![]() Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston has called the Rev. Ricardo Bailey to serve as rector beginning on Ash Wednesday—February 22, 2023. Currently, Father Bailey serves as priest-in-charge of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Decatur, Georgia, as well as chaplain to the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, and president of the Atlanta Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley shared her joyful excitement for Calvary with this announcement. “I could not be more delighted to call Father Ricardo Bailey to serve as rector of historic Calvary Episcopal Church” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “Since its founding in 1847, Calvary has served as a spiritual anchor in our diocese, raising up generations of leaders who have served our city and this state. Father Bailey’s spiritual gifts and leadership will be a dynamic match for the people of Calvary. I have enjoyed getting to know him as chaplain of the House of Bishops, where he has inspired and guided bishops from across the church. I anticipate this will be a vibrant next season of joyful growth at Calvary, building on the strong foundation of this historic parish.” Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in the Roman Catholic Church, Father Bailey was ordained to the priesthood for service in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2003. Upon leaving the Catholic Church in 2011, he was received as an Episcopalian in the Fall of 2011 by the Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander. In November 2013, Father Bailey was formally received as an Episcopal priest by the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. He served various schools and congregations in the Atlanta area from the time of his ordination until he was called to serve as priest-in-charge of St. Timothy’s, Decatur in 2018. As he prepares to move to Charleston for this next chapter of his ministry, Father Bailey shared his overwhelming joy. “To say that I am excited to come to serve Calvary is an understatement!” said Fr. Bailey. “I am humbled to be called to be their next rector. I know I will be on holy ground and I pray that as we were redeemed on Calvary over 2,000 years ago, Calvary Episcopal Church will lovingly, joyfully and enthusiastically proclaim the love, the life and the liberation of Jesus to everyone who sets foot on this holy ground!” Father Bailey is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (1997) and St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland (2003). He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and he serves as the Chaplain of his Fraternity’s Chapter (Chi Gamma Gamma in Marietta, GA.). Married to his “high-school sweetheart,” Mrs. Marica Bailey, they are the proud parents of four children and grandparents to twin granddaughters. Two of his favorite scriptural passages are as follows:
Upon his call and future installation as rector, Father Bailey will become the 7th Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, which was founded in 1847 as a church for enslaved and free persons of color. ![]() Mark your calendars and share with your congregations the dates for summer camp at Camp St. Christopher for 2023! Early registration will begin on Monday, January 9, 2023 and general registration will open on February 1. Check out the camp schedule on the St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center website at this link. Camp is open to kids from kindergarten to the 12th grade, with campers K-2 participating in short sessions with a parent (Buddy Camp). ![]() After nearly a year on the bishop’s staff as Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Diocesan Administrator, Cecilia Eaton will resign at the end of the month to move with her family to Illinois. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley expressed gratitude for her service to the diocese, as well as sadness about her departure. “Cecilia stepped into this position at a time of significant transition in our diocese, and her professional experience and willingness to take on new challenges shone through from the very beginning,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “She took on a range of tasks quickly and proved to be an integral member of our team, supporting us through a fast-paced and demanding year. While we are sad to see her leave us so soon, we send her off with our best wishes and prayers as she makes her way to a new home with her family.” Prior to joining diocesan staff in February 2022, Eaton worked for 10 years at Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community. As she prepares to move with her family to be closer to extended family in Illinois and Wisconsin, she reflected on her past year with the diocese with thanks and appreciation. “I feel very blessed for the time that I have had to work with all the wonderful people in the Diocese of South Carolina,” said Eaton. “I have met some amazing people in South Carolina and around the world within The Episcopal Church this past year and will miss their friendship.” Her last day with the diocese will be Tuesday, January 31, 2023. |
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March 2025
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