The Rev. Tom Turner

Tom Turner began serving at St. Mark's as a deacon on July 11th.

 

Tom was born in Norfolk, Virginia.  After serving in the U.S. Army and completing his undergraduate studies, he moved his family to San Antonio.  Tom's practiced vocation has been civil and criminal law since completing law school in 1978.  He and his wife, Darlene have been residents of Alice, Texas, since 1979.  They have two grown children who reside in New York.  This past may, they became proud grandparents of Samuel George.

 

 

Although Tom was raised Presbyterian, he did not attend church regularly.  He met his wife, Darlene, while working at an Episcopal Church camp in Richmond, VA.  They were married a few months later.  Like many young adults, Tom was busy with his work and pursuing his education.  When their daughter Kristen came along, they sought out a church and began going to the Episcopal Church of Resurrection in San Antonio.  Darlene's parents were attending Resurrection and Darlene was a cradle Episcopal, so it was a natural fit.  Tom attended church and an adult Bible study, but was pretty much occupied with school and work.

 

Tom's church involvement really began at the Advent in Alice.  He served on the vestry and taught Sunday School.  As his children grew, his involvement grew.  He became a Lay Reader and Lay Eucharistic Minister.  He held the position of Senior Warden many times and as a Delegate or Alternate to Council on almost a regular basis.

 

Several years ago Tom began to desire additional theological education.  He was told about the Bi-Vocational Track for the priesthood.  After thorough prayer and thoughtful consideration, he believed he was being called by God and directed to the priesthood.  After completing the curriculum at the IONA School for Ministry, he was ordained a Deacon on June 24th at Advent Episcopal in Alice, Texas.  His calling as a Bi-Vocational priest that he will not look to the priesthood to support himself and his family but rather that he will continue to work in the secular vocation as a Lawyer, and be called upon to assist rectors who need to be away or as a supply priest for parishes and missions that cannot afford fulltime priest.

 

In being assigned to serve St. Mark's as a deacon, Tom hopes to continue to learn the many ways of worshipping God, to see how the people of St. Mark's carry on the mission of Christ, and to gain experience in conducting worship and meeting the needs of the congregation.

 

"This calling has led to many changes, but primarily to a much deeper understanding of the love God has for his children, the relationship that we must have with the Father, and the Son, and how to respond to that relationship through the Holy Spirit."  Tom's plans are to continue to serve the Diocese as a supply priest following his ordination as a priest in January.

 

Welcome to St. Mark's, Tom Turner!