A Weekend With Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe
The Diocese of the Susquehanna will welcome a pastoral visit from the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe, on October 16-17, 2026.
A pastoral visit by the Presiding Bishop is a significant event during which we can share the ministry of our diocese with the leader of our denomination and its chief pastor, and have an opportunity to engage in conversation and worship together. Bishop Rowe is well known to many in Pennsylvania, having served as the Bishop Diocesan in Northwest Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2024, and as Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Bethlehem from 2014 to 2018.
All members of the diocese are invited to participate in the October 16-17 weekend with Presiding Bishop Rowe. The gathering will take place in the Allentown area.
Contact Us
All questions can be directed to Paula Lapinski, Missioner for Finance & Events, at [email protected] or 717-710-4800 x.222.
Location & Events
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 3-9 p.m. | Delta Hotels by Marriott, Breinigsville
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.| First Presbyterian Church, Allentown
Presiding Bishop Rowe’s visit will begin on Friday at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Breinigsville, just outside of Allentown. The gathering will include a ministry fair, where ministries from across the diocese can sign up to showcase their work; dinner; and a conversation between Presiding Bishop Rowe, Bishop Scanlan, and Bishop Nichols.
The visit will continue on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown. The day will include time with Presiding Bishop Rowe when he will share news from the wider church, and a service of Holy Eucharist with Presiding Bishop Rowe presiding.
Hotels
All diocesan hotel blocks are now full. There are several hotel options in the area that attendees can reserve independently if overnight accommodations are desired.
Sleep Inn, 327 Star Rd, Allentown, PA, 610-477-4135. Reserve a room online.
Staybridge Suites, 327 Star Rd. Allentown, PA, 610-841-5100. Reserve a room online.
Allentown Park Hotel, 7471 Keebler Way, Allentown, PA, 610-391-1500. Reserve a room online.
Fairfield Inn & Suites, 208 PA-100 Breinigsville, 610-841-0100. Reserve a room online.
Homewood Suites, 7686 Industrial Blvd. #100 Allentown, PA, 610-336-4860. Reserve a room online.
Comfort Inn, 7625 Imperial Way Allentown, PA, 610-391-0344. Reserve a room online.
Ministry Fair
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 3-5 p.m. and during dinner | Delta Hotels by Marriott, Breinigsville
The Ministry fair is an opportunity for any ministry in the Diocese of the Susquehanna to showcase their work for the kingdom of God. This year, the Ministry Fair will take place on Friday of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s visit and will be open from 3-5 p.m. and during dinner. Each participant will be given half of an eight-foot table to display their ministry. Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to submit a request for a table is September 20. Questions about the Ministry Fair should be directed to Nichol Free. Please note, all who sign up for a table at the Ministry Fair must also register for Friday of the Presiding Bishop’s visit.
Sign Up for a Ministry Fair Table
Childcare
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 4:30-8:30 p.m. | Delta Hotels by Marriott, Breinigsville
The diocese is offering on-site childcare during Presiding Bishop Rowe’s visit on Friday, October 16, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Childcare is available for children ages 0-12 with activities and dinner served. Please fill out the childcare registration form to register your child(ren). Children should be registered using the childcare registration form for attendance on Friday, and through the general registration form for Saturday.
Youth & Young Adult Cohort
Youth and young adults ages 13-20 are invited to take part in a Youth & Young Adult Cohort during Presiding Bishop Rowe’s visit. Youth and young adults can attend and assist at the Ministry Fair, assist with childcare, and/or attend the evening program. Dinner will be included. Youth must connect with an adult chaperone to take part, and must find transportation to the site. Contact Canon Micalagh Moritz with questions, or if you need help finding an adult chaperone. Youth and young adults should register using the youth and young adults registration form and fill out this release form to attend.
Video Submissions
Help share the story of ministry in our diocese by submitting short video clips and photographs that capture ministry in action – youth ministry, worship, outreach, formation, fellowship, advocacy, creation care, community partnerships, or wherever God is at work in your community. Congregations, diocesan ministry teams, and organizations from across the diocese are invited to participate. These snapshots of ministry in our diocese will be used to create two videos that celebrates the breadth and diversity of how people are serving Christ and their communities throughout the diocese.
Church Banner Procession
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, Allentown
All congregations are invited to bring their church banner to participate in the procession at the beginning of Holy Eucharist during Presiding Bishop Rowe’s visit. Congregations who would like to participate must sign up and bring a stand for their banner.