Dear Transfiguration and Parish Episcopal School Community:We write to communicate sad news about someone who is very important to Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration and Parish Episcopal School. Gloria Snyder, who served Parish as its second Head of School from 1979-2009, has recently experienced a rapid decline in her health. She has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob and her prognosis is not favorable. For those of us who know and love Gloria for her irrepressible spirt and zest, the sudden onset of a condition of this sort has been heartbreaking.At this time, Gloria is under round the clock medical care and supervision. She is taking no visitors. As Gloria has touched thousands of lives, we realize many will wish to express their love, support and prayers. As such, we have set up a page on the Parish Episcopal School website – parishepiscopal.org/Gloria– and we welcome you to share your thoughts with Gloria and the community there.
As a church and school community, we will continue to work together in the weeks ahead to love and support Gloria and those who are tending closely to her needs. We are sensitive to the community’s concern for her and will communicate updated information with you as appropriate.
In the meantime, what we can do together is offer prayer for Gloria’s comfort and of gratitude for her caregivers.
O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly ask you to be present with our beloved friend Gloria. Look upon her with eyes of mercy; surround her with your love on every side; banish all fear and anxiety from her heart and give her your peace that passes understanding; bless every hand that cares for her and strengthen all who tend to her needs; and give grace to all who love and worry for her, that we will put our faith in you. All this we pray through the lover and physician of our souls, your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.Sincerely,
The Rev. R. Casey Shobe, D.Min.
Rector
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
