The Rev. Patrick Malloy of General Theological Seminary writes to the members of the Church of St. John on the Mountain in Bernardsville, New Jersey, about his call to serve as interim dean of the Cathedral of St. John in Denver:
On Saturday, the Bishop of Colorado, Robert O’Neill, invited me to become the interim dean of the Cathedral of St. John in Denver, and I accepted. I will be installed on 31 May, return to New York to pack my things and put my affairs in order, and move to Denver sometime in June. Since this is an interim position, I will not be eligible to become the Dean. In a year-or-so, will be moving to some other ministry. I want it to be in the New York City area, and I intend to work hard during the next year to make that happen.
… As you know, the past year at the seminary has been very difficult. Apart from that, though, I long to return to parish work, and this interim year in Denver will move me back into the kind of ministry I envisioned when I was ordained. It saddens me that to gain that, I will have to lose so much, including my place among you.
I will be at your Eucharist on the 17th and 24th. Those will be chances for saying goodbye, not to you, but to the relationship we have built these past few years. I hope I will be back among you soon, even if my role will be a different one.
For every kind word you have said to me, every trust you have placed in me, every laugh you have shared with me, and every beautifully sacred moment you have spent with me, I am and will forever be profoundly grateful.
With Malloy’s departure, half of the GTS 8 have chosen not to continue their affiliation with the seminary.
Image: Commencement at General Theological Seminary in May 2012, when Professor Malloy (center) served as associate dean.
Biretta tip: Cara Ellen Modisett of Episcopal Café
