Podgorny named Minister for Community Life
Dean Thompson is pleased to announce the promotion of Bethany Podgorny as Minister for Community Life. Podgorny presently serves as the Assistant Director of Education and Community Initiatives for Da Camera of Houston, a local arts organization that produces thematically programmed concerts designed to attract new listeners to the concert hall. Since 2015, Podgorny has also been a staff singer at Christ Church.
The Minister for Community Life coordinates all community programming at the Cathedral, including major events such as May Fete, Episcopal Night at the Ballpark, the annual Parish Retreat, and the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper as well as smaller gatherings such as Bridge Night and our Fall and Spring Gatherings. The Minister for Community Life is charged to nurture Cathedral fellowship so that parishioners make meaningful connections with one another. The Minister for Community Life also coordinates the Community Life Council.
Dean Thompson says, “For several years we at Christ Church have been moved by Podgorny’s voice in the Cathedral Choir. Now we will gain from her love for the church, her desire to bring parishioners together in relationship, and her ability to plan events and work with volunteers.”
Podgorny will fill the shoes of Karen Kraycirik, who was promoted in January to become the Cathedral’s Chief Administrative Officer in addition to her role as Minister for Stewardship.
Of her new role, Podgorny says, “I am very excited about stepping into the role of Minister for Community Life at Christ Church Cathedral. Over the past four years singing in the Cathedral choirs, I’ve grown to love and respect this church and the impact it has on the city of Houston and each person who attends. I look forward to getting to know many of you better over the coming weeks and months as we work to create opportunities for an even stronger and more connected community.” Podgorny assumes her new role on April 16.
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