Meet the Diocese introduces you to one of the many people who make ministry happen across Western Louisiana. This week, we're getting to know the Rev. Riley, deacon and curate at St. Barnabas.


1) What do you love most about your church or ministry?

Though I’m still kind of new to St. Barnabas, one of the first things I noticed which has become increasingly dear to me is the wideness and sincerity of their welcome. The faithful of St. Barnabas take seriously the call to welcome Christ—in the Eucharist, in one another, and in stranger about them. This makes me tremendously excited and humbled to have been called to serve among them. 

2) What is your favorite Episcopal tradition?

The snuffing of the presence candle on Maundy Thursday paired with the lighting to the Easter Fire at the Great Vigil. Seeing the nave at its darkest only to be rekindled on the third day is so profoundly moving. I tend to cry at both moments. 


3) What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

That I graduated from the Marine Corps' Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. There’s not much about my current figure, bearing, or deportment that would give any clue that I spent a summer training with Marines. 


4) What Scripture verse, prayer, or hymn has been meaningful to you lately?

“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy,” specifically to the St. Helena tune (Hymnal 469). Calvin Hampton’s tune is so beautiful and so gentle that it’s the perfect accompaniment for the text. Even the first few notes of the introduction always brings a smile to my face.


5) Gumbo or jambalaya?

I’ll take the chicken and sausage version of either, but I was in about my second month in Louisiana when, while working at my new desk, I had to get up and go get some gumbo right now! I was a surprised that I had gotten hooked so quickly! So I guess Lafayette must have converted me to a gumbo guy.