It is with great excitement that I anticipate my upcoming internship at Grace Church. I have been asked to share a bit about myself: I live in Washington, MA with my husband of eleven years, Frank and our special-needs animals (Abigail, the ‘Sheltie-huahua’, and the cats, Tasha, and Tobias). We have lived in the Berkshires for about thirteen years, previously living just outside of Manhattan in northern New Jersey.
I retired from the corporate world nine years ago, fulfilling a dream to commit myself full time to volunteer activities. I have been active on a number of professional and not-for-profit boards, served as editor and publisher of our town paper, and held numerous positions at St. Helena’s Chapel in Lenox.
In 2012 I received what I can only describe as an invitation that I could not turn down, as I felt called to the priesthood. I became a licensed lay preacher and lay worship leader. I have led morning services at St. Helena’s in addition to the yearly Blessing of the Animals and the Blue Christmas Service. Early in 2014 I was formally accepted as a Postulant to Holy Orders by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. I recently concluded my internship at St. Stephen’s in Pittsfield.
I have attended Hartford Seminary and am currently completing my bachelor’s degree while concurrently pursuing my Master of Divinity studies at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, MA. I am passionate about working with wisdom keepers (elders), LGBT issues, and feminist theology as well as developing interfaith relationships. I also serve as a volunteer chaplain at Albany Medical Center.
Two scriptures that are very meaningful to me are “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it”: Hebrews 13:2, and “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” ~ St. Francis of Assisi.
I look forward to my time at Grace Church and all I have to learn from each and every person I meet and have the opportunity to work beside and serve.
May your day bring you peace, blessings, and knowledge.
Yours in Christ.
Virginia Vogel-Polizzi