The Reverend Cathy Hagstrom George: Résumé

Please note that the Rev. Cathy Hagstrom George withdrew her nomination on October 23, 2011

Education
Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA
• Master of Divinity, June l984
• Billings Prize for preaching

Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
• Bachelor of Arts, May 1979
• Highest Honors in Religion and Anthropology

Experience
2008–present
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dorchester, MA, Priest in Charge
In collaboration with the Diocese I moved from an affluent suburb to the inner city to lead an initiative to forge a future for two inner city parishes at risk of closing. Through pastoral care, preaching, and strategic planning with lay leaders I led an assessment of both properties and parish communities. Historic St. Mary’s elected to participate fully. Its church property is extensively renewed and the parish community has grown in pledging, attendance and mission. Responding to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood, St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s merge in mission to the hungry, expanding a food pantry housed at St. Mary’s. A new playground at St. Mary’s welcomes 75 children to its summer program. An evening tutoring program and steel pan drum band offer youth in the city and Diocese a place for enrichment. Evangelism in this diverse parish neighborhood includes a concert series and neighborhood outreach. St. Mary’s continues to establish partnerships across the city, and in the Diocese connecting urban and suburban parishes.

1996–2008
St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Lincoln, MA, Rector
As spiritual leader I presided over the liturgy, pastoral care, spiritual and numeric growth of this program size parish. Initiated, and developed an extensive Adult Education program designed for Sunday mornings and weekdays. Hired and supervised a staff of eight, overseeing children and youth programs, adult and children’s choir, administrative and custodial work. As Chief administrator of $665K operating budget we doubled the pledge income of the parish in 10 years. Increased lay leadership throughout every aspect of parish life, including preaching, teaching, pastoral care and stewardship. Building an infrastructure for parish growth, I led the parish through a process of discerning a parish vision for future vitality. Working with lay leaders we together raised $4.6 million for a new parish house and sanctuary renovation. Developed program to incorporate new members into the parish. Increased the parish’s commitment to the poor; establishing inner-city partnerships with two parishes in Boston, and Ebusiratse parish, in Kenya. Responsible for all aspects of the liturgical life of the parish.1994–1996Trinity Church in the City of Boston, Boston, MA, Senior Associate for Christian Formation Designed and directed the spiritual formation for 2000-member parish in the heart of Boston. Created Sunday Forum for adult education, weekday educational and spiritual renewal offerings. Supervised staff of seven people: overseeing and implementing all programs for youth and children. Participated in councils of the Rector, vestry, and wardens. Preaching, celebration of the sacraments, and pastoral care responsibilities.

1987–1995
Emmanuel Church, Dublin, NH, Rector
Priest in charge of summer chapel. Revitalized a dying faith community, substantially increased and broadened membership, inviting young families and singles, providing children’s classes and choir, as well as adult choir and bible study. Grew summer worship community from 10 people to 100 in eight year tenure. Preached, celebrated, and officiated at all summer services, including weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Provided pastoral care and counseling for summer faith community.

1990–1993
St. John’s Church, Beverly Farms, MA, Assistant to the Rector
Created and administered parish outreach program linking college students with social service agencies in the city through community service internships. Preached, celebrated, and officiated at worship services. Led the youth program for grades 7–12.

1984–1986
Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Framingham, MA, Prison Chaplain
Member of Protestant/Catholic Chaplaincy Team ministering to female offenders. Provided pastoral care, bible study, religious services, and post-release counseling. Pastor to maximum security unit. Developed an internship program for seminarians in prison. Raised money to support project.

Diocesan Responsibilities
Bishop’s Advisory Cabinet, 2007–present
Deputy to General Convention, June 2006, Committee on National and International Concerns
Inner-city Partnership, after-school and summer school programs, property renewal, 2004–2008
Kenya Partnership, Jubilee Ministry (AIDS orphans feeding program), 2004–2008
Chair, Task Force on the Blessing of Same Sex Unions, 2003
President, Standing Committee, 1996–1997
Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee, 1993–1994
Vice President, Massachusetts Episcopal Clergy Association, 1993–1999

Publications
Wisdom Found (contributor), Forward Movement Press, 2011
Advent Meditations 2011, Church Publishing
“Meditations for Advent”, Massachusetts Diocesan Website, 2009
“John Coburn: a Life”, Episcopal Times, Fall 2009
A Thirst for the Living God, collected sermons, self -published, 2008
“Spiritual Soundings” column, Lincoln Journal, 2007–2008
“Lessons from Maximum Security”, Prison Ministry article, Christian Ministry, Chicago, IL, 1996

Continuing Education
Annual Spiritual Retreats: Santa Rita Abbey, Cistercian Trappestine Sisters, Sonoita, AZ, 1996 to present
Ecumenical Institute, St. John’s Collegeville, Minnesota Writers as Pastors Seminars, 2009–2011
Urban Ministry Conference, Washington DC, June 2009
Religion and Government: Choices of Morality, Law & Politics, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Fall 2008
The Politics and Ethics of the Use of Force, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Spring 2008
CREDO, April 2007
Writing and the Pastoral Life with Eugene Peterson, Collegeville, MN, June 2007
The Palestine of Jesus, 10 day pilgrimage and study led by St. George’s College, Jerusalem, and SSJE brothers. August, 2006
Trinity Institute, Trinity Church Wall Street, New York, NY: 1992–2009

Ordination
Deacon, The Right Reverend John Coburn, June l986. Priest, May l987.

Personal
Enjoy the outdoors, walking, gardening, swimming, and snowshoeing. I love to read, write, dance and cook. Prayer, yoga and meditation practice. Married to Michael George since 1985; two children: Evangelyn (25) and Samuel (23).