Recognizing his ongoing leadership of the diocesan Office of Formation and Transition Ministry, the Rev. Canon Thomas Quijada-Discavage was named an honorary canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles by Bishop John Harvey Taylor on May 5.
“Tom is now a canon by virtue of his ministry on our staff,” Taylor said while conferring the honor during the diocesan clergy conference. “Lifelong canons of the diocese are ministers who do diocesan-wide ministry. I think it’s fair to say that Tom’s ministry has touched almost every community in our diocese. So I am proud to say that Tom is now a canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.”
“I am grateful for this unexpected honor coming from Bishop Taylor with whom I have worked these past 10 years,” said Quijada-Discavage, who received a standing ovation during the presentation. “Being part of his diocesan team has been one of the richest parts of my ministry, and I look forward to the next chapter with Bishop-elect Antonio and his administration.”
Quijada-Discavage was named canon for formation and transition ministry in 2021, having assisted in the department since 2016. A primary focus of his work is supporting the placement of clergy in congregations of the diocese, and he also plays a key role in organizing and hosting the annual clergy conference.
“Tom was born and raised in upstate New York and ordained in the Roman Catholic Church before, lucky us, he found his way to The Episcopal Church,” Taylor added. “In our diocese, he was rector of St. Barnabas in Eagle Rock and priest in charge at St. Philip’s in Los Angeles and also served at St. James in the City.
“He has served on the diocesan staff for 10 years and for nearly six as canon for formation and transition. His spouse, Frank, is a noted fashion designer and soccer player, so when Tom isn’t at work or in church, he’s at a soccer game. Tom and Frank have five dog roommates.
“Tom brings to his ministry a granular understanding of the lives and leaders of our missions and parishes as he works on the jigsaw puzzle of transition ministry in the teeth of a clergy shortage. You have heard of 57 varieties. Tom anticipates having 57 vacancies to contend with. Not every church can afford a full-time priest, so it takes careful, discerning work with both priest and place.”