The Rev. Candis Burgess has recently moved to Salisbury to serve St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as its stated supply priest.
A native of Florida, Burgess received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and the master’s of divinity degree from the School of Theology, at Sewanee, The University of the South.
As a small child, Burgess’ family was brought into the life of faith because her parents sent her to a good Episcopal kindergarten.
When she came home with questions, the family began to attend services to find out what was going on in that place.
With one brother now a priest and the other brother a Culinary Institute of America graduate and certified club manager, she says, “We’re all about the same business: celebration and the breaking of bread.”
Not surprisingly, Burgess has a passion for strengthening and affirming the role of the parent as the child’s primary Christian educator, and for including the young in the life of the congregation.
“We don’t not feed our children until they have perfect table manners, nor do we not listen to them until they speak perfect English, so neither should we limit their involvement in the parish family. Children have an amazing capacity for the mystery of our liturgy, and a deep need to actively participate in the circle of life. I am where I am today because adults other than my parents took my questions seriously, and encouraged my curiosity and need to know.”
She echoes the hymn of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina: “All are welcome in this place.”
Following her ordination to the priesthood, Burgess has served congregations in Southwest Florida, Northern Michigan, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Her interests include exploring the backroads and off-the-beaten-path places of North Carolina and other places she visits and reading.
“I’ve already been to our wonderful library!” she says.
She is a “foodie” who actively encourages support of local merchants and farmers.
The people of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church gather to worship Sunday mornings at 11 a.m., and at a casual Evening Prayer service Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The Church is located at 930 S. Main St., and the Web site, which lists special occasions and other news, is www.stpaulsepiscopal salisburync. org/Index.html.