One of the messages we are offered from the angels is to return to the work of the Gospel rather than wait around for Jesus to return. There is work to be done!
I am pleased beyond measure to share that the Reverend Sarah Smith will be joining the Cathedral staff for the next two years as our curate. A curate is generally one who is new to ordained ministry, and curacy is an intentional time to learn practically what they have been ordained to do, to begin to grow and develop their priestly identity, and to build skills that can really only be learned “on the job”. It is a bit like flying the trapeze, but with a net.
Her responsibilities are to be fully integrated into the congregation, to have specific oversight of particular ministries and people, and to have intentional mentoring by me.
This is a collaboration between the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma and St. Paul’s Cathedral and we share the cost of Sarah’s curacy.
Mother Sarah’s first day with us is June 1 and her first Sunday will be June 5 as we celebrate together Pentecost! She will be ordained to the priesthood at a special service on the feast day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on Friday, June 24.
Join me in welcoming Mother Sarah! Welcome gifts and notes can be left on the table in the reception area and you can email her at
revsmith@stpaulsokc.org.
Blessings, Dean Churchwell+
MOTHER SARAH'S BIO:
The Rev. Sarah E. Smith is a transitional deacon from the Diocese of Oklahoma. She played softball for the Fighting Irish at the University of Notre Dame where she studied Catholic systematic theology. Her first career and masters degree was in sports administration. She worked as a sports administrator at the University of Notre Dame for four years. After, she completed a Masters in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University and a Diploma in Anglican Studies at the Seminary of the Southwest. Between degrees, she served as the Director of Media for the Diocese of Oklahoma and head varsity softball coach at Casady Episcopal School in Oklahoma City. She’s passionate about creating feeding ministries through hunting and fishing and teaching Creation care.
