The Gifts Committee of the Diocesan Transition process announces the solicitation of funds to help purchase the vestments and other Episcopal symbols for the new bishop.
Canon Shannon Duckworth will need vestments and other signs and symbols of the Office of Bishop to which she has been elected. The Gifts Committee is currently seeking donors to help share the costs of these items.
Copes, miters (those pointy bishop’s hats), cassock, rochet & chimere (the choir vestments for the bishop), an Episcopal ring, pectoral cross (a sign of the office), crozier (the bishop’s “crook” or staff), and other assorted vestments and symbols are all needed. In addition, there are practical items that help the Bishop-elect fulfill her duties. Since these items are specific to the office of bishop, (at least most are), we are gathering funds to help defray, or cover entirely, the costs.
We have had some commitments so far, and certain groups are being solicited directly. The deacons of the diocese will present the white linen miter; the priests are being asked to fund the pectoral cross; the ECW and Diocesan Altar Guild are giving the consecration miter. Canon Duckworth’s family is presenting her with the official ring, and her husband Jimmy is making her crozier. In addition, we have had requests from some parishes to fund specific items, or to add funds to the general gifts ledger.
The Committee now turns to others in the Diocese asking for your help and support. If you, as an individual, would like to contribute to the fund, you are invited to do so. No gift is too small or too large. We are truly grateful for any gift we receive towards this ministry. If your congregation or ministry group would like to make a gift (through the vestry or a general appeal) you are encouraged to do so. We are truly grateful for these contributions.
Although some of the gifts have been fully funded, not all are. Please know that everything we receive will go to these gifts. At the ordination of Canon Duckworth, certain of these gifts will be bestowed upon her at the vesting portion of the liturgy.
If donations are being made to the general fund, please send those to:
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
Bishop’s Gifts
1623 Seventh Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
If donations are for a specific item, or information is requested about the unfunded items, please contact the Rev. Canon Ronald Clingenpeel, rhclingenpeel@yahoo.com or 314-249-5908, for a list of gifts. Those gifts will still be paid to the Diocese at the address above.