Will attendance at the service be open to all?
Yes! The service is an occasion of joy for the whole church, so no one will be turned away. In order to help us adequately prepare, we ask everyone to RSVP for the service and reception. Invitations and RSVP information will be circulated in the last week of March. However, no one will be turned away for failing to RSVP.

Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes. The livestream will be available on the Diocesan website and Facebook page. 

Who will preach and preside at the Ordination and Consecration?
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate, will be the chief consecrator and preacher. A selection of other Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran bishops will serve as co-consecrators. The Right Reverend Anne B. Jolly will preside at the Eucharist. 

Where will the ordination and consecration take place?
It will be held at the Cleveland Public Auditorium in downtown Cleveland at 11:00 a.m. The venue is located at 500 Lakeside Avenue E, Cleveland, OH, 44114.

What parking will be available?
The City of Cleveland’s Willard Park Garage is located across the street from Cleveland Public Auditorium at 601 Lakeside Avenue E, and will cost $15 for the day. Trinity Commons (2333 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115) will also open their lot, and you are welcome to carpool with friends and family from there, to reduce parking fees. Additional parking options in downtown Cleveland can be found on parkopedia.com

What accommodations are there for handicap and mobility-impaired accessibility? 
The venue is fully equipped with ramps and elevators. There will be a small number of wheelchairs available for use as well. The congregational seating and distribution of communion will take place on one level. The choir and various service leaders will be seated on the stage. There is an elevator to the stage, should it be needed. The best entrance for people with limited mobility to use is the entrance off East Mall Drive. Please note the Lakeside entrance to Cleveland Public Auditorium is not easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. There are handicap parking spaces off East Mall Drive and in the Willard Park Garage.

What hotels are available?
The Diocese has negotiated a block room deal with the Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, the hotel we used at our last Diocesan Convention. You can use this link to reserve a room at our special group rate. You can also call them at 1-800-228-9290 and reference “The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio Room Block Apr2023.” Additional hotels within a ten minute walk include a Holiday Inn Express, Hilton, Drury Plaza, Westin, Hampton Inn, Hyatt Regency, and Residence Inn.

What should I wear?
You're welcome to wear what you’d normally wear to a service at your church. If you're participating in the service, please reference the participant FAQ

Are children welcome?
Children belong in church! All ages are invited and welcomed at this historic event. There will be a “soft space” available for any young ones who need room to wiggle, play, and sprawl during the service. Soft toys, coloring sheets, books, and quiet activities are provided. In addition, an activity booklet will be available for people of all ages to take to their seats in an effort to make the service engaging for all ages and attention spans. 

Will there be childcare?
Yes, childcare will be available. Please indicate your need for childcare in your RSVP form, and a member of the Transition Committee will be in touch with further details.

Will there be a choir? Can I sing in it? 
We are delighted to have the opportunity to offer a massed Diocesan choir for the service, conducted by Todd Wilson, Director of Music at Trinity Cathedral. There will be a rehearsal the morning of the service. If you or your church choir is interested in participating, please reach out to us. 

Why is this service not at a church?
The Standing Committee and the Transition Committee believe that more than 900 people will wish to attend this service. There is no church in Cleveland, Episcopal or from another denomination, that can accommodate a congregation of that size, along with everything else needed for the weekend to go smoothly.

Why was Cleveland Public Auditorium selected as the venue for this service?
After considering multiple venues, the Standing and Transition Committees selected Cleveland Public Auditorium for a variety of reasons. Its capacity allowed us to welcome everyone who wants to attend the service without turning anyone away. Additionally, the venue offers ample space for the ancillary events of the weekend, along with close proximity to our Cathedral and Diocesan offices. 

When will the Rev. Anne B. Jolly be seated at Trinity Cathedral as our Bishop?
After the consecration and ordination, it is customary for a bishop to be formally seated in the cathedra (the official bishop’s chair) of the diocese. This signifies the deepening of the relationship between the new bishop and her flock. This service of installation has not yet been scheduled. More information will be forthcoming. 

Schedule

Friday, April 28
11:00am - Clergy Conversation with the Presiding Bishop at Trinity Cathedral Nave*
12:00pm - Clergy Lunch with the Presiding Bishop at Trinity Cathedral Nave*
4:30pm - Consecration Rehearsal at Cleveland Public Auditorium*
6:30pm - Rehearsal Dinner at Trinity Cathedral Nave*

Saturday, April 29
8:15am - Bishop and Spouses Breakfast at Public Auditorium*
9:00am - Rehearsals at Public Auditorium*
10:00am - Doors Open at Public Auditorium
11:00am - Ordination and Consecration at Public Auditorium
Approx. 1:30pm - Consecration Reception at Public Auditorium

Events marked with an asterisk are invitation-only.

Questions? Email us for more information.