The Rev. Stephen Carson
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you. I am honored to introduce myself and my family as your next Rector. I am Stephen Carson; my wife, Julie; our son, Ryan, 20; and our daughter, Megan, 18. We also have two dogs, Bill and Sophie. We look forward to moving soon and joining your vibrant community.
I am currently the Rector of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Victoria, TX, where I have served for over 13 years. Before this appointment, I was Curate at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX. Now, as I prepare for a new chapter with you, I celebrate my 16th year in ordained ministry with the Episcopal Church on June 1st. Julie is a high school art teacher with 8 years of experience at St. Joseph Catholic High School, and our daughter Megan will graduate from high school in May.
Alongside my work and family roles, I have personal interests that enrich my life. One of my passions is cooking, which offers me a place to start and finish a task with rewarding results. I also play bass guitar and sing backup vocals in a cover band called Petty Cash. We play mostly for the joy of making music and gig occasionally around town. I love reading a wide variety of literature and also enjoy audiobooks and listening to music.
I currently serve on several Diocesan committees and have held leadership, executive, and support roles—including serving as dean, chaplain, and teacher at various camps at our three camping sites.
As I reflect on this transition, I am deeply grateful for the journey ahead. Working with the St. Richard’s search committee has been a delight, and I have felt the Spirit’s presence in every interaction and prayer for your parish. Please thank the committee for their dedication to finding your next rector. Their trust, thoughtful questions, and attentive listening are why I write to you today.
With these changes ahead, I ask you to keep us in your prayers as we move from Victoria to Round Rock. Julie and I will leave a beloved community, and as our children begin college this fall, we will become empty nesters. This is a major transition for us all. Know that you are in our prayers, now and always. I look forward to seeing the Holy Spirit at work in your lives and in St. Richard’s. I am eager to meet, worship, laugh, and walk with you as your new Rector.
Writing on the eve of St. Richard’s feast day, I am excited that we will soon get to know each other more clearly, learn to love each other more dearly, and follow Jesus together more nearly, day by day!
Blessings,
Stephen+