The Right Reverend Catherine M. Waynick

The Right Reverend Catherine Elizabeth Maples Waynick, 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, died October 30th at the age of 76. She led the diocese from 1997 to 2017, guiding it through two decades of growth, inclusion, and evolving mission in the Episcopal Church. She was the seventh woman to be consecrated bishop in the Episcopal Church and the 10th woman bishop in the Anglican Communion.

Born November 13, 1948, in Jackson, Michigan, Bishop Waynick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Madonna College in 1981 and a Master of Divinity from St. John Provincial Seminary in 1985. Ordained to the priesthood in 1986 in the Diocese of Michigan, she served Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, MI, and All Saints, Pontiac, MI, before her election as bishop. Elected Bishop Coadjutor of Indianapolis in January 1997, she was consecrated on June 7, 1997, and installed as diocesan bishop on September 10, 1997. Her twenty-year episcopate was marked by a commitment to inclusion, theological depth, and steady leadership through times of transition.

She encouraged the diocese to strengthen lay and clergy formation, expand community partnerships, and embody a church that welcomed all people. She was especially committed to identifying, calling, and forming deacons for ministry in the Diocese and in the larger Church. She also initiated a unique three-way partnership in mission between the Diocese of Indianapolis, the Diocese of Bor in South Sudan, and the Diocese of Brasília.

Following her retirement from Indianapolis, Bishop Waynick returned to her home state to serve as Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, where she provided pastoral and administrative guidance during a period of transition and renewal.

Bishop Waynick was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1998 from General Seminary, New York, for her contributions to theological education and ecclesial leadership. She was known for her intellect, pastoral sensibility, and clear-eyed commitment to the mission of the Church. She cherished ecumenical and interfaith relationships, working closely with Christian and Jewish laity and clergy throughout her ministry. For many years she served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome.

Known to her family and friends as Cate, she met her husband, Larry Waynick, when both were students at Central Michigan University. They sang in a folk trio together that performed in coffee houses and even opened once for Joni Mitchell in her early days. Larry and Cate were married on November 28, 1968, and together created a home that warmly welcomed friends and family alike. Music and faith were at the heart of their 57-year partnership. Their two adult children, Sarah Elizabeth Garozzo (Mike) and Steve Waynick (Tricia), and grandchildren, Anthony, Ava-Cate Garozzo, recall her generosity to strangers and friends alike, her resilient spirit, and the humor that came easily to Cate, as well as her great talent as a chef.

Bishop Waynick will be remembered as a courageous and thoughtful leader who served the Church faithfully with quiet strength and grace. Her ministry reflected her deep conviction that the Gospel calls Christians to both spiritual formation and compassionate engagement with the world.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

A service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, at noon on Friday, December 12th. Private inurnment will follow in the columbarium at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis’ Camp and Conference Center, Waycross.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services.