On June 30, 2022, a major transition is taking place in the Diocese of Arizona: Canon Cathy Black will officially retire.
Cathy has served faithfully since 2004 as the heart, memory, and wisdom of the Diocesan Office in Arizona, first as Bishop Smith’s Assistant, and eventually as the Canon for Administration. She has been the person people call, turn to, cry with, laugh with, vent to, and ask for help. She has served the wider church through her leadership with B+E+S+T (Bishops’ Executive Secretaries Together) and was also incredibly influential in helping me learn how to be a bishop.
In anticipation of this day, we have spent the past two years planning and transitioning, as we bring in and train new staff to assume many of the roles that she has played for 18 years.
Cathy is not vanishing into the sunset; she is a member of Christ Church of the Ascension and will continue to offer her Spiritual Gifts workshops, and work with Vestries and Bishop’s Committees. Information on how to contact her after her retirement for congregations who wish to invite her will go out after her retirement.
But for now—if Cathy’s work and ministry have shaped your life and faith—drop her a line to join us in saying “thank you!”
20 comments on “Thank you, Canon Cathy Black!”
So, Cathy, it’s finally here! I want to thank you for your good cheer and calming voice whenever I called in a panic. You wear always the person I sought out at Diocesan affairs because I knew that was where the run would be,. I will miss you greatly. Thank you for everything.
I’m reading a book on Gratitude-so perfect timing to express my deep gratitude for the many gifts you have shared with all of us. I have appreciated your ability to focus, your incredible competence as an administrator, but mostly your extreme dedication to helping us all be the people we are called to be. Thank you for sharing these gifts.
In faith,
Deacon Gay
Cathy: I have to say you have been a Rector’s best friend! Calls I made to you about so much as I was learning my way were always greeted with warmth and professionalism! Your Spiritual Gifts workshop is excellent! I am glad you are continuing to do them. Much happiness to you as you return because you have been a blessing to many especially me!
Cathy, I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve needed to call you for help – usually having something to do with your “institutional memory” in the diocese. You have always been able to put your hands on whatever piece of information was needed in the moment. You will DEFINITELY be missed at the diocese!
There is no finer example of God’s great love working through someone than to see Canon Cathy Black in action! What a great privilege to have worked under your tutelage and grace, Cathy. ENJOY your well-earned retirement, my friend!
It was important for me to know that the Bishop’s office was there to serve the people of the diocese and not just the effecientcy of the office, and Cathy gave that real presence.
Thank you.
Retirement is a wonderful state of being. Thanks for all you’ve done for the Diocese and for me. I’m glad you will continue with ministries for which you have passion. Leave some space to explore and discover new passions and joys!
John
Dear Cathy,
Wishing you a wonderful time as you look ahead! Thank you seems too little to say for all you’ve done and all the help you’ve been, but thank you anyway!!
Blessings in abundance,
Beth Mayhew
Thank you so very much, Cathy, for all you have done with a kind and loving spirit… the light of Christ! Not to forget your great sense of humor! Our Church Family at Transfiguration thank you! BLESSINGS
Cathy was always the professional, efficient and effective, while being fundamentally generous and kind. She was totally there for me when my retired priest husband died. Cathy, what size shoes do you wear that somebody has to fill? Have a blessed retirement.
Al of us who have ever served in any leadership role in The diocese of Arizona or in the National Church have been blessed in knowing and loving you What a gift you are ! Keep at it Cathy! Chaplain Tom Chapman FSJ /SSJE
Congrats to you for your service. A job well done . Enjoy retirement it’s all its cracked up to be. You will love it.
Cathy, as one of the two senior priests in the Diocese of Arizona, I have been blessed by your skills, knowledge and love you have shown and shared with the leaders in this diocese, General Convention and all of the parishes and missions . I know you will be missed by the current holders of various offices in our diocese, but know you have left them all the tools you have fashioned and left in first class condition and have trained them in using. As a fellow Honorary Canon may I wish you Godspeed in your retirement.
Cathy, you are a pillar; pillars don’t disappear,, they are steadfast. You are also the presence of our Diocese. Your gift of joy gathers us.
Job well done Canon Cathy.
Faithfully,
Deacon Anne
Cathy
Andrea joins me in sending you warm Congratulations on your retirement with deep appreciation for all you have done for the Diocese and for us over the years.
We know you of all people will not be fading into the Arizona sunset and we wish you happiness and health in all your endeavors.
Cathy,
Feeling gratitude for your able assistance in welcoming me to DIOAZ when I relocated from EDLA two years ago. Blessings as you redefine your calling!
And so the baton passes yet again. Enjoy this new chapter.
Julia
CONGRATULATIONS and thanks for all your help and professional skills over the past years. Wishing you health and love in your new journey. You will always be in our hearts.
HUGS Carl and Marge Perry 6/24/2022
Cathy,
You were a true friend and constant help when I served as Interim Rector at St. Anthony’s, Scottsdale and Grace St. Paul’s, Tucson. I knew you could always be counted on for truth, support, and love. Thank you for everything and best wishes as you open the next chapter of your life.
Cathy it has been great working with you in various capacities over the years and sharing stories around the lunchroom table at dio house. I will be returning from vacation on the 30th, flying in from midwest area so I can’t be at any celebration that may be planned. Just know I wish you all the best in your retirement. Sally