Our Clergy and Staff
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The Rev. Margaret (Maggie) Sullivan
Our rector, Rev. Maggie, was ordained to the priesthood later in life, having been an educator and an active lay leader in Southwest Florida before attending Virginia Theological Seminary. “Once a teacher, always a teacher” rings true, as formation opportunities pop up just about anywhere: sermons, book discussions, Bible Studies, and coffee-hour chats. Rev. Maggie enjoys the many outdoor opportunities southern Louisiana holds, from hiking to community festivals. She is a fan of the symphony and local theater productions. Rev. Maggie has two adult children, two precious grandchildren, and a cat named Mac. Email Rev. Maggie at [email protected] or call the office with pastoral concerns or to schedule a time to chat. |
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Mr. Erik Pittman, Music Minister
Erik Pittman, our organist, returned to the bench in 2014 after a 14 year absence for a bit of adventure. He met his wife, Elizabeth, while training to be an Arabic linguist in the U.S. Army, and they are having a joyful journey as parents to two awesome girls and five not-quite-as-awesome cats. While the cello will always be his primary musical instrument, playing the pipe organ is a regular delight and sharing in our corporate worship through music brings incredible spiritual fulfillment. His skills and knowledge of cabinetry and construction are showcased in our beautiful chancel and come in handy for projects at home and around St. Francis' campus. |
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Ms. Kathy Meyer, Parish Administrator
From Kathy: "My love for St. Francis Episcopal began with Hannah's Hands in 2021. The group welcomed this new resident to Louisiana with warmth, humor and love. When a Parish Administrator position opened up in 2024, I thought, “I want to give that a try!” I’ve been Episcopalian all my life and can’t imagine being anything else. I have been an active member in 5 different parishes in Missouri, California and now Louisiana. I’ve been involved with: youth ministry as a church youth leader and Diocese of West Missouri Happening Director for over 10 years, ECW, altar guild, vestry, parish counsel, Diocesan and Province programs also. I’ve loved it all! All volunteer! My career was in Payroll and Accounting for several industries: media, non-profit for Disabled Adults, and health care. I retired in 2019 and moved to Baton Rouge in 2020, right before Covid lockdown. I came to be near family that has been rooted in LA since the early 1990’s. My joys in life besides loving our God and Lord, is being a friend, Sister, Aunt, and Great Aunt and being a part of the St. Francis Church family! They follow Jesus and are loving, kind, giving and fun! What more do you need?" |
"Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Our Vestry
The Vestry is the church's governing board and the legal representative of the parish corporation and property. The Vestry’s role is also to protect the mission and the values of the Church. The Vestry safeguards the financial health of the church, creating and approving the budget, and helping research purchases and programs. A strong Vestry is an invaluable support for the rector.
Each year three members of the congregation are voted in to serve a three-year term. A good candidate for the Vestry is a deeply committed, faithful, prayerful follower of Jesus and a confirmed member of St. Francis Episcopal Church. A good candidate wants to be on the Vestry to serve God through this church. They need to have a solid prayer life, and participate in the life of the community. They do not need to be an expert in Episcopal tradition. A good vestry candidate is accessible, attending worship and other church activities faithfully. They are willing to listen and to work well with others to reach decisions that benefit the Church.
In addition to one monthly meeting on a Sunday after church service, Vestry members also take responsibility to be Vestry Member of the Day one Sunday each month, securing the building and the collection that day. Vestry members will also attend an annual retreat, usually held on a Saturday in early Spring.
Nominations for new Vestry members begin in November, with elections taking place at the Annual Meeting, usually held the last Sunday in January. If you are interested in supporting our church through the ministry of Vestry service, pray on this matter, and find more information from Rev. Maggie.
Each year three members of the congregation are voted in to serve a three-year term. A good candidate for the Vestry is a deeply committed, faithful, prayerful follower of Jesus and a confirmed member of St. Francis Episcopal Church. A good candidate wants to be on the Vestry to serve God through this church. They need to have a solid prayer life, and participate in the life of the community. They do not need to be an expert in Episcopal tradition. A good vestry candidate is accessible, attending worship and other church activities faithfully. They are willing to listen and to work well with others to reach decisions that benefit the Church.
In addition to one monthly meeting on a Sunday after church service, Vestry members also take responsibility to be Vestry Member of the Day one Sunday each month, securing the building and the collection that day. Vestry members will also attend an annual retreat, usually held on a Saturday in early Spring.
Nominations for new Vestry members begin in November, with elections taking place at the Annual Meeting, usually held the last Sunday in January. If you are interested in supporting our church through the ministry of Vestry service, pray on this matter, and find more information from Rev. Maggie.
2025 Vestry (from left, back row) Jim Bruce, Mike Stafford, Brenna Beckman, Mike Picou (Senior Warden), Ed Ballow
(front row, from left) Dolly Williams, Maggie Sullivan, Darla Grashot. Not pictured: Darren Catallo, Erik Pittman (Junior Warden), and Darla Burnett (treasurer)
The Vestry elects a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Treasurer, who also serve as an Executive Board that works with the rector to ensure the ongoing health and long-term stability of the parish. The Senior Warden can sign contracts, and conduct Vestry meetings in the absence of the rector. The Junior Warden often oversees the physical campus, scheduling upkeep and repairs. The Treasurer works with the Parish Administrator providing checks and balances for income, expenses, payroll, budgeting and other financial matters.
The Vestry also elects a Clerk that provides the official records of Vestry Meetings.
We are grateful to all the dedicated parishioners that serve, and have served, on the Vestry!
The Vestry also elects a Clerk that provides the official records of Vestry Meetings.
We are grateful to all the dedicated parishioners that serve, and have served, on the Vestry!
