During his time here he performed Baptisms, Confirmations, and Receptions into the church; but he also was very interested in meeting the members of U.Va.'s Canterbury Connection, showing his (and the diocese's) interest in supporting youth/campus ministry at several colleges and universities around the state.
There was a lovely catered lunch, courtesy of St. Paul's and great conversation on not just our concerns for campus ministry, but also the bishop's experiences in other parts of the country where he previously worked to help other youth/campus ministry programs flourish. Especially in this day, it was very refreshing to know that the church's administration was not only aware of, but committed to the importance of ministering to their youth since, with the predominant trend among people our age being disillusionment towards organized religion (and yes, I often count myself amongst those people), we're in danger of losing very talented individuals from the body of the church. He really emphasized the responsibility we have, as people of faith, to encourage others (either those who grew up in the church or are thinking of coming to it for the first time), to think about their faith, to think about those tough questions, and to not just "sweep them underneath the rug" -- so to speak. We have a duty to let people know that it's OKAY to not have all the answers and that it's good, in fact (my own opinion), healthy to question a belief system: rather than taking it for granted.
I snapped a few pictures for you all on my internet phone to share with the community.
Here are some photos of the lovely spread and interested group that assembled at the Canterbury House this Sunday.
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