Congregation and Clergy Support

Chaplains to Retired Clergy

The chaplains to the retired clergy of the diocese provide an ongoing ministry of support and connection. 

Clergy Continuing Education

The Clergy Continuing Education Fund provides grants to active canonically resident priests and deacons in good standing to assist them in meeting the costs of continuing education that is supportive of their skills for ministries with the congregations, diocesan-affiliated institutions and mission work of the Diocese of Massachusetts.

Clergy Transition Ministry

The diocesan Transition Ministry Office coordinates the clergy transition process for congregations within the diocese, and oversees the administrative process for clergy entering or leaving work in the diocese, including oversight of the background check and clergy licensing processes, the production and retention of Covenant of Ministry documents, also known as Letters of Agreement, and the exit interview process for departing and retiring clergy.

Clergy Sabbatical Program

The Clergy Sabbatical Program sponsored by the bishops seeks to ensure that clergy in the Diocese of Massachusetts have an opportunity for a time of sabbath, for a renewal of spirit and a reaffirmation of life with God. 

Congregational Consultants

The Congregational Consultants are a group of knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated lay and ordained individuals from congregations throughout the diocese who assist congregations in a variety of ways, including as facilitators at vestry retreats, in mutual ministry reviews, strategic planning and conflict management or as consultants on business, property and compliance issues. 

Deacons

The diaconate is one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church; an individual becomes a deacon by being ordained by a bishop after completing a course of study and formation. 

Ordained Vocations

The Office for Ordained Vocations works closely with the bishops and the Commission on Ministry in the recruitment, discernment and formation of postulants and candidates for ordained leadership as deacons and priests in the Episcopal Church.