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Header photo: The Very Rev. Bill Terry celebrates his last Eucharist as rector of St. Anna's Episcopal Church, New Orleans. [Photograph by Karen Mackey, Diocese of Louisiana]
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
News & Updates July 2023
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News and updates from the bishop's office.
The Diocese of Louisiana Received a $1.25 Million Grant From Lilly Endowment
On July 26, Bishop Duckworth announced that the Diocese of Louisiana received a $1.25 million grant through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative to create "Episco-parenting Kits", a faith-based subscription service to inspire and equip parents to embrace faith practices in their daily lives. Read the announcement here.
We are currently in the design phase of the project and anticipate that the first Episco-parenting kit will be available in mid to late 2024. We have been given an incredible opportunity to support families on their spiritual journey, and we are excited to share our progress with you.
Registration for the 186th Annual Convention Will Open on August 25
Registration for the 186th Annual Convention and the nominations for elected offices will open on August 25. The Annual Convention will be held October 26-27 at St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie. The theme will be Faith Amplified. More information is available at edola.org/2023-convention.
| Snapshots of the life, work, and ministry of the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. |  |
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Updates on the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.
Transitions in the Diocese
The Rev. Trish Toburen was called to serve as associate rector and school chaplain at St. Luke's, Baton Rouge, effective July 16.
The Very Rev. Bill Terry retired as rector of St. Anna's, New Orleans, effective July 23. He served as the rector for 20 years. He also served as the dean of the New Orleans Downtown Deanery.
The Very Rev. Rob Courtney was appointed to serve as the dean of the New Orleans Downtown Deanery.
The Rev. Don Owens has been called to serve as interim rector of St. Anna's, New Orleans.
New Clergy in the Diocese
The Rev. Guimond "G" Pierre Louis was called to serve as associate rector of Christ Church, Covington, effective July 1. He comes to our diocese from the Diocese of Virginia and is a native of Haiti.
The Rev. Andrew Comeaux, a priest canonically resident of the Diocese of Western Louisiana, has been licensed to serve in the Diocese of Louisiana as supply clergy.
Transitions Out of the Diocese
The Rev. Carrie Wright was called to serve as priest-in-charge of St. Stephen's, Brewton, Alabama, effective July 2.
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Stories of faith in action around the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.
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St. Michael's Partners with PosiGen to Foster Energy Independence and Community Resiliency on the Northshore
St. Michael, Mandeville, partnered with PosiGen Solar Company to install an 80-panel solar array on the roof of the Parish Life Center. The system also includes an 18kw backup battery to ensure resiliency during power outages. The solar panels and backup battery system will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also serve as a cooling and charging station for the local community during power outages. Anticipated cost savings from this project will be reinvested in St. Michael's preschool programs and enable them to further their mission and outreach efforts. Read further here.
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Grand Homecoming for Trinity Church, New Orleans
Trinity Church, New Orleans, will hold its grand homecoming celebration on Sunday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. It's been two years since Hurricane Ida damaged the sanctuary. The congregation has been worshiping in the parish hall since construction began in 2022. More information is available here.
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Anna's Place NOLA Soon to Call Dodwell House Home
The construction is nearly complete on St. Anna's Dodwell House. The building, located on the corner of Esplanade Avenue and South Claiborne Avenue, will serve as a resource and community center for the Treme neighborhood and home to Anna's Place NOLA. The grand opening is scheduled for October 7. Further details soon. Follow the progress on the Dodwell House Instagram page.
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Mount Olivet, New Orleans, Continues Sanctuary Restoration
Mount Olivet, New Orleans, has made great progress in the restoration of the sanctuary. Learn more about the rebuilding project by watching this video here and follow the progress on the Mount Olivet Facebook page.
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St. Alban's Welcomes Incoming Students to LSU With an Excellent Fall Program Lineup
Centrally located on the campus of Louisiana State University, St. Alban’s Chapel is focused on their mission to welcome, encourage, prepare, and support LSU students. They are eager to receive any students looking for refuge, encouragement, friendship, and a hot, FREE meal! St. Alban’s Chapel offers Sunday services at 10:30 (Holy Communion) and 6:00 (Compline). Our recharge! service (Sunday evenings), is an expanded service of Compline with music. The service is led by students and features familiar music, candlelight, intentional spaces of silence, and prayerful reflection on the scriptures. It is relaxed, casual, unhurried, lasts thirty minutes, and is always followed by a homecooked, FREE dinner. Our students host two weekly small group Bible studies specifically designed to help students build lasting friendships and to grow in their Christian faith through their college years. For the past 15 years, we have hosted a weekly “Lunch with C. S. Lewis” (Wednesdays 11:30 – 12:15) designed as an opportunity for our students to invite their friends to church for a FREE and friendly lunch. College students help to run our Children’s Education ministry and serve in the leadership of all the ministries at St. Alban’s Chapel. This fall, we will kick of the semester with an overnight College Student Retreat at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center (August 25 and 25). The retreat is titled, “Grace in Relationships.” Visit the St. Alban's website for more information.
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Welcoming New Heads of Schools Across the Diocese
St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie, welcomed Whitney Samuel Drennan on July 1. Read the November 2022 Facebook post announcing her appointment.
Christ Episcopal School, Covington, welcomed John Murray, Ph.D. on July 1. Read the November 2022 Facebook post announcing his appointment.
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Ministry Reflections
Click to read reflections offered by the ministries of the diocese.
| Clergy Calls & Lay Job Opportunities | |
Open Clergy Calls
Details, including links to parish profiles, can be found here.
- St. Andrew's, New Orleans, is seeking a rector.
- St. Patrick's, Zachary, is seeking a rector
- Trinity Church, Baton Rouge, is seeking an associate priest for Christian formation.
- Trinity Church, Morgan City, seeking a rector.
Lay Job Opportunities
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Parish Administrator: St. George’s Episcopal Church is seeking a parish administrator to provide administrative, communications, and organizational support to the rector, parish staff, lay leaders, and the ministries of the parish. This position is vital to the life and ministry of the church. A person with the right fit has the opportunity for a meaningful and rewarding job. Our parish is growing, realizing increasing need for technology and internet-based resources in worship, ministry, and communications. More information and application process here.
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Children and Youth Formation Coordinator: Church of the Annunciation, New Orleans, is currently seeking a talented and outgoing individual to work and grow with their substantial cohort of children and youth. The future instructor will be able to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment largely in the 6-12 age category. Some children have recently been confirmed and are transitioning to more youth-oriented activities. The three broad areas of focus are Christian Education, specifically using the Godly Play method; Liturgical Formation; and, Mission-Oriented Activities. Further information is available here.
Updated lay employment opportunities can be found on the EDOLA website.
| Episcopal Church News July 2023 | |
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Upcoming Diocesan Events
Acolyte Festival
Saturday, August 19
from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.;
Holy Eucharist at 11:15 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral
2919 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans
Bishop Duckworth invites you to the 1st Annual EDOLA Acolyte Festival: Saturday August 19 from 9 a.m. until Noon at Christ Church Cathedral. Acolytes (and those who would like to possibly become acolytes) of all ages will enjoy a time of conversation and sharing with the Bishop and other diocesan acolyte leaders about this important ministry of service to God's people. The day begins in the Cathedral Parish Hall (enter on Sixth Street) at 9:00 a.m. refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to participate however space is limited so please register as soon as possible to secure a slot. The Festival will culminate in a Eucharist beginning in the Cathedral at 11:15 a.m. to which all are invited (no registration necessary to attend the Eucharist). Dress is casual, and no vestments are needed.
Clergy Day
Thursday, August 24 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Optional Poolside Cookout and Overnight
Wednesday, August 23 at 6 p.m.
Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, Loranger
Gather with your clergy colleagues for an exploration of Faith Amplified, the first of Bishop Shannon’s three focus areas, and the theme for our upcoming diocesan convention. The Rev. Annie Jung and the Rev. John Pitzer will lead us in a unique session of spiritual practice and theological reflection. After lunch, the Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin and the Rev. Peter Wong will share more about our exciting new directions in youth formation, the $1.25 Million grant from the Lilly Foundation, and the many opportunities for your church/school to participate in these new initiatives.
A Day on Deacons
Wednesday, September 6
from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, Loranger
What is a deacon in the Episcopal Church?
How does one become a deacon? These and related questions will be addressed in a day-long conference that is free and open to everyone. Breakfast and lunch are included. Bishop Shannon Rogers Duckworth will be present and will preach and lead a noon-day Eucharist.
Who should come: those in personal or formal discernment about ministry, postulants, or anyone just curious to know more about deacons. All are welcome. Free to register. Meals included.
Battle of the Clergy Bands
Friday, October 6 from 6-9 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
3551 Morning Glory Ave,
Baton Rouge
An old-fashioned “battle of the bands” featuring clergy from the Louisiana Diocese will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge on Friday, October 6 starting at 6 pm. The event will be open to all and will include food, karaoke for everyone, and games for kids.
Save the Date
Pre-convention Meeting
Tuesday, October 10
via Zoom
186th Annual Convention
October 27-28
St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie
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