Introducing Erica!

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday at worship we introduced Erica Andersen, our new Curate, to the congregation that was at worship. Today, I get to introduce Erica to the congregation that reads this email — and I’ll try and answer a few questions about her role.

Erica recently graduated seminary at Nashotah House with a Master of Divinity degree. Erica is a Postulant for ordination in the Diocese of Dallas — the tentative plan has her ordained a deacon before the end of the year and then ordained to the priesthood in 2025.

Over the summer Erica moved down here to McKinney with her husband Tim and two of their children, Oliver and Evelyn (they also have an older son who lives in Georgia). Tim, who has a PhD in Mathematics, is a research professor at Georgia Tech and an author.

Erica began her curacy lost week. A curacy is a chance to continue to learn about and grow into the role of priest while actually doing the job. In that sense, a curate is loosely akin to role of resident in the training of doctor. Curacy placements are arranged by the Diocese in conjunction with parishes that the diocese believes have a lot to offer in terms of mentorship, support, and opportunities (like St. Andrew’s). In return, the diocese defrays a large part of the cost of having a curate on staff. Curacy agreements last for two years.

We’re thrilled to have Erica at St. Andrew’s. She will be taking oversight of all our adult formation programs, but she’ll do a lot more than that. As a curate she needs to experience some of everything — from hospital rooms to budget planning meetings — so don’t be surprised if she’s at one of your ministries. Please continue to introduce yourself when you see her and her family, and warmly welcome them all to St. Andrew’s.

In Christ,
Fr. Andrew