Consecration – St. Nick’s News March 14, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for March 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

Today, Friday and tomorrow, Jeremy and I are in McAllen for the consecration of the Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas. She, God willing, will become our Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of West Texas. You can watch the celebration at 10:00am Saturday at this link.

In the Episcopal Church, the consecration of a bishop is a moment of deep significance—not just for the one being ordained, but for the entire Church. This weekend, the Diocese of West Texas gathers in joy to witness the consecration of a new Bishop Suffragan, a role dedicated to assisting the diocesan bishop in shepherding the people of God.

For those unfamiliar with church leadership, a bishop is a spiritual guide, much like a pastor, but with a broader call to care for multiple congregations rather than just one. The word bishop comes from the Greek episkopos, meaning “overseer”—one who watches over and nurtures the faith of a community. A suffragan bishop serves alongside the diocesan bishop, offering pastoral care, teaching, and leadership in specific areas of ministry.

But this isn’t just an administrative role—it’s a sacred calling. When a bishop is consecrated, the Church gathers in prayer, laying hands on them in an ancient sign of blessing and continuity, linking them to a lineage of bishops stretching back to the earliest followers of Jesus. This act of laying on hands is a powerful reminder that no one carries the burden of leadership alone. Instead, the work of love and service in the Church is always shared.

The consecration of a bishop suffragan is a moment of beauty and hope. It affirms that God is still at work, calling leaders to guide with humility, wisdom, and love. In a world often marked by division, a bishop is called to be a unifier—a shepherd who listens, prays, and leads with the heart of Christ.

As we welcome Angela as our new bishop suffragan, we give thanks for her willingness to serve and for the Spirit’s guidance in shaping the future of God’s Church.

Moments like this, Angela’s consecration, remind us all of the power of love, the call to service, and the deep and abiding grace that carries us forward.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+