Wyndham Springfield City Centre
700 East Adams Street
Springfield, IL
Bp. Mary presiding
Rev. Elsie McGrath (St. Louis, Missouri) attests to Rev. Mary Keldermans’ suitability to be bishop. Rev. Mary was not appointed, but following ancient Church tradition, was elected.
The central part of the liturgy is when the ordaining bishops lay hands on the bishop-elect, a biblical and ancient gesture of consecration and blessing. In recognition of the priesthood of all the baptized, everyone assembled is invited to lay hands as well. Due to Covid, the laying on of hands was touchless.
Bishop Mary is anointed with holy oil (another ancient biblical gesture) by retiring Great Waters Bishop Joan Houk to show that Mary has been chosen and consecrated as a bishop.
Bishops Suzanne Thiel (Western region), Nancy Meyer (Midwest region), and Andrea Johnson (Eastern region) hold the Book of Gospels over Bishop Mary’s head as a sign that the bishop is always subject to and guided by the Gospel.
The episcopal staff is passed on from retiring Bishop Joan. She had received it as a gift from a friend who is a farmer. This staff had been especially designed for a woman.
Bp. Mary thanks everyone for participating in the ordination celebration.
Bp. Mary’s parish (Holy Family in Springfield, Illinois), family, friends, clergy and leaders from other communities, priests and deacons and candidates from throughout the Great Waters Region all rejoice with our new bishop! (International friends and clergy from Canada and Europe were prevented from coming by Covid travel restrictions.)
Mary Keldermans was installed as Bishop of the Great Waters Region. Mary is the pastor of Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community in Springfield, Illinois. The installation was at 10am on 4 September 2021 at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre.