In preparation for NJPAC taking possession of 31 Mulberry at the end of this month, on January 21 Bishop Hughes led a Service of Deconsecration and Farewell in its chapel, attended by current and former members of the Bishop’s staff and the diocesan Trustees, and other members of the diocese. The brief service consisted of prayers, sharing of memories, and the reading of the Declaration of Deconsecration and Secularization (text below).
Until renovation of the new offices in Livingston is complete (hopefully by the end of February), most of the staff will work from home. You will continue to be able to reach staff members using their regular work emails and phone numbers. Mail should be sent to PO Box 386, Livingston, NJ 07039.
Declaration of Deconsecration and Secularization
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
On the 31st day of May, in the year of our Lord 1997, being the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by the Right Reverend John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark, this building was duly dedicated and consecrated in honor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and known as Episcopal House of the Diocese of Newark, in Newark, New Jersey.
The Sentence of Consecration has been in effect until this present date.
I, the Right Reverend Carlye J. Hughes, Bishop of Newark, do hereby revoke the said Sentence issued by my predecessor, and do remit this building, and all objects remaining in it, for any lawful and reputable use, according to the laws of this land.
This building, having now been declared deconsecrated and secularized, I declare to be no longer subject to my canonical jurisdiction.
This Declaration, which is to be publicly proclaimed before witnesses gathered at the said building, is given under my hand and seal, in the City of Newark, State of New Jersey, and Diocese of Newark, on this 21st day of January, in the year of our Lord 2025.
