"Getting to know Alabama" By: The Rev. Canon Katie Pearson

I have loved being a parish priest. I love people, preaching, pastoral care, and community. One of the things that made saying “yes” to Richard’s offer to join him in Alabama was that I still get to do most of those things in my varied role as Canon to the Ordinary.  

I have four preaching engagements scheduled in the coming weeks, and I was with the good folks of St. Mary’s on the Highlands this past Sunday. I will be meeting with search committees in Opelika, Rainbow City, and Montgomery in the next few weeks. I get to be with people, talk with them about what they love about their parish, and help them plan for their future. 

I also get to help them think about how to celebrate the rectors who have ministered to and with them so well, like Rob Iler, who served St. James in Alexander City for 14 years.  

I have plenty that keeps me sitting at a computer and in meetings at Carpenter House – also an important part of my job – but I also have the joy and blessing of getting on the road and meeting you in your contexts. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I can’t wait to meet more and more of you as the months go on. 

We are going to do great work together!