My name is Paul Bennett, and I am the Priest in Residence here at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. I recently graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, was ordained to the Transitional Deaconate in June of 2020, and ordained a Priest in February of 2021. While I am a priest, that only makes up a part of who I am and what defines me. I am also a husband, parent, and artist, which all influence my priesthood.
I try to avoid the standard descriptions of liturgical style such as high or low church. I think the beauty of the Episcopal tradition is that our liturgy functions within the context of parish life and should represent and be accessible to the people who attend worship. I enjoy ministry across all ages and try to emphasize the importance of intergenerational activities.
My personal spirituality follows a rhythm of action and prayer. Action, in the form of social justice work. Prayer, in the form of mediation. Too often we can find ourselves empty and exhausted by the never-ending work of social justice and mediation is too often seen as doing nothing. By balancing these two aspects of a lived spirituality I can find and model the balance of outreach and prayer.
Your brother in Christ,
The Rev. Paul Bennett