Clergy

All baptized members, be they lay persons or clergy, are ministers of the church. All are charged with representing Christ and his Church, and all have responsibility for the church’s life, work and governance. For clergy, as for lay persons, there are specific roles and functions for carrying out this charge. Bishops serve as apostles and chief pastors of a diocese, and guard and guide the church’s faith, unity and discipline. Priests serve as pastors to the people, primarily through the administration of the sacraments, and also assist the bishop in the oversight of the church. Deacons serve those in need, and share with bishops and priests in the administration of sacraments and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Clergy in the Diocese of Milwaukee fulfill this charge in a variety of roles and settings. Some exercise pastoral leadership of a congregation, some serve on the bishop’s staff or the staff of a diocesan ministry, some use their gifts in various helping professions, some carry out ministry through secular employment, and some continue to serve the church after retirement.

Maintaining close connections with a clergy community numbering nearly 200 and spread across southern Wisconsin is a primary concern for the bishop. Personal interaction is achieved through clergy days and congregational visits. Communication tools such as the weekly Diomil ENews email newsletter, a monthly news bulletin for the clergy, and the clergy Facebook group further enhance this sense of shared purpose and identity.

Clergy in the diocese should also be familiar with and adhere to the Policies and Procedures that protect them and their congregations.

Upcoming Clergy Events

  • Listening with the Heart: A Deacon Gathering with the Deacons from Fond du Lac and Eau Claire on
    • Saturday, May 20, 9:30 am - 3 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun, Wisconsin

 

Clergy Resources 

Episcopal Visitation Schedule 2021-2023 (choose the year you'd like to see at the bottom of the spreadsheet)
Bishop Visitation Preparation Form
Visitation Guidelines and Chrism Recipes
Deacon Service Checklist (updated May 2023)
Resources for Common Prayer (from the Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision)
Clergy Directory (password required; contact Sara Bitner for password)
Clergy Minimum Compensation for 2023
Church Insurance 
Marriage Judgment Application (revised January 2023)
Marriage Judgment Guidelines 
Supply Clergy List
Churches in Transition
Clergy Guidelines for Leaving a Congregation
Crisis Helplines (February 2023)
Milwaukee Spiritual Directors
Deacon Handbook (updated May 2023)

Parish Forms

Certificate of Election of Lay Deputies
Request for Licensing of Lay Persons
Church Leader Contact Info