Welcome in the Name of Christ!

The Diocese of Northwest Texas invites you to join in celebrating two upcoming ordinations to the Sacred Order of Deacons this summer. 

On Saturday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m., Austin Hackel and Bikole Mulanda will be ordained to the diaconate at Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene. Austin, a member of Church of the Heavenly Rest, completed a year of Anglican Studies at Seminary of the Southwest. Bikole, also a member of Church of the Heavenly Rest and pastor to the Swahili-speaking congregation, completed his formation through the diocesan School of Ordained Ministry.

 A second ordination service will take place at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo on Thursday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m., when Monica Smith Hart and Jack Dupy will be ordained to the diaconate. Monica, from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and Jack, from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pampa, both completed their formation through the School of Ordained Ministry.

 The diaconate is a ministry of service, compassion, and proclamation, and these ordinations mark an important step in the life and ministry of each ordinand. God willing, each will eventually continue on the path toward ordination to the priesthood.

 Please keep Austin, Bikole, Monica, and Jack in your prayers as they prepare for ordination, and we invite the people of the diocese to attend these joyful celebrations as we gather to support and encourage them in their ministries.

From April 13–16, clergy from across the Diocese of Northwest Texas gathered at the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center in Amarillo for the annual Presbyters’ Conference. The conference offered a meaningful time for rest, prayer, learning, and connection as clergy spent several days together in conversation and fellowship with one another and with Bishop Mayer.

Throughout the week, there was much laughter, storytelling, and collegiality as clergy strengthened relationships and shared in the joys and challenges of ministry. One highlight of the gathering was an evening at an Amarillo Sod Poodles baseball game, where attendees even had the opportunity to meet Ruckus, the team mascot.

The Presbyters’ Conference continues to be an important part of the shared life of the diocese — a time to step away from the demands of ministry for renewal, encouragement, and deeper connection with one another. Please pray for our priests as they continue the work God has called them to do throughout Northwest Texas.

On Friday, March 27, clergy and friends gathered to celebrate the retirement of Deacon Connie Fowler and to give thanks for her many years of faithful ministry. The evening was filled with stories, laughter, gratitude, and remembrance as those who have served alongside Deacon Connie came together to honor her vocation and service to the Church.

Among those present were Edson Way, who served as priest-in-charge from April 2016 to April 2017; Bob Barndt, a retired ELCA pastor who regularly provided supply ministry; Christopher Simpson, current rector; Jim Liggett, former rector who was present when Connie was ordained; and Mike Ehmer, who also served the congregation faithfully through supply ministry over many years.

Deacon Connie’s ministry has touched countless lives through her faithfulness and dedication to the people of God. As she enters retirement, the Diocese of Northwest Texas gives thanks for her years of service and prays God’s continued blessings upon her in this new season of life and ministry.