Customary

Bp. Shay often supplies as clergy of the day in congregations across the Diocese, so it is important to remember that “visitation” is different from “supply.”

There are certain things that can only happen during a visitation: confirmation, reception, reaffirmation.

There are certain things that have to happen at a visitation: review of parish registers, meet with the vestry.

Then there are things that may happen during a visitation: dining with clergy/leadership, formation.

Please download the full customary for full information.

Below are three documents: a full customary, a bulletin outline for worship with a reception and/or confirmation, and a bulletin outline for worship during ordinary time with visitation only.

The bulletins are the services over which Bp. Shay will preside. If you wish to add music or other elements, please get approval from Bishop Shay on or before the Wednesday before the service.

Upcoming Official Bishop’s Visitations:

• August 23, 2026 – All Saints, Minot
• October 11, 2026 – Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo
• November 1, 2026 – St. George’s, Bismarck
• November 8, 2026 – St. Paul’s, Grand Forks
• November 15, 2026 – St. Luke’s, Fort Yates & St. James, Cannon Ball

[Reminder, Bp. Shay may with you on a Sunday that is not considered a visitation. If there are questions, please reach out to the Diocesan Office.]