And One to Go

On Wednesday the 8th of July, after a long and tedious discussion on the process by which the reconsideration of B-033 would be considered by a Committee of the Whole, the House of Deputies turned to the report of the Committee on the Ordination of Bishops.

Bishop Walker joined Ted Gerbracht, Mastine Nesbitt, Vivian Harrison, Louise Baietto, Clare Nesmith and Father and Mrs. Provenzano in the visitior's gallery of the senior house for the report on C081.

First , Father John Tarrant was approved by the House to be ordained as the Bishop of South Dakota. He and his wife were seated in our cheering section and at first I thought they were supporters of the Provenzanos until he stood up - proves I don't know everything. Anyway, when he was announced we all stood and cheered for him as he went to the dais. It seemed that his walk back took forever because his return to his seat was all that was holding back our moment.

The Committee Chair resumed her report and in a flash Father Lawrence Provenzano had received the unanimous approval of the House . Father Provenzano made the long walk to the podium accompanied by the Long Island deputation to receive the greetings of the President of the House of Deputies, Bonnie Anderson. Then he made the long walk back to receive our cheers. After hand shakes and hugs our group dispersed to savor the moment and to await the final hurdle - approval in the House of Bishops.

On Thursday afternoon, we expect smooth sailing through the House of Bishops and the approvals for our Bishop Co-adjutor will be completed - let the celebrations begin!