Dear Friends,
It is with a mixture of many emotions that I share with you that Canon Jo Ann Hardy has announced her retirement as Canon to the Ordinary and Chief Operating Officer for the Diocese of Michigan. After decades of ministry to our diocese and giving me an extraordinary start to my episcopate, Jo Ann has chosen to retire this summer, with her last day in the office set for July 15, 2024.
Since 1987, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, the Diocese of Michigan and the Episcopal Church community have benefited from Jo Ann’s passion and deep care for her work and for the people whom she has been called to serve. Her years of experience and broad, deep knowledge of The Episcopal Church and our diocese have supported the ministry of four bishops, and a multitude of staff people, clergy and lay leaders throughout the years. I know how much Jo Ann has meant to so many around our diocese and around the church. Her sense of dedication to her work and care for all of us is unprecedented.
Jo Ann said in reflecting on her experiences,
“My years in ministry as a lay professional in the Diocese of Michigan have been extraordinary. Yes – 38 years is a long time… AND it really has gone by quickly! I am grateful for friends and colleagues across the diocese, and around the Episcopal Church. I have learned much and will cherish all the meaningful relationships that have come my way.
I sincerely thank the bishops who have always supported my vocation, and the diocesan staff members, clergy and lay people who have helped me grow and put their confidence in me over the years. Thank you, especially to the mentors in my early days who helped me understand that I had a place in the Episcopal Church, and friends in the diocese, for your care for me and my family throughout the years. I continue to be overwhelmed by your kindness.
To My Jerry, my daughter Aaron, son-in-law, Desmond, and granddaughters Zola and Eden – you have participated in this amazing diocesan world with me with joyfully! I love you, and I could not have done this without your love and support!”
Jo Ann will continue as a Canon Honorary of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, a lifetime designation that she has held since 2012. She has also accepted my request to continue with an appointment as one of our Title IV Intake Officer for our diocese. And, I am sure that you will see Jo Ann from time to time around our diocese!
To honor and thank Jo Ann, I invite you to join me, her family, and friends from around our diocese for a service of Choral Evensong celebrating her ministry. Please mark your calendars for:
A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome! A formal invitation will be communicated at a later date. I hope that you can come.
In this time of transition, my staff continues to be readily available to assist you. After July 15, please contact Crystal Ramirez, Director of Administration (313.833.4414 or cramirez@edomi.org) to be routed to the person who will be able to lend appropriate assistance.
Lastly, thank you, Canon Hardy, for your decades of ministry. You mean a great deal to so many of us. Please know we will do our very best to build upon the platform of gracious hospitality that you have constructed out of your leadership, wisdom and love.
Jo Ann, we will dearly miss you.
All my best,
