St. Paul's Appoints Priest in Charge
Fr. Rob Courtney joining St. Paul's December 1, 2012
 We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of a Priest in Charge, who will be joining the St. Paul's community on December 1, 2012. After a recommendation by the Bishop and Canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, the Vestry of St. Paul's met at length with Fr. Rob Courtney and his wife Catt. As a result of that meeting all twelve members of the Vestry are enthusiastically in accord about having Fr. Rob join us. He and Catt have accepted our offer with equal enthusiasm and anticipation.
Rob Courtney was born and raised in Crowley, LA. He understands and loves our local culture. Rob attended UL at Lafayette for three years, then began a career in broadcasting working for radio groups in Lafayette and in New Orleans for eight years. After achieving a high level of success in that field, he began to feel God's call to ministry. Rob left radio in 2003 and served for three years as Parish Administrator of Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, while completing his undergraduate work, and discerning his priestly call.
Rob graduated from the University of Phoenix with honors in Business Administration in February of 2006. He received a Master of Divinity with honors from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN in May of 2009. Rob's degrees and experience in the business arena have prepared him well for the administrative role that the head of a complex organization such as St. Paul's must play, with a church, school and Homecoming Center. His advanced degree, experience in a variety of areas of ministry, and sincere heart of service are evidence of his effectiveness as a spiritual leader.
Fr. Rob was called in 2009 to serve as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Morgan City. He has lived and ministered in Morgan City for three and a half years with his wife, Catt, a Physical Therapist, and their three children Gifford, Ellie, and Wick. He and Catt feel it is crucial for their children to become a part of our school, so they may as a family embrace and contribute to all that is St. Paul's.
In addition to his role as rector of Trinity church in Morgan City, Fr. Rob is currently the Dean of the Southwest Deanery of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana; a member of the Diocesan Racial Reconciliation Committee; a board member of the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, as well as the boards of St. Mary Parish Council on Aging and St. Mary Outreach. He has been active in planning community meals and other cooperative events with ecumenical partners and instrumental in working to bring an Episcopal Community Services' case manager to the Morgan City area to work with people struggling with homelessness and unemployment. These responsibilities speak volumes about his energy and dedication to his role as an Episcopal priest.
In his own words, "My family and I are thrilled about the call to St. Paul's Church and School. We love New Orleans, and are eager to be back in a place we have always thought of as home. St. Paul's is a vibrant community brimming with potential. My family and I are looking forward to joining you, and I am energized about working with you to live more deeply into God's mission in Lakeview." To learn more about the heart of this man, called to lead us, please read his blog on edola.org, which was posted during a recent trip to the Holy Land. When sending us a picture from that trip he asked, with his wonderful sense of humor, "who doesn't dream of having a priest who can ride a camel with no hands?"
On behalf of the Vestry of St. Paul's,
Susan Robinson, Senior Warden
***
St. Paul's Welcomes
The Reverend Rodney Roehner
 The Rev. Rodney Roehner will begin his ministry at St. Paul's this Sunday as our new Curate. Rodney is a transitional deacon who will be ordained to the priesthood here in December. His duties will track the ministries undertaken by Fr. John Inserra, including Assistant Chaplain to St. Paul's School and leader of our ministries to children and families such as Children's Chapel and the Early Communion program. As a Deacon, he will share with The Rev. Jay Albert in the ministries of proclaiming the Gospel and preaching.
Rodney is a native of Philadelphia, received his Bachelor's degree in theology from Villanova University and his Master of Divinity cum laude from Nashotah House Theological Seminary. Prior to entering the process for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Albany, Rodney worked for twelve years in biological support operations for Merck & Co. in West Point, PA.
Rodney is married to Carolina, a translator and interpreter. They are the proud parents of twin three-year old girls, Sophia and Alexa.
***
St. Paul's Episcopal Church 2012 Vestry
Laura Akers
Jesse Cannon
Margie Christian
Stacey Hayden
Alice Lowry
Stephanie Mabou
Gerald Myers
Susan Robinson
Sr. Warden
Don Romero
Alistair Salisbury
David Slicho Jr.
Warden
St. Paul's Episcopal Church Staff
The Rev. Rob Courtney, Priest in Charge for St. Pauls
rcourtney@stpauls-lakeview.org or
phone 504-655-7756
The Rev. Rodney Roehner, Curate for St. Pauls
rroehner@stpauls-lakeview.org or
phone 215- 855-4723
The Rev. Jules (Jay) Albert III, Deacon for St. Pauls
jalbert@stpauls-lakeview.org or
phone 985-643-4752
Lori Lavelle, Executive Administrator
llavelle@stpauls-lakeview.org or
phone
504-488-3749, ext. 121
Jennifer Wood, Facilities Manager
jwood@stpauls-lakeview.org or phone
504-488-3749, ext. 103
John Joseph, Sexton
Dr. Caroline Carson, Director of
Music Ministry
choralmusicrules@hotmail.com or phone 504-488-3749
Natalie True, Organist
natalietrue@gmail.com or phone 504-488-3749
|
|
