October 2025
Greetings from ‘Tri-Valley’
by the Very Rev. Christopher Montella,
and the second in a series of Angelus columns authored by diocesan deans
Dear Friends in Christ,
I bring you greetings from the clergy and leadership of Deanery 2! We are known as the Tri-Valley deanery, being made up of congregations in the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys. Deanery 2 is home to two schools — Harvard-Westlake and Campbell Hall — and 10 worshiping communities made up of eight parish communities and two mission congregations. They are:
Prince of Peace, Woodland Hills
St. Andrew & St. Charles, Granada Hills
St. Luke’s of the Mountains, La Crescenta
St. Mark’s Van Nuys
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Winnetka
St. Michael & All Angels, Studio City
St. Nicholas of Myra, Encino
St. Paul’s, Lancaster
St. Simon’s, San Fernando
St. Stephen’s Santa Clarita
Deanery 2 life is dynamic. Life in our deanery is exemplified by not only the worshiping communities in our geography but also the educational institutions that are located within it.
Campbell Hall is a K-12 school founded in 1944 and continues today with its mission as a “community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.”
Harvard-Westlake, which serves grades 7-12, “strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond ourselves.”
The Rev. Canon Julian Bull serves as head of school at Campbell Hall and both schools are supported by chaplains, the Rev. Canon Norman Hull and the Rev. Joey Courtney at Campbell Hall with the Rev Anne Gardner at Harvard-Westlake.
In addition to offering a variety of worship styles, almost every one of our congregations run or provide space for schools and other meaningful service operations on our campuses.
The Rt. Rev. Naudal Gomes, former primate of Brazil, serves at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Van Nuys as well as St. Simon’s in San Fernando. Bishop Naudal splits his time between the two congregations each Sunday so that both communities feel his presence on a weekly basis.
It has been a big year for our friends at Prince of Peace in Woodland Hills who bid farewell to their rector of 36 years, the Rev. Canon Rand Reasoner in June. The Rev. Brian Tucker continues to provide primary leadership during the transition time.
Prince of Peace gave life to the West Valley Food Pantry in 1975 and earlier this year opened a new multi-million dollar West Valley Food Pantry and Community Center facility on the Prince of Peace Campus. You can find out more about their work at westvalleyfoodpantry.org.
At St. Andrew and St. Charles in Granada Hills, the Rev. Canon Greg Frost retired at the end of 2024 after 32 years of service, and the congregation is engaged in a thoughtful search process for its next rector.
St. Luke’s of the Mountains in La Crescenta, which celebrated its centennial last year, continues to grow and evolve as it makes its way into its second century defining itself as “The Love Church/ La Iglesia Del Amor” with spirited leadership from its vicar, the Rev. Guy Leemhuis. One of St. Luke’s most vital ministries is its Firehouse Youth Center. The former Fire Station 19 firehouse on the St. Luke’s campus is “used as a meeting center and safe house for local middle schoolers and teens. The Firehouse is open several nights per week to serve as a safe place for teens to hang out, do homework and share fellowship.”
We have made meaningful efforts to create more connection between our communities by hosting events such as an Earth Day Lunch and Learn, which was hosted by St. Martin-in-the -Fields in Winnetka and produced in collaboration with the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change and an evening with Bishop Taylor discussing the war between Israel & Hamas hosted at St. Stephen’s in Santa Clarita.
Given that four of our congregations offer services in Spanish which speaks to the large Spanish-speaking population of our deanery, we are sure to provide Spanish translation at all deanery events.
As we look to the future and seek to provide even more support via the deanery structure to our local communities, we are in development of a grant program which will hopefully roll out some time in 2026 to support innovation and provide support in times of urgent need.
Of course there is vibrant ministry happening across the deanery. Here I offer only a snapshot of what we have going on and some of the recent milestones in the lives of our communities. These communities are alive with the Holy Spirit and each in its own unique way is modeling unconditional love, compassion and love for God’s people.
I give thanks for their unrelenting service to our communities and for the privilege of working with each of them as the Dean.
Grace and peace to each of you.
Faithfully,
Christopher+
The Very Rev. Christopher Montella is rector of St. Stephen’s Church in Santa Clarita, and dean of Deanery Two.
Angelus Links
Clergy: Office of Formation and Transitions Ministry
The next issue of Angelus will be electronically transmitted and published in November 2025.
Please email news and connections items to Angelus editor, the Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, at: revpatmccaughan@aol.com by October 22.
Angelus is a joint project of the Office of Clergy Formation and Transition Ministry and the Office of Communication of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
213.482.2040, ext. 251
The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, editor
revpatmccaughan@aol.com
949.892.0525
Reminders
TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship
The Diocese of Los Angeles has renewed its membership in TENS: the Episcopal Network for Stewardship, which offers stewardship resources, teaching and training opportunities.
The diocese’s membership provides access to TENS materials for all its congregations. To log on, visit the website, select “Annual Pledge Campaign” from the navigation bar and “Tell Out My Soul” from the dropdown menu. The password for 2025 is Luke1:46. (Note: the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces. No user name is required.) Materials are available in English and Spanish and in MS Word and PDF versions.
The campaign theme is “Tell out My Soul,” a celebration and proclamation of the Good News. “The Good News that fills our spirits with joy is about the radical abundance, abiding love, and healing power that Jesus shares with us when we respond to his call to follow him. All of the gifts that we have been given are ready to burst forth to serve our neighbors and share our love with a world in need.”
Grants available for deacons in financial need
The Fund for the Diaconate provides vital financial assistance for deacons and those in diaconal formation who have insufficient funds for their needs. Most deacons in The Episcopal Church serve as non-stipendiary ministry leaders, and lack church pensions to draw upon in times of crisis. Grants are available for ongoing support, declared emergencies, medical expenses, and diaconal formation. Applications are accepted at any time. More information is here.
URGENT CALL: Update Clergy Supply List with Office of Formation and Transition Ministry
We are in great need of more assistance with Sunday supply and interim positions. If you are available to assist with supply, long term supply, transition ministry, etc., please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list. Please consider helping us out!
EDLA-Sanctuary-Sign-1EDLA-Sanctuary-Sign-1
Sacred Resistance signage now available in English, Spanish
In response to the escalation of ICE raids across Southern California, the Sacred Resistance Task Force, an immigration justice ministry of the diocese, has created a sign which can be posted at churches as a resource for congregations throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles. Download here. Download in Spanish here.
“Within our a sanctuary diocese, this sign serves as a notice to any agency/agent engaging in immigration enforcement that due process must be followed in and around our church grounds,” said the Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia, one of the members of the Sacred Resistance Steering Committee. “It is literally an outward and visible sign that we are guided simultaneously by our constitutional rights and by our baptismal covenant – and that both require of us to respect the human dignity of all persons, regardless of citizenship status or any other perceived status of difference.”
More information on the Sacred Resistance Task Force can be found on its website or by contacting diocesan staff liaison the Rev. Canon Susan Russell at srussell@ladiocese.org.
Episcopal Church Immigration Action Toolkit Available
The Episcopal Church has released an Immigration Action Toolkit, offering ways to help as well as resources for individuals, congregations, and dioceses. The toolkit is available here.
Bishop nominee meet-and-greet gatherings set
The schedule for the Bishop nominee meet-and-greet gatherings is as follows:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. All welcome. St. Columba’s Parish, 1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo 93010 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Wednesday, Oct. 22
· Session 1: 1 p.m. Clergy only. St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles 90026 (No Zoom link will be available.)
· Session 2: 7 p.m. All welcome (Spanish-language translation available). Christ the Good Shepherd Parish 3303 W. Vernon Ave., Los Angeles 90008 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. All welcome. All Saints’ Parish, 3847 Terracina Drive, Riverside 92506 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Friday, Oct. 24
· Session 1: 1 p.m. Clergy only. Church of the Messiah Parish, 614 N. Bush St., Santa Ana 92701 (No Zoom link will be available.)
· Session 2: 7 p.m. All welcome (Spanish-language translation available). St. Thomas Mission, 15694 Tetley St., Hacienda Heights 91745 (Zoom link will be provided.)
Clergy spouses, partners invited to Diocesan Convention lunch program, hospitality room
Clergy spouses and partners are invited to gather in a designated hospitality room for lunch Friday, Nov. 7, and throughout Diocesan Convention’s annual meeting in Riverside.
Bishop John Harvey Taylor will share reflections during the lunch program, set for 12 noon Nov. 7 and hosted by his spouse, Canon Kathy O’Connor.
Spouses and partners wishing to attend the luncheon are asked to email O’Connor at mizkoc@gmail.com to indicate their plans to participate.
Requiescat
The Rev. Jim Maronde
A private service was held for Jim Maronde, a clinical psychologist and director of the St. Luke’s Outreach Center in Fontana, who died Sept. 10, at the age of 75. Survivors include his wife, Denise, and five adult children and their families. A date for a memorial service at St. Luke’s has not been announced. At St. Luke’s Maronde provided spiritual direction for nearly a dozen 12-step meetings a week and offered a Wednesday evening service of Holy Eucharist. A native Californian, he had also served at: St. Nicholas, Encino; St. Martin in-the-Fields, Winnetka, and St. Alban’s, Westwood. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1978 and the priesthood in 1979 by Bishop Robert Rusack. He held a master of divinity degree from the General Theological Seminary in New York and a doctorate in clinical psychology from William Lyon University, San Diego.
Connections
ANDREA ARSENE has begun serving as Priest Associate at All Saints, Riverside.
GREG KIMURA is one of four candidates on the bishop slate for the Fresno-based Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin’s search for a sixth bishop. He currently serves as rector of St. James, South Pasadena. The election will be held Oct. 18.
PHILLIP LIENAU is serving as associate priest at St. Paul’s, Tustin.
JOSEPH OLOIMOOJA will be installed as the 9th rector of Holy Faith, Inglewood, at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 11. The diocesan community is invited to attend. Clergy: red stoles.
HART ROUSSEL has begun serving at Emmanual, Fullerton under the mentorship of Bill Garrison. They will be sharing ministry at Emmanuel into the beginning of 2026.
ANDREW RUTLEDGE will begin serving as rector of St. Mark’s, Los Olivos, in October.
MARY TOROREIY wias installed as rector of St. Mary’s, Lompoc, Sept. 20, 2025.
WINNIE VARGHESE was installed as the 12th dean of St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 27.
Request to Clergy
October 2025
With over 40 congregations in some stage of transition and other clergy trying to take some much-needed time off, please consider helping us out!! We are in great need of more assistance with Sunday Supply and Interim positions. If you are available to assist with supply, long term supply, transition help, etc. please email Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org to make sure you are on our list.
Congregational Openings
October 2025
Clergy are encouraged to request that their name be placed on an “interest list” if they would like to be considered for:
a) positions, regardless of the progress of the congregation in determining their process, or their readiness to receive names;
b) placement by the bishop in mission congregations or where an appointment is otherwise applicable.
Contact the Rev. Canon Tom Quijada-Discavage at tdiscavage@ladiocese.org or via phone at: 213.482.2040.
Open positions:
ACTIVE (Rectors)
Receiving names/Soon to post
None currently open
ACTIVE (Vicars)
None currently
Soon to Post:
Receiving names/Soon to post
ACTIVE (Associate/Curate/Other Positions)
TUSTIN, St. Paul’s / Assistant Rector with PIC Potential / Full-time
St. Paul’s seeks an experienced priest ready to lead a thriving, progressive parish, to be hired initially as Associate Rector and serve jointly with our current Rector, who will retire in late Fall 2026. Upon her retirement, you will be strongly considered to serve as Priest-in-Charge, and then become the new rector, pending approval by the parish and diocese.
Generous compenation and benefits package. To apply:
* send resume/CV;
* cover letter that includes answers to 3 questions:
Why are you interested in this position?
What is your vision of parish ministry?
In a time of decreased church participation, what is the value of parish ministry?
* Please include links for two videos of your preaching. OR the text of two recent sermons
* deadline October 15
* appy by emailing this info to: administrator@stpauls.org
For more info about the church, visit the website at: www.stpauls.org
IRVINE, St. Andrew’s / Assistant Priest, half-time
- St. Andrew’s is seeking a half-time priest with strong preaching, interpersonal, and collaborative skills. The ability to welcome new and diverse persons and to communicate with young people is essential. This person would assist with preaching, Christian formation, and would partner with our rector in supporting the ministries of our congregation.
- For more info, visit website:https://standrewsirvine.org, Facebook link
- Please send cover letter/questions/resume toPeter@standrewsirvine.org
OXNARD, All Saints’ ~ Todos los Santos / Associate Priest for Children’s and Youth Ministry (part time)
- Please be in direct contact with The Rev. Melissa Campbell-Langdell, Rector with any questions and paperwork if interested – revmelissalangdell@gmail.com
- This person should be ordained or about to be ordained as a priest, conversant in Spanish and English and ready to learn and support our children’s, youth and family ministries. Flexible scheduling is available.
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFjXuOdF63HKuC-Y7TO2dBoCGrX_-UUR/view?usp=sharing
OPEN
Receiving names/developing profile
Beverly Hills, All Saints Parish – Full-time Rector
Fullerton, Emmanuel Parish – Full-time Rector
Fullerton, St. Andrew’s Parish – Full-time Rector
Granada Hills, St. Andrew and Charles Parish – Full-time Rector
Hesperia, St. Hillary’s – Part-time Vicar
Laguna Beach, St. Mary’s – Part-time Rector
Long Beach, St. Thomas of Canterbury – Part-time Vicar
Los Angeles, St. John’s Cathedral – Full-time Dean
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish – Part-time Rector
Pasadena, Church of the Angels – Bishop’s Chapel – Full-time Vicar/Rector
Westchester, Holy Nativity Parish – Full-time Rector
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace – Full-time Rector
OPEN
No longer receiving names/Interviewing candidate
Los Olivos, St. Mark’s
Rancho Santa Margarita, St. John Chrysostom
MISSION & OTHER POSITION APPOINTMENTS
Mission congregation positions, some of them part time, for which the Formation and Transition Ministry office is presently receiving names for the bishop’s consideration.
Barstow, St. Paul’s Mission and Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran
Big Bear, St. Columba / Spirit of Peace Mission
Gardena, Holy Communion Mission
Lake Arrowhead, St. Richard of Chichester Mission
La Verne, St. John’s Mission
Moreno Valley, Grace Mission
Needles, St. John’s Mission
Norwalk, St. Francis Mission
Rialto, St. Peter’s Mission
Simi Valley, St. Francis Mission
Wilmington, St. John’s / Holy Child (PIC) Mission
Yucca Valley, St. Joseph of Arimathea Mission
NON-ACTIVE
Parish congregations that will at some point be searching for clergy leadership, but are now working with supply clergy, a long-term interim or priest in charge:
Arcadia, Church of the Transfiguration Parish
Downey, St. Mark’s Parish
Garden Grove, St. Anselm
Lancaster, St. Paul’s Parish
Los Angeles, Christ the Good Shepherd Parish
Los Angeles, Melrose, Trinity Parish
Los Angeles, St. Philip’s Parish
Monterey Park, St. Gabriel’s Parish
Ojai, St. Andrew’s Parish
Ontario, Christ Church
Pasadena, All Saints Parish
Pasadena, St. Barnabas Parish
Pomona, St. Paul’s Parish
San Fernando, St. Simon’s Parish
Santa Maria, St. Peter’s Parish
Santa Paula, St. Paul’s and Emmanuel Lutheran
South Gate, St. Margaret’s Parish
Van Nuys, St. Mark’s Parish
Woodland Hills, Prince of Peace.