Armed Forces and Federal Ministries
Walking Through Grief
Description:Grief touches every life—and every ministry. In this conversation, Bishop Ann Ritonia and the Rev. Janine Driscoll, who holds a doctorate in counseling psychology, reflect on how loss shapes the human spirit, from the battlefield to the bedside. They unpack the difference between healthy grief and complicated grief, and explore how ritual, memory, and faith can lead us toward […]
Facing Suicidal Ideation
Description:Suicidal thoughts can emerge where pain, isolation, and moral injury meet. Bishop Ann Ritonia and the Rev. Janine Driscoll, who holds a doctorate in counseling psychology, discuss how chaplains and caregivers can respond to those in deep distress—with courage, compassion, and clarity. Together they explore risk factors, the power of connection, and how honesty and accompaniment can help bring […]
Understanding Anxiety
Description:Anxiety is part of the air we breathe—especially for those serving others in high-stress environments. In this opening conversation, Bishop Ann Ritonia and the Rev. Janine Driscoll, who holds a doctorate in counseling psychology, explore the spiritual and psychological dimensions of anxiety: how our images of God shape our fears, how anxiety manifests in the body, and how simple […]
Building Bridges in Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts
The Episcopal Dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts have partnered with the Building Bridges program, which works to address veteran social isolation, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicide risk that so often accompany military service. Building Bridges recently shared the following stories from its ministry with the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries office: From Capt. Thomas M. […]
Cycle of Prayer 2025-2026
Bishop Candidate: The Rev. Ann Ritonia
Afghanistan Exodus
(St. Louis, King of France, Third Order Franciscan) Re: Afghanistan Exodus My Dear Chaplain Colleagues: At this writing, we are all upset and confused about the evacuation of our troops and fellow citizens from Afghanistan. The reports of Afghan sisters and brothers dying in attempt to flee Taliban persecution makes the situation that much more […]
Homily for Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Rio Grande
By: The Right Revd. Carl Walter Wright -The diocese of the Rio Grande is meeting again in the convention! The thought occurred to me that one thing we Americans love to do – especially the Episcopalians- is to CONVENE! We love to convene! PAST -We have a long and rich history of convening. Let me […]
Veterans Day Greeting 2020
By: The Right Revered Carl Walter Wright This year I bring Veterans Day Greetings to our students; to the Cathedral Community; to the dioceses of our church, and – especially in this pandemic year – to our first responders; and of course to our veterans foreign and domestic throughout the world. Greetings in the Lord! […]
Cedric Earl Mills: A Prince of the Church
By: The Right Revd. Carl Walter Wright Old School Meets New School I remember well the day I “met” Cedric Earl Mills (1903-1992): it was as if two different worlds had come together. I had driven down to his pleasant home in San Pedro from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. I sensed immediately […]
