In reverse chronology, a timeline of events and milestones from the announcement of Bishop George Wayne Smith of his intended retirement through the search and transition process to the ordination of the 11th Bishop of Missouri.
April 25, 2020
Ordination and Consecration of the next bishop.
The diocese will welcome its 11th bishop on April 25, 2020, in a ceremony at St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish Catholic Parish in St. Louis. The church shares grounds with the Polish Heritage Center, which will host a celebration reception the day of the new bishop’s ordination.
March 28, 2020
A celebration of Bishop Smith’s leadership planned for March 28th at Christ Church Cathedral
November 22, 23, 2019
Election of the next bishop takes place during the 180th Diocesan Convention, held in St. Louis at Christ Church Cathedral.
Nov 4-7, 2019
Walkabouts
The location of four regional meet-and-greet sessions give members of the diocese a chance to meet and hear from each candidate for bishop prior to the election at the diocesan convention. These meet-and-greets—often referred to as “walkabouts”—will be at St. Timothy’s Creve Coeur; Trinity Central West End; Calvary Columbia; and Christ Church Cape Girardeau.
After slate of candidates is published
If there is to be a petition process, it begins
After Sept 26, 2019
Slate of Nominees for Bishop published
After announcement of candidates, Transition Committee takes the lead. Events are planned for diocesan members to learn more about the candidates.
Sept 16-19, 2019
June 21, 2019
June 7, 2019
Retreat for potential candidates and Search/Nominating Committee. Committee prays and discerns the slate from potential candidates at their meeting on the Sept. 21st, then presents the slate first to the Standing Committee on the 26th and then published for the whole diocese.
Application deadline extended to June 21. After the 21st the vetting process begins and initial interviews are conducted.
Dec. 2018-April 2019
Self-Study; Holy Conversations; Surveys
Writing the diocesan profile, creating application process
Nov 30-Dec 1
S/N Committee retreat with the Rev. Gary Butterworth, search transition consultant. The Standing Committee will join the beginning of the retreat to commission the S/N Committee members
The Search and Nomination Committee establishes ground rules and procedures for the search process, develops and conducts survey, prepares preliminary and expanded questionnaires for nominees.
The Search and Nomination Committee solicits names, screens candidates, interviews semi-final nominees, then a slate of candidates is announced
Sept. 27, 2018
Oct. 24, 2018
SC begins application review to discern committee
Standing Committee announces Search/Nominating Committee
Sept. 22, 2018
Applications due for Search/Nominating Committee
Standing Committee selects and oversees a Search and Nominations Committee
Aug. 25, 2018
Standing Committee retreat with the Rev. Gary Butterworth
July 12, 2018
Standing Committee selects and begins work with transition consultant, the Rev. Gary Butterworth
Standing Committee gathers materials and drafts theological statement and diocesan prayer, establishes process timeline, establishes qualifications and selection process for committee members and chairs.
April 27, 2018
Bishop announces retirement to his staff, clergy, and leadership in the diocese
April 26, 2018
Bishop announces retirement to Standing Committee. Bishop Todd Ousley, Bishop for Pastoral Development in the Episcopal Church meets with Standing Committee
May 1, 2019