Beloved ones,
Grace and peace to you from God our Creator and Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
In accordance with an ancient custom of the Church, I, Kara Wagner Sherer, Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, grant permission for Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, beloved by many in this land, to continue his service and ministry within our diocese, beginning on the evening of
December 5, 2025, and continuing through January 6, 2026.
Historically, it is the prerogative of the diocesan bishop to permit the presence and ministry of another bishop within their diocese. I am pleased to continue this tradition so that our communities may fully experience the joy, generosity, and hope that Saint Nicholas embodies.
To prepare for his presence, I call you first to the observance of a holy Advent. In decorations and music, in times of quiet and contemplation, may our parishes be an oasis of calm and joyful expectation, in contrast to the busy demands and sensory overload of our consumer culture. As
fun as the Christmas season is, everyone needs a respite, and we can provide that! I encourage you to learn more about the life and ministry of Saint Nicholas and find ways to celebrate at home, at church, and in your community. The Saint Nicholas Center offers a wealth of resources about his life, legacy, and his deep commitment to the poor, the orphaned, and the needy.
And don’t forget to put your shoes outside your door (bedroom, front door, sanctuary door) in time for St. Nicholas’ feast day (December 6), in hopes of reminders of his miracles. Traditionally, oranges and nuts remind us of the gifts of the whole wide earth and God’s abundance; chocolate coins remind us of Nicholas’ gift of a dowry to three poor young women, which he threw through their window and landed in their stockings hung to dry (or in their shoes, depending on the story you read!), and candy canes remind us of the shape of a bishop’s crook. However, any treats or gifts you receive should be considered delicious examples of God’s generosity!
May his visit be a blessing and a sign of hope for all!
Given under my hand and seal in the city of Henrietta, on the nineteenth day of November in the second year of my consecration.
+ Kara
