On Sunday November 6, the Feast of All Saints, Christ Episcopal Church, Portsmouth and we here at Trinity Episcopal Church, Hampton officially welcomed our new Priest in Charge, the Rev. Kathleen Cullen.
This marks the beginning of a unique ministry within the Diocese of NH.
Both Churches will maintain their individual identity while we share a full time priest.
Christ Church's and Trinity Church Bishop’s and Search Committees have worked long and hard to make this shared ministry happen. Over the past few years they have held numerous events in order to get to know one another and appreciate each others’ gifts for ministry in their communities. A definite bond between the two churches has developed and the faith communities are excited about this new chapter. We feel confident that, in Kathleen, we have found the right person to lead them.
The Reverend Kathleen Cullen has served as Pastoral Associate at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Goffstown, NH since November of 2008. “Reverend Kathleen” served as a Deacon at St. Thomas, Dover, NH where she was ordained to the Priesthood in June 2008 by the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson.
Rev. Cullen received her undergraduate degree in Social Services from the University of New Hampshire and worked for many years as a Social Worker as well as in the world of business and academia. She received her Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA and a Certificate in Prayer Group and Retreat Leadership from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, DC.
During her ministry at St. Matthew’s, which included the development of the Community Spiritual Life Center, Rev. Cullen also served for many years as a Hospice and Hospital Chaplain.
Rev. Cullen is a member of EPF (Episcopal Peace Fellowship) and the Shalem Society for Contemplative Leadership.
”This concept of shared ministry; exploring how to share resources, worship together often, and live into the Gospel message, will hold many challenges but it also holds many great and exciting opportunities! No one knows exactly what this will look like – this way of being church. I do know that these two faith communities genuinely care for one another. This is truly an adventure! I feel very blessed to be a part of it!” Kathleen
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