Annual Meetings - Parish and Missions 

Safe Church, Safe Communities

As congregations prepare for annual meetings and the election of new Vestry and Bishop’s Committee members, this is a reminder that all leaders must complete required Safe Church, Safe Communities training. This training equips clergy, lay leaders, staff, and volunteers to foster safe, respectful, and accountable environments in all ministries, especially with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

Newly elected leaders who have not yet completed the training should do so as soon as possible, and those whose certification is nearing expiration should renew it prior to or shortly after the annual meeting. Rectors, Vicars, and/or Priests-in-Charge are encouraged to review their rosters now to ensure that Vestry, Bishop’s Committee members, Wardens, Treasurers, Diocesan Delegates, and other key leaders are compliant with diocesan safe church policies.

For more information on who is required to take the training, how to register, and how to access online or in‑person options, please visit the Safe Church page on the diocesan website or contact the Rev. Le Anna Brun for assistance.

Including this reminder in parish announcements and annual meeting materials can help leaders stay current and support a culture of safety and accountability across the diocese.

Parochial Report Information

Filing 2025 Parochial Report (for Congregations) - Due march 1, 2026

Each congregation is required to complete and submit its Annual Parochial Report in accordance with the canons of the Episcopal Church (Canons I.6, I.7, and I.17) and diocesan policy. The report provides vital information about worship, membership, finances, and ministry, helping the diocese and wider Church understand and support the life of each congregation.

Clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to begin work on the report early, ensuring time to gather accurate data, consult Vestry or Bishop’s Committee leadership, and review the information before submission. Please note the deadlines to submit the data is March 1, 2026. Please allow time for questions or technical assistance.

2025 Parochial Reports opens on January 5, 2026 and can be completed here: https://reports.dfms.org Reports must be completed and submitted online.

If you would like a form to help gather the necessary information, a downloadable form is available here: 2025 Parochial Report Form (pdf) Please be aware that reports must be entered online to be marked as complete. Paper reports are not accepted. If you require assistance, contact Annette Chavez y de la Cruz in the diocesan office for help.

Videos are available for login instructions and how to complete the report online. Links are available below:

Parochial Report Login Instructions

Parochial Report: Filing Site Walkthrough

Parishes and Missions are encouraged to include a brief update on their reporting status in their Vestry or Bishop’s Committee meetings during this season.

Formation and Leadership

Transitions

The diocese walks with congregations through seasons of clergy transition, from initial discernment and departure through interim ministry and the call of new clergy leadership. Support is available for Wardens, Vestries, and Bishop’s Committees as they navigate practical steps, communication with the congregation, and the spiritual and emotional dynamics of change.

Diocesan staff can support and guide congregations with designing farewell and welcome liturgies, planning listening processes, developing parish profiles, and preparing congregational leaders to partner well with new clergy. Parishes are encouraged to contact Canon Kristin Kopren early in the process to ensure they receive timely guidance and accompaniment.

FORMATION

The diocese supports congregations in their Christian formation by providing resources, training, and consultations for Clergy, Vestries, Bishop’s Committees, and Lay Leaders. This includes help with planning formation for all ages, strengthening baptismal and catechumenal preparation, and nurturing healthy, sustainable patterns of parish life. To explore formation support or schedule a conversation, please contact the Rev. Le Anna Brun.

The diocese also helps congregations share their gifts by publicizing formation opportunities offered around the diocese, including classes, retreats, book groups, and other learning series. Congregations are encouraged to submit information about upcoming offerings so that individuals and parishes across the diocese can participate and learn together.

To request that a formation opportunity be posted on the diocesan website, please send the title, brief description, dates and times, location (including online links if applicable), contact information, and hosting congregation to Canon JP. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity and will be shared through the diocesan formation listings and, as appropriate, other communication channels.

Clergy Wellness and Sustainability

The diocese is committed to the flourishing of clergy in their baptismal and ordained ministries, fostering habits of prayer, rest, study, and community that sustain vocation over a lifetime. Offerings include retreats (group gathering or individual stays at the Bishop’s Hermitage at Bishop’s Ridge) and quiet days rooted in the rhythms of the prayer book, opportunities for spiritual direction, peer learning groups for clergy in similar seasons of ministry, and access to professional counseling through trusted networks.

Clergy are encouraged to claim sabbath, seek counsel from colleagues and mentors, and make use of diocesan resources for ongoing formation and vocational support. Contact Bishop Michael for confidential conversation or guidance.