10/15/2015
Dear people of the Episcopal Church in Vermont
It is with great joy that I announce the appointments of the Rev. John Morris and the Rev. Carole Wageman as Chaplains to the Retired Clergy, as an extension of my ministry to and with members of the clergy canonically resident and licensed in Vermont and their families. Many of you are well acquainted with John and Carole and I hope you agree with me that they are well suited to this ministry. John served for many years as a bi-vocational priest at St. Mary’s, Wilmington and then as Rector of St. Martin’s, Fairlee prior to his retirement. Carole has served at Trinity, Shelburne and as Interim at St. Luke’s, Chester, as well as several diocesan wide ministries. Both bring a good pastoral heart and a deep desire to provide support for their retired clergy colleagues, spouses and the surviving spouses of clergy who have died.
I have been trying to re-activate this ministry to retired clergy, spouses and surviving spouses for some time now and so I am delighted that Carole and John have accepted my invitation to engage this ministry. This ministry is supported by our Diocesan Budget, using income from restricted funds designated for this purpose. John and Carole have recently participated in a gathering of other “Chaplains” sponsored by the Church Pension Group. I am happy that they are part of this wider network.
In the weeks and months ahead Carole and John will be in touch with our retired clergy colleagues (and spouses) as well as surviving spouses of our retired clergy. I look forward to their ministry and to increased opportunities for fellowship. Please give them your support in this new ministry.
All the best,
