Mother Emily (She/Her) is the Rector of St. Mary's and Episcopal Chaplain to the University of Pennsylvania. She is deeply committed to making the Good News of Jesus Christ relevant to today's world, with particular emphasis on fostering partnerships between the church and the wider community. Her passions include racial and social justice, arts and faith, outreach to students, supporting those disconnected from the church, and creation care. Emily’s primary focuses are liturgy, preaching, Bible study facilitation, and guiding faith conversations with individuals and families. A pastoral presence and acompañamiento—walking alongside others in their faith journeys—are central to her approach as both a spiritual leader and a priest-scholar.

Emily holds theological degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Sewanee School of Theology (STM). She is also a part-time doctoral student at the University of Aberdeen, where she is studying lived religion and practical theology. Additionally, Emily holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Old Dominion University and has taught at the college level. Her professional background includes work as an editor, writer, and researcher, and her writings have been featured in The Christian Century, Practical Theology, Anglican Theological Review, and other respected publications.

A wife and mother, Emily enjoys gardening, gluten-free baking, creative writing, playing with her daughter, and walking their dog, Maeve.

St. Mary's is thrilled to welcome Mother Emily as our new rector, particularly as we enter our bicentennial year. She embodies the spirit of our congregation: an inquisitive mentor, an open heart, a gentle soul, and—most importantly—a beloved friend.

 Deacon Beth (She/Her), originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, moved to Philadelphia in 2012 to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the University of Pennsylvania. She quickly found a church home at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, where she worshipped for over ten years. Beth was officially welcomed to St. Mary’s on August 18, 2024, the Feast of Our Matron Saint, Saint Mary the Virgin.

As the daughter of a former Baptist minister, Beth was introduced to Jesus' teachings from an early age. After being part of the Baptist and UCC denominations, she found her spiritual home in the Episcopal Church while living in San Francisco. Over the years, Beth discerned God’s calling, and after joining the Cathedral, she felt called to the diaconate. Passionate about social justice and advocating for marginalized voices, the role of deacon resonated with her. She worked as a therapist in community mental health after graduating in 2014.

Beth entered formal discernment for the diaconate in 2018, became a postulant in 2020, and began her diaconal formation that same year. She completed a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2023. Currently, she works as a clinician at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia, supporting victims and survivors of violence.

In her free time, Beth enjoys spending time with her cat, Ashley, reading, playing New York Times games, and painting watercolor. Ordained to the diaconate on June 3, 2023, she looks forward to exploring ministry with St. Mary’s.

Chase (He/Him) is a music historian, organist, and choral conductor. He earned a PhD in Music as a Benjamin Franklin Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania in May 2024. His research explores American revivalism in the nineteenth century, with a particular focus on the politics of race in American evangelical hymnody. His current book project, The Gospel in Black and White: Race and Popular Culture in American Hymns, builds on his dissertation and ongoing research. Unlike previous scholarship that often separates Black and white histories, Castle's work examines how racial politics were reflected in popular sacred music, expanding the scope beyond the traditional focus on African American spirituals.

In addition to his scholarly work, Castle is an active organist and choral conductor, regularly performing across the eastern United States. He has participated in master classes with notable figures such as Todd Wilson, Marie-Louise Langlais, and James David Christie. Castle believes deeply in the spiritual power of music in worship, and he has written for Christian publications like Earth & Altar, where he explores the social impact of hymnody. At St. Mary’s, he strives to create a music program that balances tradition with inclusivity, welcoming all participants to contribute to the spiritual and communal mission of the church.

Britt (She/They) has served as the Administrator and Facilities Coordinator at St. Mary's since August 16, 2018. Deeply inspired by the legacy of radical hospitality and equity that defines St. Mary's, Brittany is committed to ensuring that the sanctuary remains a safe and welcoming space for community-building and spiritual exploration.

With a diverse background spanning Public Relations, Marketing, Historic Preservation, Performing Arts, Graphic Design, Hospitality & Tourism, and Arts Administration, Brittany brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has earned certification as a CEOLD and Grief Coach and is currently pursuing certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Early Childhood Education (ECE), Human Resources (HR), and Consent- and Trauma-Informed Mental Health First Aid.

Beyond her professional expertise, Brittany is known for her creative touch, whether it’s crafting a beautiful vegan mosaic focaccia for our Third Sunday Brunches, saber-opening champagne bottles for special occasions, or ringing the three bells of St. Mary's for seven minutes straight. While these skills may not be listed on a resume, they speak volumes of her enthusiasm and dedication. Brittany is thrilled to contribute her unique talents to support St. Mary's vibrant, inclusive, and affirming community!

In her spare time, Britt enjoys cooking and urban foraging; watching horror B-movies with her husband, Oliver; and playing with her two cats, Prof. Libby Gluggagægir and Osiris (pictured).

Pat (He/Him) has served as the Sexton of St. Mary’s for over a decade, and during that time, he has become a beloved and integral member of our community. His deep commitment to caring for our historic, 200-year-old church and grounds has made him a true steward of our space, and his efforts extend to the local flora and fauna as well. This is especially evident in his work alongside our church's other “celebrity,” Sylvestra (pictured here), a cherished part of our natural world.

As a Sexton, Patrick embodies the ideal qualities for anyone entrusted with the care of a historic community gathering place. He is warm, welcoming, ingenious, and consistently proactive in ensuring our church is not only well-maintained but also a safe and inviting place for all who visit. His dedication goes beyond the practical, as he fosters an environment of hospitality and connection within the St. Mary’s community.



Patrick is not just a fixture at St. Mary’s—he is an ambassador for newcomers, always ready with a kind word or a smile. Whether you are a long-time member or a visitor, Patrick’s friendly presence makes you feel right at home.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Patrick, and his canine companion, Nando, as part of our St. Mary’s family!