Bishops
The Episcopal Church is “hierarchical,” meaning that it has a top-down leadership structure. However, it is very strongly democratic in nature, because the people of the church (the “laity” or lay persons) have a say in major decisions such as electing bishops and choosing clergy.
Bishops are overseers; several have visited over the years. Our patron saint, Nicholas, was a bishop too, which is why he wears the distinctive clothing and headgear of a bishop in the early Christian church.
We were very proud and excited to welcome Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori to St Nicholas several years ago. Here, she greets one of our parishioners, Earlene Ford. You can read more about Bishop Katharine’s visit here.
During a visit by Bishop Scantlebury for the Feast of St Nicholas in 2006, we went out into the neighborhood to get bags of groceries to stock the food pantry. A few people were surprised to find a bishop at their door, thanking them for their donations.
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, the Episcopal bishop of Chicago, is a dynamic young bishop seeking to lead the church in the 21st century, not trying to recreate the church of former centuries.
He’s been a big supporter of St. Nicholas because we, too, are seeking to be a church that, built on the wisdom of the past, lives courageously into the uncertainty of the present moment while looking confidently to the future.
To learn more about Bishop Lee and the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, visit www.episcopalchicago.org
Clergy
Fr. Manny Borg – Transition Minister – Contact Manny Borg
Since the departure of our previous vicar, Fr. Steve Martz, to be rector of Elmhurst’s Church of Our Savior, Father Manny has stepped up from the associate or assistant vicar role he filled before to that of interim vicar of St Nicholas. Although we are currently going through the formal “search” process, the love we have for Manny, and his love for us, is a great comfort during this time of reflection and uncertainty.
Also, it’s been a lot of fun as he’s led us to do the hard work of discerning and learning who we are and who we want to be.
As they become available, Fr. Manny’s sermons and his “extras” from the weekly newsletter will be gathered into the “Clergy Corner,” a category in the church blog.
Fr. Paul Broullette – assisting priest
When ill health forced Father Paul to cut back on his scheduled preaching Sundays (and occasional banjo-playing gigs in church) we prayed for him (and sang). Now that he feels well enough to preach now and then, perhaps someday soon he will bring his Pete Seeger model banjo with him to church and play. The last few Christmas Eve services have been graced with Father Paul on guitar, accompanying choir and congregation during the singing of “Silent Night.”
Volunteer Staff
Pat Kalicki – Senior Warden – Contact Pat Kalicki
Pat carries out many of the “must get done” tasks, such as getting the bulletin prepared for Sunday services and other office duties, in addition to being our primary lay leader. She wears a lot of hats!
Steve Raftery – Junior Warden – Contact Steve Raftery
Steve is most often found attending the Saturday evening service, and does a great deal of behind-the-scenes work to keep things running smoothly. He is the man to contact if you are interested in volunteering to make the bread for communion (the Eucharist)
Music
St Nicholas Parish Choir (whose members sing at Sunday services and rehearse each Wednesday at 6:45pm)
Contact Mary Fletcher-Gomez