Caroline Howard has been called as the Curate for Creation Care and the Vicar of St. Mary’s, Galena. She began these ministries on June 1. As Curate for Creation Care, her primary role is to cultivate and nurture the emerging community of Bethany House & Garden.The Rev. Jenn Allen, Diocesan Missioner, will act as a resource to Caroline as she works alongside Mother Jenn and becomes familiar with the ministry in the Bethany House and Garden community. This interwoven community includes the BHG Team (the Groundskeeper and young adult interns) and weekly volunteer Gardening Brigade, along with those who come to the garden formally and informally: school teachers and students, neighbors, and diocesan visitors. Caroline will live at Bethany House and spend three-quarters of her time in this role.
She has also been appointed Vicar of St. Mary’s, Galena, where she will serve quarter-time joining the congregation as pastor, deacon (then priest), and teacher. Senior Warden John Smittle said, “The St. Mary’s family is so happy and excited to have Caroline Howard back with us. We loved having her as an intern before she went to seminary. She’s going to be a great addition to our family.”
When asked how she feels about returning to Kansas and starting her new position, she said, “I am thrilled to be back in Kansas after completing my MDiv in Sewanee, TN, and I’m very much looking forward to working with both the Bethany House and Garden team and the people of St. Mary’s in Galena. I am passionate about the intersection of environmentalism and spirituality and excited to learn more about the great creation-care and community engagement work at BHG. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to return to the wonderful community of St. Mary’s after serving as an intern at the parish shortly before leaving for seminary. I am deeply thankful for all the support I received over the past three years and I’m very happy to be home and beginning this new work.”
Bishop Bascom will ordain Caroline, along with BKSM graduates Martha Lamoy and Lory Mills, to the diaconate at Grace Cathedral, Topeka (701 SW Eighth Avenue) on June 24, 2023 at 10:30am. The diocese is invited to this public service with reception following. Clergy are invited to vest and process; red stoles.
Almighty and everlasting God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our clergy and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of your grace; and, that they may truly please You, pour upon them the continual dew of your blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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