Diocese of Indianapolis

In a ceremony marked by the stately cadence of ancient ritual, soaring music and the beauty of pageantry, the Rev. Catherine M. Waynick was ordained and consecrated bishop in the Episcopal Church on June 7 in Indianapolis. The seventh woman to be elected bishop, she will serve alongside the Rt. Rev. Edward W. Jones as Bishop Coadjutor of Indianapolis until his retirement in September.

Before a gathering of nearly 1,000, including a massed choir of more than 200 voices, the bishop-elect asked for continued prayers, support, and shared wisdom of her extended family in Christ.

Her husband, Larry, an educator, and her children, Sarah Elizabeth and Stephen, were joined by her brother, nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law at the ceremony.

The consecrator was the Rt. Rev. Arthur Williams, vice president of the House of Bishops, who was filling in for Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, who was ill. Co-consecrators were the Rt. Rev. H. Coleman McGehee, Jr., Bishop of Michigan, retired; Bishop Jones; the Rt. Rev. Mary Adelia McLeod, Bishop of Vermont.

The sermon was given by the Rt. Rev. R. Stewart Wood, Jr., Bishop of Michigan. He urged the faithful to view Bishop Waynick's role as bishop as corporate, and to support her by faithfully carrying out their own baptismal ministries.

Pointing out that Jesus began his ministry by inviting others to join him, Bishop Wood noted that today's church as beset by so many serious issues that love was absolutely necessary and required of each member, and that the task before members is to carry the word "out there."

Thirteen bishops from around the nation participated in the ordination and consecration.

Members of Bishop Waynick's family were oblation bearers.

Bishop Waynick, 48, was rector of All Saints' Church in Pontiac, Mich., when she was elected bishop coadjutor.