[Diocese of New York]

Oct. 31, 2012

To the People of the Diocese of New York:

I write to announce that the Diocesan Convention scheduled for this Friday-Saturday November 2 and 3 has been rescheduled as a one day Convention to be held Saturday November 17 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (further details to follow).

The Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown was asked to make its facilities available as an emergency shelter. In order for it to do so we needed to cancel our reservation; this we readily agreed to do. More difficult was the matter of finding a new time and place. The logical choice was the Cathedral. Though they have a Medieval Nightwatch scheduled for this time, adroit planning and a willing spirit will make it possible for them to host both that event and our Convention.

During these difficult days the parishes and people of this Diocese have been in our constant prayer. It is also gratifying that we have heard from many across the country assuring us of their prayers for the people of this Diocese. Though there has been some physical damage to our church buildings, very happily — and much more importantly — there has been no reported loss of life among our number. However, there has been much loss of life in other places and many dreams destroyed; to say nothing of plans disrupted and property damaged. We ask that those concerns and thanksgivings be offered up in prayer in this Sunday’s worship in every congregation of this Diocese.
May God Bless and keep you.

And writing on behalf of Bishop Dietsche, Bishop Smith and myself,
We are faithfully yours,

+Mark
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk