratitude,
Lina+
The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell, Dean