About 30 people gathered for the inaugural Diocesan Confirmation Retreat in March. Developed in tandem with a confirmation preparation curriculum framework and the scheduling of regional confirmations, this retreat offered a way for people discerning confirmation, baptism, reaffirmation, or reception to come together to explore, learn, and build community. Eleven parishes were represented by attendees ranging from teenagers to senior adults, from those brand new to The Episcopal Church to cradle Episcopalians seeking reaffirmation, from small to large parishes, urban, rural, and in between.

Mr. John Mercer (Christ Church, Shaker Heights) led a fascinating conversation about our place in today’s religious context using recent data from Pew Research Center. Mr. Russ Tripi (St. Bartholomew's, Mayfield Village) taught about the stages of faith, and the tools and growth it takes to move from an immersive, experiential faith to one which is marked by personal commitment and belief into action. The Rev. Anna Sutterisch (Canon for Formation) led participants in reflecting on their spiritual journeys, the Rev. Margaret D’Anieri (Canon for Mission emerita) broadened our experience of prayer from the Book of Common Prayer to other resources, and the Rev. Leah Romanelli DeJesus (St. Luke’s, Cleveland) led us in the “Gather. Transform. Send.” model from the College for Congregational Development, looking at our worship and neighborhood contexts. Bishop Jolly joined for lunch, conversation, and to celebrate closing Eucharist with us. It was a great way for participants to get to know her before being confirmed/received by her.