A little about Alex:
Alex first came to St. Martin’s in 2011 as a parishioner. Through his involvement in the life of this parish, he discerned a call to the priesthood. And now, after being away for a few years, he has returned to St. Martin’s for a curacy position. Alex is newly ordained, he was ordained to the transitional diaconate in February, and the Bishop will set a date for his ordination to the priesthood in due course.
In Seminary and as part of an internship at Trinity Cathedral and St. Luke’s in Woodland, Alex has studied and had firsthand experience with the Godly Play curriculum and various programming for youth and teens. Alex is excited about serving the Godly Play and TYGMOS programs; he has seen first-hand how important our Christian faith can be to kids and teenagers as they navigate growing up. And as a new dad, Alex is acutely aware of how important it is to support our youth in their growth and development.
What’s a curate, again?
In general terms, a curate is a new priest who continues vocational and professional formation during the first year or two after ordination.
Why are we hiring another clergy staff person?
It is a very exciting moment in the life of the parish to be able to add a second paid priest on staff, someone who can take on pastoral care and preaching duties as well as have some program oversight in his portfolio. Throughout much of its history, St. Martin’s has been a parish with a rector and an associate (this is in addition to non-stipendiary priest associates such as Ernie Lewis, Anne Beatty, and so on), so this is not new for us but more of a return to form.
We believe that adding a new priest to our staff is a great way to address the stated goal of increasing our outreach to children and families, among many other benefits to the parish.
For the time being, the curate will be a half-time position. Your Vestry and Finance Committee have worked hard to make sure this is a prudent step in terms of our budget and our parish priorities. The primary program focus for the curate will be formation for youth and children.
Questions?
While the Vestry makes budget decisions, all parish staff report to the rector. Please feel free to ask Rev. Pamela if you have any questions or concerns about staffing. And please plan to welcome Alex enthusiastically to his new ministry with us!