Dear People of God at St. Mary's,

I am humbled and honored by the Vestry's call to serve as your next Priest-in-Charge. Over the past few months of discernment with the Vestry, I have been struck by your faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your commitment to inclusive community and its expression in your rich Anglo-Catholic heritage. In this time of social and economic upheaval, the voices of faithful Christians bearing witness to the life-changing grace of God is more essential than ever.

I will join St. Mary’s on July 6th as your Curate. For the first week of my call among you, Fr. Craig Bustrin and I will be working together as we transition from his leadership as your Rector to my leadership as your Deacon-in-Charge. My title will officially change to Priest-in-Charge following my ordination to the priesthood this fall. 

I give thanks to God for Fr. Craig’s many years of service with you. He has led you through pandemic and fire, and has cultivated a strong and faithful worshiping community. As we prepare to move forward in this time of transition, I look forward to building on the good work which has been done in you through the power of Jesus Christ, and I am eager to discern the Holy Spirit’s calling for St. Mary’s in the years to come.

A little about me: I was raised Lutheran (ELCA) in small town Ohio by a single mother, and joined the Episcopal Church during my undergraduate education at Ohio State. Following my graduation in 2020, I moved to Tucson to participate in Episcopal Service Corps, and was sponsored for ordination by the Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona. My fiancé, Hyacinth, and I met at church in 2023 while I was in Philadelphia for a summer pastoral internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. They currently work as a substitute teacher, and are a fellow Anglo-Catholic. We became engaged earlier this year, and plan to get married next April on the East Coast.

I am eager for the opportunity to greet you all personally when my ministry with you begins on July 6th. Please keep Hyacinth and me in your prayers as we move to Phoenix from Connecticut, and know that you are always in my prayers.

Your Sister in Christ,
Deacon Samantha

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church
602-354-7540