Episcopal Bishop Visits 6th-Graders

When Right Rev. Frederick Borsch was named bishop of the six-county Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on June 18, 1988, he emphasized education and working with youths as two of his major priorities.

On Thursday, his 10th anniversary as bishop, Borsch found himself doing exactly what he promised--working with children. He visited St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Parish Church and Day School in Winnetka, where he gave a sermon and talked to the school’s sixth-grade graduation class.

He asked a group of 15 students what they wanted to be when they grew up.

“I want to be an architect because I like building things,” responded 12-

year-old Collin Parker of Chatsworth.

Stephanie Brodie, 12, of West Hills, said she wanted to be a zookeeper. “I have four dogs, three cats and two fishes,” she said.

Another student, Brian Barry, 13, of Canoga Park, asked Borsch where bishops get their hats.

“It’s a gift given to you when you become bishop,” Borsch answered.

The visit to St. Martin was the first of five ministry sites that Borsch visited Thursday as part of Adelante 10, a five-day celebration of his decade with the ministry.

“The congregation feels real honored that the bishop has taken time out of his busy schedule to spend time with us,” said the Rev. Ronald D. Culmer of St. Martin.

In addition to the Winnetka school, Borsch traveled to Santa Barbara where he visited All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, a shelter for homeless families and a community soup kitchen. He also paid a visit to the All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Oxnard.

Thursday’s busy schedule came on the heels of visits of ministry sites in the Inland Empire and Central Los Angeles.

“I’m doing fine,” said Borsch, who showed no signs of being tired. “I’m not sure if I can keep it up forever, but to be able to go and see what other ministries are doing and meeting people is very energizing.”

Today, Borsch will visit five ministry sites in Orange County.

The Adelante 10 celebration concludes Saturday with a reception and open house at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in Los Angeles.