Call Accepted for New Curate!

Starting in January, our Personnel Committee worked with the Rector to think through the staffing needs of our parish in a considered manner. As part of this process, position descriptions were created or updated for parish staff positions. One staffing need identified and confirmed was for an additional clergy person to assist the Rector.

A position was posted in the early spring. After receiving a number of resumes and names, a committee helped the Rector with the interviews of five wonderful candidates. In the Episcopal Church, hiring isn't just picking someone to fill a job. There is a seeking of discernment through prayer and reflection, on the part of the parish and by the applicants. This is why we 'issue a call' to a candidate to come join our parish. And, if God's voice speaks to the candidate that this is the next step of his/her journey, then they 'accept the call.'

Our Rector announced the following at services last Sunday:


I am thrilled to be able to announce that I have hired Kate Stebinger to be the new Curate at St. Barnabas. We have gotten to know Kate through her work with our Youth Group and her serving as a deacon at Sunday Worship. However, Kate brings with her gifts which will have an impact on all aspects of our parish life together. Kate will be starting work with us July 1 - after she has returned to her sponsoring diocese of South Dakota to help train camp staff leaders there. Kate's ordination to the priesthood date and place has not yet been set. Please keep her in your prayers as she prepares for joining our staff and being a part of Saint Barnabas in her new capacity.