Getting to know Katie
Describe your call to ordained ministry:
I’ll try to be brief! My former work was as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. government. I knew rather quickly that it wouldn’t be a “forever” career. At the same time I started thinking about what could be a “forever” vocation, I rejoined my childhood Episcopal church, began leading a youth group, and started Education for Ministry. As I deepened my relationship with God during some very challenging personal circumstances, I began to notice how powerful the unconditional love of God could be. I felt called to shepherd people into places where they could find that love. I started to realize that ordained ministry not only aligned with my gifts, but also set a deep fire in my heart. I’ve trusted that ever since.
What is your prayer life like?
Silence, contemplation, and the Daily Office are useful tools for me to ground myself in Jesus during the week. When I have a hard time finding the time for those things, picking up my Bible and reading helps keep me oriented toward God. “Take and read” is what God told Augustine and I enjoy the way Scripture can often give voice to my prayers. I also tend to pray a lot in the car, usually while listening to a playlist I made of my favorite hymns.
Tell us about your family.
I grew up in a full household: my parents, my younger brother, and my grandparents, along with dogs and cats along the way. My parents worked in banking but are (mostly) retired now. They moved from my hometown of Glenwood, Maryland to Ocean View, Delaware in 2022. My brother, Michael, is a chef at an Italian restaurant outside of Philadelphia. He, his girlfriend Lauryl, and their cat JackJack live in Media, PA. My grandmother lives in an assisted living community in Baltimore near my aunts and uncles, most of whom are still based in MD.
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have a cat named Goose who is 7 years old. I adopted him from a rescue in Baltimore when he was a kitten. He’s a funny little dude and very sweet. (P.S. I don’t believe in the dog person/cat person dichotomy! I love all animals, including dogs and cats.)
What do you like to do for fun?
Speaking of animals, I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I rode competitively in hunter/jumper shows as a child and teenager, but stopped when I went to college. About a year ago, I finally found a place to start riding again and remembered how much my soul loves these animals. I enjoy just being around them, and of course riding is a ton of fun, even if my skills are rusty. Otherwise, I love to read, learn, and explore. I enjoy thrifting, refinishing furniture, and creating things. I’m a big fan of sitcoms, true crime podcasts, and chocolate ice cream.
Are there any books that inspire your ministry?
So. Many. Notably: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell for its brilliant and creative take on justice, freedom, and the remarkable difference even one small act of kindness and bravery can make on the world. Also, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. It is a gorgeous contemplation of what it means to be a believer, a parish pastor, a parent, a partner, and a friend.
Who is Garrett and what do you like to do together?
Garrett is my boyfriend, and he is a Columbia native! We have been together for nearly three years after meeting in seminary. He is also a priest, the Assistant over at St. John’s Wheat Street. We have a lot of fun, no matter what we are doing whether it’s discussing the role of the Church in the world or arguing about whether Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid” is a crab or a lobster (clearly, he’s a crab).
