Partnership Mission

We, the Central Convocation Partnership in Mission, consisting of two churches communicating as one, want to
learn, live and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The Central Convocation Partnership in Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas – a covenanted group of two
urban congregations located on the South Side of the City of San Antonio, Texas – Fr Omar Pitman is currently our
Canon Missioner who leads these congregations into a new experience of being the Episcopal Church in South Central
Texas.

Even though the membership of both churches are not large in number, the heart and soul of the congregations are
full of love and enthusiasm to grow to their full potential. The Central Convocation Partnership is a relationship
between laity and clergy for the ministry of the Church. A fundamental basis upon which the partnership is founded is
that of living out the baptismal covenant by all members of the congregations. Among other things, this results in a
redefinition of roles. It envisions the Canon Missioner as being the primary, but certainly not the only, person
responsible for many of the obligations that formerly belonged to the clergy only. It sees all of the members as being
evangelists, liturgists, administrators and teachers. It sees the priest as being the teacher or rabbi, the enabler, the
primary sacra mentalist and pastor.

In early 2004, a delegation representing the Partnership traveled to Denver to participate in the “Start Up Start Over”
program.

A Faith Alive weekend was also held in 2004 with approximately 100 people participating. Out of this very positive
and energetic weekend, the congregations have started new Bible studies, renewed their energy and the desire to reach
out to others.

The partnership also meets together for a number of events: Every month with a fifth Sunday for a joint Holy
Eucharistic service, the Bishop’s annual visit, the partnership picnic, the annual family retreat at Camp Capers, the
Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner, Maundy Thursday services, Good Friday services and the great Easter Vigil.
In addition to reaching in to our members, the Council decided to dedicate at least $5,000 dollars a year towards
outreach as a Partnership, above and beyond what the individual congregations were committed to give. The
Partnership Council picked the following ministries to support: The Honduras School Fund – This ministry is a follow-
up of the Partnership’s mission trip to Rancho Obispo in El Parieso in 2001. We are supporting 16 students from this
community in continuing their education beyond the 6th grade (where the state funding ends). The Woman at the Well
Ministry. The Good Samaritan Center. Camp Capers’ Scholarships, which provides funds for our members and/or
other needy children in the diocese who need financial help to get to summer camp. The San Antonio Community of
Churches. The Halloween Party for all people in the surrounding community. The annual Pentecost Music Festival.
Both congregations participate in the Christmas Shoe Box program sponsored by the Billy Graham Association.

A high priority is present in both congregations on spirituality and worship. Sunday morning services are offered at
different times at both churches so that the Canon Missioner and Minister of Music/organist will be able to be present
at each church on Sunday morning.

Spiritual growth and Christian education are an important part of the partnership as a whole and for daily Bible study
groups serving three or four persons through conference calls in the early mornings. After the Faith Alive weekend,
two more Bible study groups were started, one during the day and one at night for those working or otherwise unable
to attend the daytime meeting.

The Episcopal Youth Community is small but enthusiastic. The group is made up of youth from both congregations.
The groups have had lock-ins, participated in a famine weekend, sponsored the cold drink booth at the fund raisers
and helped with the Halloween party for the community. The partnership is well aware that much needs to be done to
attract and interest the youth of each congregation.