We are delighted to announce a joyful and important addition to our parish staff. After a week of interviews, reference checks, and prayerful discernment, the Rev. Allison English has offered—and she has accepted—the position of part-time Youth Minister at Calvary. Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Townes to our church community!
Stephanie brings deep and diverse experience in both parish and diocesan youth ministry. A recent graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, she earned her Master of Divinity while serving as Student Body President and distinguishing herself through academic excellence, strong leadership, and pastoral presence. Before seminary, Stephanie worked extensively in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, where she led diocesan youth and young adult ministries and supported congregations throughout the region.
Stephanie is relocating to Cincinnati as her fiancé, the Rev. Greg Williams, begins his curacy at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Montgomery. With the blessing of Bishop Kristin White, her ordination process is now housed in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, and Calvary will be the new home for the next chapter of her ministry.
Stephanie has a proven gift for creating vibrant, faith-filled spaces for young people, empowering volunteers, and building strong, sustainable programs. We are confident that her presence will be a tremendous blessing to our youth, families, and parish as a whole—especially in this season of growth and possibility for our youth ministry.
We are also grateful to share that Aaron Leonard will remain on staff through the end of July to help ensure a smooth and supportive transition. Aaron has offered to continue volunteering with the Youth Group, just as he did so faithfully before stepping in as Interim Youth Pastor. We are deeply thankful for his ongoing commitment and care.
As part of our transition planning, Bishop Nedi Rivera will continue offering clergy support to the rector and parish, especially during the rector’s upcoming vacation time in July and August, helping to create a strong foundation for Stephanie’s arrival and ministry.
Stephanie’s first Sunday at Calvary will be July 6. She will be present at both the 9:15 and 11am services, and there will be opportunities to greet and welcome her following worship.
This is a moment of celebration and hope for our whole community. Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Townes to Calvary!
Dear Calvary Family,
I am so excited to be with you as your new Youth Minister!
From the very first conversation I had with the Rev. Allison English, I could sense the holy work that you all are doing at Calvary. I am eager to join that work with you.
A bit about me: I come to you as a candidate for the priesthood and a recent graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, with many years of youth and young adult ministry experience in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas before that. As a recent transplant to Cincinnati, I welcome your suggestions of places to visit and restaurants to check out as I enjoy the cooler summer temps here compared to my hometown of Houston.
When it comes to youth ministry, I’m passionate about creating spaces where young people can ask honest questions, grow in faith, and discover the deep love of God in their lives. I look forward to walking alongside the youth of Calvary, planting seeds of faithful curiosity in them, and watering and nourishing their faith alongside the whole Calvary congregation. I look forward to learning from and alongside you, hearing your stories, and building on the good work already happening in our youth programs.
I can’t wait to meet you at worship on July 6th and in the weeks to follow. Whether you are a longtime member, a parent, a youth, or someone who simply cares deeply about the next generation, I’d love to hear your hopes and dreams for our ministry together.
Thank you for welcoming me to Calvary!
In Christ,
Stephanie Townes