Near the end of my early Saturday morning bicycle ride, I had an accident. I was thrown from my bike; and the good news is that I landed exactly where I have the most padding. I was a bit dazed and bruised (I didn't think anything was broken), and I continued on to the Saturday morning Confirmation service at The Cathedral. What I didn't know until later was that I was extremely dehydrated, which required me to do much of the service sitting down -- and precluded me from celebrating Communion, greeting people and standing for pictures afterwards. A trip to the hospital confirmed that nothing was broken -- and that I was extremely dehydrated.
I am mending well, but not well enough to have been able to carry out my Episcopal duties yesterday. I want to thank the people at Grace Church, Jersey City -- and their Curate, Nick Lannon, for their forbearance and understanding in allowing me to reschedule the visit. I want to thank Bishop Shimpfky for filling in to preach, confirm and celebrate the Eucharist at the Confirmation service at the Cathedral yesterday (April 25) afternoon.
I am feeling lucky -- that my injuries are not worse -- and that I can easily see myself resuming my visitation schedule this weekend (although I am a bit dubious about my riding in the Brake For Hunger event at St. David's in Kinnelon on Saturday). But more than anything, I am feeling grateful -- to so many across the diocese who have expressed concern and offered prayers.
I saw the Diocese of Newark at its best on Saturday: 50 people who were prepared and eager to cross the threshold into a new chapter of faith and commitment through Confirmation; and their families, sponsors and clergy who supported them in that journey. I am grateful that even though I faltered a bit, I was held up by the people who were there and knew what to do.
I was introduced to a new dimension of what it means to be a Deacon and Bishop's Chaplain as Diane Riley never let me out of her sight. I saw how one's former vocation is blended into the ordained ministry as nurse and priest Melissa Hall stepped in and provided clear -- and necessary, instructions. I saw how well the people of Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral can adapt to nearly any situation; and how three of them -- Dean Susan Keller, Theresa Marshall and Verger extraordinaire Theophilus Thomas, followed me to the hospital. And Patrice Henderson, President of the Standing Committee, who joined them at the hospital. I am grateful to the teamwork of the diocesan staff - who fielded calls and posted updated messages.
It is always risky to single people out (because of who you might leave out) but my wife Marilyn always stands out for me -- as does Canon Greg Jacobs, who became communication central -- and who stayed with us until we walked together out of the hospital.
I saw -- and continue to see, the remarkable care and witness of the Diocese of Newark.
Peace,
Mark
