About Our Lay Vicar

Judith Jones

Our lay vicar, Judith Jones was born and raised in Austin, and attended First Baptist Church there throughout her growing up years. She lived in several other Texas cities and in Portland, Oregon pursuing differing business opportunities, but returned to Central Texas in the mid-1970’s. She became an Episcopalian 21 years ago, and has been an active member of St. David’s in Austin from 1985 until being assigned as St. Paul's Lay Vicar in the fall of 2006.

After volunteering in almost every lay position in the church, she went into discernment for the priesthood with Fr. Jim Bethell (now retired rector of St. David’s) in 1997. Judith attended St. Edward’s University to work on Religious Studies courses, during which time she did an internship in Hospital Chaplaincy at St. David’s Hospital. She entered the Iona School for Ministry in 2005. In August of 2006, Bishop Wimberly approved her postulancy, and Judith will graduate from the Iona School and be ordained to the transitional diaconate in June of 2008. She looks forward to being a fully ordained priest and vicar by late 2008, or early 2009.

While at St. David’s she gained experience in leadership of stewardship and capital campaigns, was on the vestry when they built their 50,000 square foot addition, and held offices in both the choir and Episcopal Church Women. She was trained by the national church in facilitating a women’s series entitled Women of Vision, and led retreats for several churches throughout the diocese. All of these experiences bring assets to St. Paul’s which will help to lead us into the future.