The Rev. Adam Dawkins Called As Rector at St. Albans in LA

Dear Friends in Christ, 

As you know, the position of Curate is by its very nature temporary, usually lasting approximately 18 months. It is difficult to believe that our Curate, the Rev. Adam Dawkins is entering his 18th month with us now. It seems like just yesterday that he arrived with a big "y’all" and an enthusiasm for ministry. He has brought energy and excitement for the Gospel which I pray will last us a lifetime. However, his time with us as Curate will end in February of 2024. 

It is with a mix of great joy and sadness, I announce that Adam has received and answered a call to be the next rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. 

I am sad to see him leave our parish and our city, as he has brought much life and wisdom to our community. But, I have great joy in knowing that this place has helped form him to serve as a priest. I know he carries that formation with him as he serves Jesus in the wider Church. 

Adam’s last Sunday at the Cathedral will be Sunday, February 5, 2024. 

We will come together to give thanks for Adam’s time with us that day and partake of the ceremonial grits cake. Specific plans will be shared in further detail in the weeks ahead. 

I find that goodbyes can be difficult. But I am reminded from my summers in Navajoland that instead of goodbye, we are to say “until we meet again.” A curacy is a special time in a priest’s life and in the life of the parish they serve. For the new priest, each “first” becomes an unforgettable memory that shapes the rest of the priest’s life in ministry. For the parish, it is a time of watching a priest grow into the fullness of their role. The community is enriched by the freshness they bring to their new ministry. Their freshness changes our own perspective on many things. We have been blessed as a parish to have Adam among us these past 18 months. Both he and us have been transformed by the experience.

Blessings,

Chris+.