New Beginnings on the Diocesan Staff

Dear People of Central New York,

In this time of new beginnings, I am delighted to share with you the good news that two faithful priests in our diocese have accepted calls to minister to our wider diocesan community as members of the diocesan staff. The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent will serve as Canon for Transition and Church Development beginning January 18, 2017; the Rev. John Crosswaite will serve as Canon to the Ordinary beginning February 1, 2017.

In our Pre-Convention Regional meetings this fall, and at Diocesan Convention, I stated my goal of connecting our parishes and building strong relationships within the Diocese. John and Carrie’s work will play an important role in meeting this goal, and both canons will be making regular visits to our parishes to help me support and listen to our clergy and parish leaders.

As Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. John Crosswaite will assist me in establishing and administering an effective Diocesan organization, focused on our vision of being the passionate presence of Christ for one another and for the world we are called to serve. Together with the diocesan leadership, he and I will work to discern and implement a vision for diocesan mission and ministries. As part of this work, John will work with clergy, congregations, districts, clusters and other groups to encourage the formation of an emotionally healthy and nurturing spiritual environment for all people. He will also be assessing and developing the diocesan process for formation toward Holy Orders (the priesthood and the diaconate).

About The Rev. John Crosswaite

Since arriving in this diocese in 2013, John has served as the rector of the River Parishes, St. John’s in Cape Vincent and Christ Church in Clayton. He has also been the co-chair of the Ministry Support Committee, has led one of our regional discernment teams, and has served as Dean of the North Country District. Originally ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1975, John was received into the Episcopal Church in 1997 and as an Episcopal priest in 2008. He has served as a hospice and bereavement chaplain, as a nonprofit administrator in eldercare, and as the administrator of a senior retirement and assisted living facility. He holds a Master in Divinity from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a Masters in Applied Spirituality from the University of San Francisco.

John believes this is an exciting time to be part of the Episcopal Church, and is especially committed to fostering strong working relationships between clergy and laity in small congregations. He believes that congregations are called to learn anew how to serve beyond their buildings and walk with others on their journeys.

John enjoys the arts, loves to read and hike, faithfully follows the Green Bay Packers, and enjoys his animal companions.

As Canon for Transition and Church Development, the Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent will work with clergy and congregations in times of transition. While the Canon for Transition and Church Development is a new role, Carrie will be assuming many of the duties of our retiring Transition Ministry officer, Ms. Judy Fried. In addition, she will collaborate with the clergy, laity and congregations of this diocese to cultivate and grow dynamic, healthy, invitational congregations and ministries that are relevant to their contexts and deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

About The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent

After graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary with a Master in Divinity degree in 2003, Carrie came back to her home diocese of Central New York to serve parishes in Owego, Candor, Speedsville and Syracuse. Most recently, she has served as the rector of St. Matthew’s in Liverpool for ten years. During that time she also served the diocese as the Dean of the Oswego-Northern Onondaga District, a member of the Diocesan Board, the creator and coordinator of the Lay Preaching Program, and chair of the Bishop Search Committee.

Her passions in ministry include empowering lay ministry, working with congregations, supporting non-traditional paths to ordination, conflict resolution, talking about God (and our beloved Church!) in ways that make sense to real-life people, and seeing beyond numbers to each congregation’s vitality and passion for ministry.

Carrie lives in the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse with her husband, Keith, her children, Will and Kate, and their two dogs. They enjoy camping, kayaking, and hiking together. In her free time, Carrie dabbles in painting, quilting, and pottery. She also loves to read and travel.

Last, as I was pleased to announce at our 148th Diocesan Convention and pre-Convention Regional Meetings, there are other changes on the diocesan staff. Ms. Meredith Kadet Sanderson, who has served as our part-time Communications Specialist since 2015, will be continuing with the diocesan staff full-time as Director of Communications. In her expanded role, Meredith will support me and the congregations and ministries of this diocese in developing and implementing effective strategies for communications and evangelism. Mr. Tory Blum will be joining the diocesan staff as Coordinator for Youth Ministry (a previously existing position vacated in 2016 by the Rev. Lisa Busby). Together with his wife, Ms. Kristen Blum, Tory will support our diocesan Youth Council in developing an effective ministry for and with youth and young adults in Central New York.

God’s Spirit is at work in our diocese, calling us to new challenges and renewed acts of love as we build God’s Kingdom together. Please join me in welcoming John and Carrie, as well as Meredith and Tory, into their new roles, and in celebrating the ministry and dedication of our entire diocesan staff. These faithful ministers are your diocesan staff, a resource for our common mission. I look forward to this next chapter of shared ministry in Central New York.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York