Diocesan Convention 2025
THE 160TH CONVENTION
OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH
Delegates from all the parishes in the Diocese gathered for the annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh at Trinity Cathedral on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
What is Convention About?
All clergy attend Convention, and each parish is assigned delegates according to the size of the parish, with each parish receiving a minimum of two. Attending as Delegates from Emmanuel were Father Don, Kevin Hipolit and Nicole Butler.
If you are curious about what all actually happens at Convention, see the planned Convention Agenda.
Delegates vote on all measures brought to the floor, such as new members for the Commission on Ministry (helps with the discernment process for ministry candidates), Board of Trustees (vote on finances of the Diocese), these clergy and lay persons oversee the operation of the Diocese along with the Bishop. See the full list of Elected Positions.
$$$ The Diocesan budget was approved and a copy is on the Bulletin Board in the Hallway inside the Garden Entrance of Emmanuel.
OF NOTE: The budget has been reduced from previous years. This is reflected in a reduction in the stipend Father Don has been receiving from the Diocese for his salary. The reduction is from $22,000 to $20,000 for the 2026 calendar year.
All convention documents, and elected positions, will be available on the diocesan website at www.episcopalpgh.org/resources/2025-diocesan-convention/
Districts within the Diocese
One of the positions to be voted on was the District Representatives where parishes are grouped by location. Stephanie Fair of St. Paul’s, Kittanning, was elected to be the new District Committees Chair. Nicole Butler, of Emmanuel, was re-elected as Vice-Chair over all the Districts and to be our District 1 Representative. The Diocese is divided into 5 Districts. The District committees are charged with exploring and planning ways for churches within a district to interact. If you have ideas or suggestions for our District, contact Nicole Butler. Fill out the form, add Nicole’s name and a suggestion if you wish. She will contact you.
DIOCESAN DISTRICTS
DISTRICT 1
St. Barnabas, Brackenridge
All Saints, Brighton Heights
St. Brendan’s, Franklin Park
St. Paul’s, Kittanning
Christ Church, North Hills
Emmanuel, North Side
Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh
Chair: The Rev. Dn. Carter Hawley, Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh
Vice-Chair: Nicole Butler, Emmanuel, Northside
The idea behind the Districts is to gather parishes in a larger group that is more localized. Our Diocese is so spread out that we are sometimes hours apart from each other. Through Districts, we may get to know new people, share ideas and resources, and support each other’s activities and endeavors. This initiative has been difficult to get off the ground but the hope is with new enthusiasm and leadership, it will at last fly.
Congratulations, Nicole!
Bishop Ketlen Solak’s Vision of Mission for the Diocese
The theme of the Convention this year was “Grounded in Christ, Growing Anew.” We surely want to be grounded in Christ, especially before attempting anything new!
Within the Bishop’s vision and direction for the Diocese, she has also identified 3 pillars for our focused intent: “Communication, Fellowship and Growth.” Several initiatives to are already in progress…
A Church Plant in Beaver County!
One of the initiatives on the cusp involves plans for a new congregation in Monaco, Beaver County. The launch of this new ministry is launch day of this new congregation, Sunday, November, 29, 2025!
Led by The Rev. Deanna Briody – Missioner Priest at the Church of Incarnation.
The new congregation is being birthed out of Calvary Episcopal in Shadyside, where The Rev. Deanna Briody, is currently a Curate.
Rev. Deanna, who lives in Beaver County had been speaking with a number of folks who were interested in an Episcopal Church in their neighborhood. Local residents began relating to Deanna that since the previous Episcopal Church left the Diocese and went Anglican during the split, they have not been attending church at all. This became a mission for Deanna who started holding prayer gatherings in the area for a possible new church plant. The vision has caught on and she has been awarded $100,000 to get a congregation up and running! For the First time since 2008, we will have an Episcopal presence in Beaver County.
Rev. Deanna, who lives in Beaver County had been speaking with a number of folks who were interested in an Episcopal Church in their neighborhood. Local residents began relating to Deanna that since the previous Episcopal Church left the Diocese and went Anglican during the split, they have not been attending church at all. This became a mission for Deanna who started holding prayer gatherings in the area for a possible new church plant. The vision has caught on and she has been awarded $100,000 to get a congregation up and running! For the First time since 2008, we will have an Episcopal presence in Beaver County.
Congratulations to Rev. Deanna!
— and all those who have prayed this through!
You can read about this inspiring new venture and participate in several important ways, through prayer, volunteering, giving, and spreading the word.
Pre-School Out of Holy Cross, Homewood
Another initiative is new ministry developing out of Holy Cross in Homewood. A new Pre-School that will be free for residents. Eileen Sharbaugh from St. Paul’s is advising on the initiative.
Holy Cross currently runs a Parents Day Out Ministry Program! Their doors are open every Thursday to welcome children aged 18 months through 5 years for a morning filled with learning, fun, and nurturing care—all completely tuition-free. Parents Day Out, begun in 2024, will be transitioning to the Pre-School in the coming months. More information coming as the ministry develops.
Other Diocesan News
A Resolution passed to commemorate the life and Faith of Roberto Clemente by including him in the Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Clemene demonstrated a heroic commitment to Christ during his life. Roberto Clemente Day will be added to the Liturgical Calendar of the Church Year! Read more about Lesser Feasts and Fasts.
Diocesan Events of Note
February 22: is the Annual Bishop’s Visitation to Emmanuel
April 18 A Celebration Day – is being planned by the Fellowship Committee
The Rev. Canon Kim Karashin Retires
After the meeting finished, a farewell reception was held for the retiring Canon to the Ordinary, (right hand woman to the Bishop),Kim Karashin, in honor of her excellent service to the Bishop and other positions in the Diocese over the last 10 yrs.. Refreshments were served.
Thank you and God Speed, Rev. Kim!