Transition News June 4, 2025

Recently ordained transitional deacons receive their next calls.

Drew Downey

Drew has been called to serve as assistant rector* at Christ Church Episcopal, Glen Allen, Virginia

"I am filled with gratitude and hope as I begin my ordained ministry at Christ Church Episcopal in Glen Allen, Virginia. I carry a deep love for preaching, liturgy, and pastoral presence, and I’m especially passionate about creating spaces where people can ask big questions and encounter God’s grace. My call is rooted in walking alongside all people through the rhythms of life and faith-teaching, listening, blessing, and learning together. Christ Church is a vibrant, thoughtful, and compassionate community, and I’m excited to grow with them as we seek to be the Body of Christ."

Antwon Lewis

Antwon has been called to serve as curate* at St. Mary's, Andalusia, Alabama

"It is with deep gratitude and joy that I return to St. Mary’s, a congregation that welcomed me warmly during my field education placement and supported me along my journey to ordination. To now serve this community as curate is both a gift and a responsibility I hold with reverence. This new season of ministry comes after years of formation that have included pastoral service, theological study, and most recently, the completion of my Doctor of Ministry degree. Each chapter has deepened my call to walk alongside others in faith, hope, and compassion. Returning to St. Mary’s feels like a homecoming. This is a place that nurtured my growth, and now I look forward to growing with you—as we listen together for God’s voice, serve our neighbors, and deepen our life in Christ. I am honored to continue this journey with you, and I step into this role with a heart full of hope and anticipation for the work God is calling us to do together."

Salem Saloom

Salem has been called to serve as clergy-in-charge* at St. Anna's, Atmore (Poarch), Alabama

"Although I have been preaching and serving Communion Under Special Circumstances with Reserved Sacraments at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church in Poarch since July 16, 2023, I am excited and profoundly grateful to continue my ministry in this sacred community now as clergy-in-charge. My hope is that we will continue to grow spiritually together and strengthen our relationships with one another, drawing closer to the very heart of God. Through meaningful preaching and reflective feedback, Bible study and Christian formation in community, and compassionate pastoral care, we will share communion in profound ways. My prayer is that we continue to discern and celebrate the presence of God in our individual lives and in our communal journey. Through this shared communion, we are empowered to extend Christ’s transformative love to our wider communities."

Mark Waddell

Mark has been called to serve clergy-in-charge* at St. Augustine's, Navarre, Florida

"My road to ordination was a long one, full of peaks and valleys. It wasn’t until I moved to Navarre and started to attend St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church that I was supported by both my wife and my congregation, and heeded the Spirit’s call to ministry. The people at St. Augustine and I have walked this path together, and together we have grown into the place where all of God’s children are accepted, celebrated, and formed to be the disciples to the world that the Spirit has called us to be. It is a joy to be assigned to lead this parish where together we are building a spirit-filled place for all people."

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*Currently transitional deacon; position will be official once ordained to the priesthood.