retreat

Ms. Sally Swygert
Facilities Coordinator

Sally has been the Facilities Coordinator since September 2014. She has a B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Tech and began her career in banking operations and then transitioned to full-time mom. She ventured back into the working world and is happy to be seated at the front desk of our diocesan and cathedral offices. She and her husband have three children and love spending time with them. Sally is an active member of St. Mark’s, Highland where she enjoys volunteering with the youth group and other ministries. She loves to exercise, travel, cook and cheer on the Ravens, Orioles, Clemson Tigers, Maryland Terps, Virginia Tech Hokies and the PGA tour. 

As Facilities Coordinator, Sally is your point of contact for reserving space in any of the conference rooms or large gathering spaces at the Diocesan Center and Cathedral of the Incarnation. She is stationed at the reception desk in the front lobby and greets visitors with her welcoming smile as they enter our building. She answers all incoming calls to the Diocesan and Cathedral staff. She is happy to assist with any inquiries and forward your call to to the appropriate staff member.  

The Rev. Kathy Shahinian
Deacon for Public Policy

The Rev. Canon Margarita Santana
Canon for Latino Ministry

Ms. Kate Riley
Canon for Youth

The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr.
Planned Giving Consultant

Charles became Director of Planned Giving, Stewardship and Development in 2009, and served in that position to 2016. He then served as Planned giving Officer 2017-2018. He now serves part-time as Planned Giving Consultant. He helped create the Diocese of Maryland’s All Saints Legacy Society and has served in parishes as rector, associate, and interim, in the Dioceses of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Texas and Maryland for 39 years. He is the author of One Minute Stewardship: Creative Ways to Talk about Money in Church, Church Publishing, 2018

Charles preaches throughout the diocese on planning for the end of life. His sermon title is Don’t Leave a Mess. He is available to come to your congregation, to help you develop a parish planned giving program and a legacy society.

Mr. Kendall Griffie
Staff Accountant 

Kendall is from Baltimore and is a recent graduate of Morgan State University with a BS in accounting. He has worked at Comcast and served in the Maryland Army National Guard. His interests are volunteering, tutoring/mentoring students, and playing golf. 

Mr. Sam Marlow
Senior Accountant

Sam Marlow joined the Diocese of Maryland as a staff accountant in 2009, officially becoming a senior staff accountant in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Towson University.  He lives in Baltimore City with his wife and granddaughter.

Mr. Jason Kamrath
Chief Financial Officer

Jason Kamrath became chief financial officer for the Diocese in Maryland in May, 2019.  He has Master of Business Administration and Master of Accounting and Financial Management degrees and most recently worked in the Controller’s Office of The Johns Hopkins Health System for twelve years.  He also serves as the organist and was past treasurer for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Essex.  He lives in Baltimore, MD with his husband Brett, dog Gidget, and cats Callie, Bunny, Marley, and Lucy. 

The chief financial officer is responsible for leading the business office team, preparing internal and external financial statements, and providing various means of support to our parish treasurers. He also advises various committees and boards charged with managing the budget process, diocese-owned properties and missions, the diocesan investment portfolio, and the Bishop Claggett Center.

Ms. Mary Klein
Archivist (part-time)

Mary Klein has been the Archivist for the Diocese of Maryland since 2002. Her background is in history and archives work, having earned both her B.A and M.A. from Salisbury University, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Formerly employed as archivist for the Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at Salisbury University, adjunct professor of history at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, education and exhibits coordinator for the La Crosse County Historical Society, and a member of the School Education staff at the Maryland Historical Society she has been active in Episcopal Church matters on the local, diocesan and national levels. She lives in Baltimore, is a member of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, has three daughters and seven adorable, bright grandchildren.      

The Archivist manages and curates the collection that is the Archives of the Diocese of Maryland, which includes maintaining the current material, as well as processing new material. The Archivist also provides professional assistance to researchers – prioritizing requests from the Diocesan staff – whether by mail, phone or email.

The Venerable Jane O’Leary
Archdeacon for Deployment and Pastoral Care (non-stipendiary)

The Rev. Canon Stuart Wright
Canon for Administration and Transitions Ministry (Chief of Staff)

Before serving in the Diocese of Maryland, Stuart had 15 years of HR experience in church settings, building on his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Ordained in 1989, Stuart has lived in 15 cities and loves living in Baltimore, where he shares a home with husband, Melvin, and Standard Poodle, Ella.

In his transitions role, Stuart helps congregations find interim rectors, assists congregations through the discernment process, advertises clergy vacancies, and manages the supply list. He also oversees the compensation and benefits programs of the diocese, and assists with personnel policy questions.

Ms. Eve Wayne
Executive Secretary to the Assistant Bishop

Evangeline Wayne, Eve, a former high school history teacher and Fulbright Scholarship recipient, is originally from Liberia (West Africa), arriving in the United States in 1993, due to a destructive civil war that engulfed the country.  She is a lifelong Episcopalian and the proud mother of four “woke” young adults (three guys and a girl). Her passion is researching family history, particularly tracing ancestors who were slaves on a Georgian plantation in the 1800s, unable to return to Africa as her great, great grandfather did, due to a philanthropist.  She currently resides in Baltimore City.

Eve is the executive secretary to the canon to the ordinary and staff administrator of the Commission on Ministry. “Eve” as she prefers to be known, started at the diocese in July 2018 as executive secretary to the Assistant Bishop Chilton Knudsen, before her retirement, and now provides administrative support to the canon to the ordinary, Commission on Ministry as well as the Continuing Education Grants Committee.  She is responsible for Canon Slater’s calendar and serves alongside Caroline Bomgardner.  She handles remarriage licenses, lay licenses, confirmation certificates, visitations and seminarian/postulant financial support.  Eve also works closely with the archdeacons regarding the Deacon Formation/Deacon Programs and is the custodian of all paperwork related to priesthood and diaconate discernment, including trainings and other confidential data. She is also the resident notary public. 

Ms. Caroline Bomgardner
Executive Secretary to the Bishop and Canon to the Ordinary

Caroline Bomgardner has been the executive secretary to Bishop Sutton since 2011. She gained valuable Episcopal Church knowledge as a parish administrator at the Church of the Messiah, Baltimore and the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore. Caroline has had many career changes due to moving countries with Patrick, her husband of 30 years (England to the USA, to Italy, to England, and back to the USA). Caroline was a civil servant working for the British Government with a range of positions: administrative; analytical; information technology; teaching fire, health and safety management. She has also worked as a teachers’ aid, a pre-school teacher, for a national bank, a health benefits center, and a car leasing insurance company. Caroline and Patrick have two adult daughters and an entertaining bish-poo dog called Tululubelle. Inspired by attending the presidential inauguration of 2011, Caroline became an American citizen in 2012. 

Caroline manages the bishop’s calendar and communications. She can also be contacted with questions related to visitations, confirmations/receptions, clergy licenses, canonical residency, clergy child scholarships, and the standing committee. 

The Rev. Canon Scott Slater
Canon to the Ordinary

Following nine years as rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Baltimore, Scott began serving on the bishops’ staff in July of 2010. Canon Slater’s first career was as a landscape architect, following graduation from the University of Florida in 1981. He is a 1992 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, where he received a Masters in Divinity and a Masters of Arts in Christian Education, and he additionally holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He grew up in Florida and is married with two adult sons. He is an avid walker, gardener, and loves to complete any form of puzzle.

Scott serves as executive assistant to the bishop, as chief of staff, visits congregations on Sundays on behalf of the bishop, manages diocesan convention and clergy conference, and helps with congregational conflict mediation and resolution.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Who We Are
We are dedicated to serving the youth, congregations, and clergy of the Diocese by:

• Providing training and resources for those working with youth
• Offering guidance for youth ministry development to vestries and advisory boards
• Providing support for Journey to Adulthood and confirmation programs
• Representing Diocese and Youth Ministry interests at local, regional, and national meetings
• Coordinating youth presence at Diocesan Convention, General Convention, Provincial events, and Youth Caucus

You’re invited to join us as we celebrate the gifts, energy, love, and presence of the youth in our diocese. Discover and find more information about our programs, events, missions, Camp Claggett and more at the Diocese of Maryland Youth! website.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

Who We Are
Since 2011 the Diocese of Maryland’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been instrumental in providing opportunities for thoughtful engagement of the often difficult topic of race. Opportunities include workshops, guest speakers, and special programs. To date, over five hundred people in the diocese have completed the Episcopal Church’s approved methodology Seeing the Face of God in Each Antiracism Workshop. Participants have been enlightened and then inspired to proactively work toward eliminating the sin of racism. The current climate in our country is sensitive to racial injustice and therefore it is important for followers of Jesus to be informed and equipped to make a difference. A subgroup of this commission recently completed a twelve part thematic based curriculum that ties persons in the Bible to African Americans. In May a forum featuring Bishop Sutton and Lt. Colonel Melvin Russel - “Building Bridges – Connecting Police, Church and Community” was held in Baltimore. Your contribution will assure the continuation and expansion of opportunities for us to do what we can in our generation to bring about racial justice. 

BALTIMORE INTERNATIONAL SEAFARERS' CENTER

Who We Are

“Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave, who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep: O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.” – The Navy Hymn

About 90% of what we own and use daily is brought to the U.S on a vessel. Since Baltimore’s founding, seafarers hailing from all over the world have risked the perils of the sea to transport the goods that enrich our lives. Since 1993, our Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center has been there to welcome them, to offer a safe haven from the dangers they face daily and provide place of respite and Christian hospitality.

Whether a crew member needs a prayerful presence or just a friendly visit, BISC chaplains and volunteers provide it. Under the direction of The Rev. Mary Davisson, our volunteers cover 14 terminals 70 hours a week, logging over 70,000 miles a year transporting workers and seafarers to and fro in BISC’s vans. These dedicated lay and ordained ministers:

• Provide emotional and spiritual support
• Offer free reading materials
• Arrange referrals for legal, medical and other types of assistance
• Accompany sailors on shore visits for medical supplies and other essentials
• Arrange visits onshore visits between sailors and family members living in the United States
• Provide free internet and communication resources at the Center itself
• Advocate for the rights and legal protections of seafarers

Life at sea is an isolating and harrowing experience: seafarers put their lives on the line, leaving seafarers cut off from their families, confined on ships and unable to leave even after landing in foreign ports. The isolation and sacrifice these sailors endure to ferry needed goods across the world is unimaginable without experiencing it firsthand. If we are to follow God’s call to compassion and love for our neighbors, then BISC is on the frontline of tending to those often overlooked by other institutions. Together, we are forging ahead to shine God’s love and light on the lonely and lost. For more information about this ministry, visit their website at: www.baltseafarers.org

READING CAMP MARYLAND

Who We Are
The mission of Reading Camp Maryland is to promote personal and academic growth and success for struggling, at-risk students and to encourage them to become strong readers, engaged students, and responsible members of their communities. Reading Camp works with children entering grades 3-5 to review and improve reading skills, build self-confidence, grow a love of reading and learning, and stem the effects of “summer reading loss.” 

During their week at camp, campers receive tutoring each morning focusing on phonics, sight words, decoding/encoding, strategies, comprehension, writing, and pleasure reading using games and other non-traditional activities. In the afternoon campers enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming, crafts, and field trips. They also enjoy breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily. All fees are paid through donations and grants. There is no fee to attend Reading Camp. 

Joan H. Kelly Memorial Reading Camp in Harford County

THE CLAGETT CENTER

Who We Are
The Claggett Center is the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s retreat, camp and conference center. Claggett offers space for a wide variety of diocesan events, including vestry and ministry retreats, programs for musicians, women, men and youth, and flagship events such as the Chapman Dialogues and Clergy Conference. From hosted groups to original programming, Claggett serves as a place of common ground for the diocese. The 266-acre property sits on a scenic bluff overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and the Monocacy River Valley, creating a serene and beautiful backdrop perfect for learning, growth, and spirit-filled renewal. Claggett Center features 3,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space and a variety of comfortable sleeping rooms to accommodate various kinds of groups.

Features of the Claggett Center include:

• A variety of meeting spaces with free WiFi, and a full range of A/V equipment
• Comfortable overnight accommodations for groups, both big and small
• On-site dining options, prepared by a dedicated chef
• Outdoor recreation, including an experiential learning ropes course
• Youth camps and adult programs, led by a dedicated conference staff

Our Archives are some of the best in The Episcopal Church, thanks to the tireless work of Dr. Garner Ranney, the Archivist from 1960 until his death in 2001. Dr. Ranney organized, processed and catalogued thousands of papers, books, pamphlets, and manuscripts. The legacy he left is priceless, but the Archives is never a finished work: we are constantly receiving new additions, organizing, cataloguing, making room for and making available the ever-growing body of information.

The unique place in the Church held by the Diocese of Maryland and its many parishes calls us to be good stewards of our long and complex historical contributions. Our history is an anchor, tethering us to our traditions and experiences. Knowing our history means knowing how God used us in the past, which guides us as we forge ahead on God’s path towards the future. And if the past glories, errors, shining moments and embarrassing legacies are not known, the future of God’s people in the Diocese of Maryland may be more fraught with thorns than it needs to be. Our History should set us on a path towards truth and adventure. To learn more about the F. Garner Ranney Archives, check out some of the stories from our archivist on marylandepiscopalian.org. To help us preserve your diocesan history and heritage, give now to the Bishop’s Annual Ministries Appeal!

The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, elected in 2008. Previously he served as Canon Pastor of the Washington National Cathedral and Director of its Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage.

Bishop Sutton is a frequent leader of retreats and conferences on spirituality, nonviolence, the environment and reconciliation. He co-founded Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington (COMW), an ecumenical network of individuals and faith communities committed to the daily practice of Centering Prayer.  In addition to publishing several articles on prayer, spirituality and justice, he’s a contributor to the books, The Diversity of Centering Prayer, and Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence.

Bishop Sutton has written about and been recognized as a thought leader on the issues of racial reconciliation and reparations, testifying on Capitol Hill with author Ta-Nehisi Coates, actor Danny Glover, economist Julianne Malveaux and others for Congressional Bill HR40 that calls for the establishment of a national bipartisan commission to study and make recommendations for addressing reparations as a restitution for the over 350 years of slavery and racial discrimination of African Americans.  He has since lectured and spoken for the benefits that reparations can bring for American society before NPR, Fox News, the Chautauqua Institution and other public forums.

He has served on the boards of the Institute for Sustainable Communities, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, the Maryland Green Jobs Initiative, and Bishops United Against Gun Violence.  He was named by the Center for American Progress in 2014 as one of “14 faith leaders to watch”.

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Bishop Sutton graduated from Hope College (Holland, MI), attended Western Theological Seminary earning his Master of Divinity, and completed Anglican studies at the University of the South, School of Theology (Sewanee, TN).  He has served as a pastor of the Covenant Community Church in inner city Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and did graduate studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. A former professor of homiletics and liturgics at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey and at Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, TN,  Bishop Sutton has also served as Chaplain of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey; adjunct professor of preaching at the General Theological Seminary (New York City); vicar of St. Michael’s Church in (Trenton, NJ); priest-in-charge of St. Margaret’s and St. Mary’s parishes (Washington, DC); and associate rector for mission and spirituality at St. Columba’s Church (Washington, DC).

Bishop Sutton is married to Sonya Subbayya Sutton, an internationally-recognized pianist, organist and choral director. They have four adult children and stepchildren.