Consecration FAQs
When is the Consecration of Bishop-elect Jeremiah?
February 24, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Doors open at 9am. The processions begin at 10:30am. Doors will close at 10:30 and reopen after the processions.
Where is the consecration?
The Cathedral of All Saints, South Swans Street, Albany, NY
Who may attend?
Only those who have received a ticket for the Consecration may attend in person at the Cathedral. The service will be live streamed and parishes may choose to host a viewing party at the parish or you may watch from the comfort of your home.
Who will receive a ticket for the Consecration service?
Due to modern fire codes and safety considerations, we are only able to accommodate around 1,000 people at the Cathedral. To facilitate as far as possible the fair distribution of attendees across the diocese, tickets will be provided to the following, as long as they provide an RSVP by February 1st:
- 6 tickets for each parish of the diocese. IF the parish sends a banner and banner-bearer, this WILL count as one of the six parish tickets.
- All canonically resident priests and deacons.
- All clergy who are not canonically resident, but who are licensed by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of Albany.
- All members of the House of Bishops.
- Persons personally invited by Bishop-elect Williamson, including family and personal friends.
- All persons who are principal participants in the liturgy. This includes all lay persons who are functioning during the liturgy, including: choir members, acolytes, praise band members, lay-presenters, lectors, litanists, and ushers. These participants are guests of the diocese. These tickets will NOT count as one of the six tickets given to that person’s home parish.
Will additional tickets be available?
There are a limited number of additional tickets available and can be reserved by calling 518-692-3350.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the event is free of charge. RSVPs are required by February 1st so we ensure adequate seating is available.
What is the appropriate attire?
Bishops: Rochet, chimere, and tippet
Clergy: Cassock, surplice and red stoles, or alternatively if you don’t have those – Alb and red stole.
General attendees: You may wear what you’d normally wear to a church service.
Will a collection be taken?
Yes. During the service we will take a collection for our new bishop’s discretionary fund to assist him in his episcopal ministry. Checks may be made out to Episcopal Diocese of Albany. If you wish to donate online towards his gifts and the consecration, please see the diocesan website.
Where do we park for this event?
We have use of the state parking lots on Elk Street. We highly encourage carpooling.
Will the event be live streamed/recorded?
Yes. You may watch the event from the comfort of your home or gather at your local parish and hold a watch party. The event will be live streamed from the Episcopal Diocese of Albany YouTube Channel.
IMPORTANT FAQ’s for the Day of the Consecration
When should I arrive at the Cathedral?
Those not participating to the cathedral will be allow entrance beginning at 9:00 a.m. IMPORTANT: All attendees MUST arrive before 10:30. At 10:30, the Doors of the Cathedral will close and no one will be allowed in until the conclusion of the processions. The processions will begin at 10:35 a.m. concluding with the principal procession at 11:00 a.m.. Only after the final procession has concluded will anyone who has arrived late be allowed in the Cathedral. Please be timely!
I am participating in the Liturgy as clergy, or in some other way. When should I arrive and where do I vest?
Liturgical participants, including Clergy, Diocesan Officers and Committee personnel (Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Chancellors, Profile & Search Committee Members, Rural Deans), acolytes, choir members, presenters, oblation bearers, will receive instructions with their ticket on where they are to gather upon arrival. Those who are processing MUST arrive by 10:00 a.m. to allow adequate time to vest and be arranged for their particular procession. There will be several processions beginning from several locations. It is vitally important you follow the directions given.
Will there be a rehearsal of the liturgy?
Yes. On Friday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral.
Am I required to attend the rehearsal?
All principal participants including acolytes, presenters, gift-bearers, oblation/offertory bearers, Bishop Co-consecrators, and ushers are required to attend the rehearsal. The rehearsal will be at 4pm on Friday, February 23rd. Dinner will follow.
Is there a reception after the Consecration?
Yes. A reception will be held at the Fort Orange Club, just a short walk from the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.
Recommended places to stay:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Albany – Downtown 25 Chapel Street Albany, New York 518-432-7000
- Hampton Inn Western Ave – 1442 Western Avenue, Albany, NY, 12203 • +1 518-438-0001
- Renaissance Albany Hotel 144 State Street Albany, New York 518-992-2500
- Fairfield Inn and Suites 74 State Street, Albany, NY, 12207 • +1 518-434-7410
- Christ the King Center (Diocesan owned conference center) 575 Burton Road Greenwich, New York (518) 692-9550 (1 hour drive)
