The Rev. Deacon H. Kenneth McCaslin
I am very excited and honored to announce that the Rev. Deacon H. Kenneth McCaslin has been appointed by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania as a vocational deacon to serve for a period of three years as a vocational deacon in our parish. According to the Book of Common Prayer in the Outline of the Faith, “the ministry of the deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.”
Accordingly, Ken will bring the needs and challenges of the local and global communities to our congregation, assist in the formation of an engaged, organized, and committed outreach ministry team, serve in a teaching capacity within the adult, youth, and children’s spiritual formation programs, support the gathering of a men’s spirituality group and provide opportunities for men’s/young men’s retreats and other spiritual and fellowship events, increase our presence in the local community as a faith community open to our neighbor’s needs and hopes, and serve as proclaimer of the Gospel, deacon at the Eucharistic table, and preacher at our celebrations of Holy Eucharist. Whew!! Of course, Ken’s ministry is NOT to be a lone ranger but one who engages and empowers each and every baptized member of our parish to serve with him as the “hands and heart of Christ in the world.” This does not necessarily mean MORE ministry AT St. Mary’s but a greater commitment to being a follower of Jesus Christ wherever we find ourselves in life.
I know you will welcome Ken with the joy, gratitude, and welcome that is the hallmark of our community life. As rector, I welcome with prayers of gratitude and anticipation, Deacon Ken to the parish of St. Mary’s Church, Ardmore, as we share the journey of faith and discipleship of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
+ Judy