Trinity Calls New Rector

April 15, 2008 The Rev. Patricia S. Downing

On Tuesday, April 15, the Vestry announced its unanimous decision to call The Rev. Patricia Steinecke Downing to be the Rector of Trinity Parish. The Reverend Mrs. Downing comes to us from Good Shepherd Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she has served as Rector since 1997. Patty has emphasized personal spirituality, a vibrant sense of community and congregational development within the parish, and a programmatic focus on growth that has brought many new families and individuals to her current parish. She is a dynamic, inclusive, and energetic leader; we hope and expect that Trinity Parish will stretch and grow under her leadership.

After the thoughtful and prayerful process conducted by the Discernment and Search Committee, the Vestry agrees that Patty is the right choice to be Trinity's next rector, and we are grateful that she has chosen to join us. Patty describes her ministry as one that finds articulation through her life lived in the community she serves and with those whom she serves.

Patty graduated from General Theological Seminary, New York, in 1995. She has completed post-graduate certification in congregational development and serves on the board of the Congregational Development Institute. Patty has also experienced a total immersion course in Spanish, which she continues to study. Patty is married to The Reverend Richard Downing (Dickie), who has just retired as the Rector of another Episcopal church. Patty and Dickie share interests in cooking, traveling, and reading. Moving to Delaware will require Patty to give up her position as goalie for a Washington soccer team! To read Patty's biography, click here.

Patty has the spiritual grounding, strength, and knowledge to lead this unique and complex parish. She has a deep understanding and love of our Episcopal tradition and an appreciation of the range of liturgies we celebrate. Her commitment to listening and building relationships as we move forward will help us hear and act on God's call for us today, here in a place where we have marked 300 years of faith in the city.

Join us Sunday, August 3rd for Patty's first celebration of Holy Eucharist with Trinity. In the meantime, Ashlin Bray and Max Dooley are preparing to offer Patty and Dickie a warm welcome. They will reach out to the parish for help and look forward to you responding with characteristic enthusiasm.

Thanks to all of you for your support, prayers, and faithfulness during the discernment and search process. May God bless and guide us as we welcome Patty to join us in ministry here at Trinity. And may God comfort, support, and guide the people of Good Shepherd Parish as they begin the transition to the next phase of their community's life. Thanks be to God!