Chaplain's Welcome

My primary role as Chaplain is to serve as pastor for the community, claiming God’s presence in the midst of everyday life. I serve students and faculty, and by extension, families, and alumni. My ongoing hope is to develop and maintain meaningful relationships on campus in all divisions. To that end, I am present in convocations, classrooms, athletics, artistic performances, and various clubs. I also seek other informal opportunities to be a visible and accessible presence throughout the week, such as breaks and drop-off/pick-up lines.

As an ordained priest, I am authorized by the church to celebrate communion, baptize, marry, and prepare seekers to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church, as well as hear confession and pronounce absolution. In the face of tragedy, I offer burial rites and walk with those who are grieving. Please know that I am available for spiritual direction and counsel, as desired.

One aspect of Berkeley Preparatory School that appeals to me is the diverse representation of faith traditions. While rooted in the Episcopal tradition, I seek to grow from the wide variety of lived experiences and numerous religious expressions on campus.

Berkeley is both an independent and Episcopal school, held in trust by the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Part of my role as Chaplain is to help articulate what this identity means for us. We receive spiritual oversight from our Bishop, The Right Reverend Dabney Smith, and are readily supported as a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Know that our Episcopal identity undeniably values inclusivity and the pilgrimage of all individuals. For the Episcopal Church is not bound by doctrine, but instead unified by common prayer and respecting the dignity of every human being.

To learn more, visit the Chaplain’s Blog for weekly posts on how culture, school life, and spirituality intersect. Please feel free to reach out with thoughts or questions.