Episcopalian

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 120

Meet the Episcopal Church of the Ascension

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a vibrant parish rooted in the Anglican tradition. Dedicated to its sacramental, evangelical, and orthodox identity, the church emphasizes the centrality of worship through the Eucharist and Baptism, viewing these rites as expressions of God’s love. Ascension holds the Holy Scriptures as authoritative, interpreting them through the lens of historic Christian creeds, particularly the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Services are conducted using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, and the church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana. Worship at Ascension is characterized by reverence, enriched by beautiful music, engaging sermons, and a commitment to discipleship.

About the Rector

Episcopal Church of the Ascension is seeking its next rector to succeed the current rector, who recently retired after 16 years as our pastor. Ascension seeks candidates preferably with at least five years of applicable experience as the rector or associate rector of a mid-size parish comparable to ours in Anglican Theology and practice. As a parish, Ascension is orthodox, evangelical, and sacramental. To maintain the momentum of an active parish and to guide the parish through challenging times,

Ascension seeks strong candidates with the following attributes and strengths:

• A spiritual leader and a person of God who leads and encourages us
• A shepherd with pastoral gifts: caring, accessible, open, sensitive
• An administrator who empowers laity leadership in parish ministries and effectively manages the parish’s paid staff
• An energetic preacher, committed to the Anglican tradition and traditional liturgy
• An educator who actively guides Christian Education for all ages, including youth ministry
• A stewardship leader who faithfully communicates the importance of giving time, talents, and material resources
• An advocate for our parish day school who understands its integral relationship with the parish as Ascension’s principal outreach mission
• A member of our church family who will participate in the various programs and activities offered

Ascension’s next rector will lead a well-established parish in the state’s 4th largest city with a metropolitan population of around 500,000. Lafayette is a friendly, diverse community that comfortably embraces a historic French-Acadian (“Cajun”) culture alongside a thriving entrepreneurial business community and a major university. Follow the link below to the Parish Profile to see details for all that Lafayette offers and its many attractions.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the rector:

Education and experience

• Ordination in Good Standing in The Episcopal Church acceptable to the Vestry and to the Bishop of Western Louisiana
• Completed Seminary Degree
• 5 years of applicable experience

What it’s like to live in Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of Southern charm, rich culture, and vibrant community life. Known as the heart of Cajun and Creole country, Lafayette thrives on its culinary heritage—locals and visitors alike enjoy flavorful dishes like gumbo, étouffée, and boudin from both fine dining establishments and family-owned eateries. The city is deeply rooted in tradition, and residents often describe it as warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of community and pride in its cultural identity.

Beyond its cultural offerings, Lafayette is a comfortable and affordable place to live, especially compared to larger cities. The area boasts a relatively low cost of living, a range of housing options, and access to urban amenities and natural beauty, including nearby bayous and parks. Families appreciate the tight-knit neighborhoods and the growing emphasis on education and economic development. While summers can be hot and humid, the slower pace of life, community spirit, and local flavor make Lafayette a distinctive and rewarding place to call home.