A new chapter

Several people from Saint Philip’s are exploring or pursuing ordination.

Parishioner Matti Bowen was made a postulant for Holy Orders in January through the Diocese of Arizona by Bishop Jennifer A Reddall. She will leave for Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) the second part of July to begin a three year Masters of Divinity (MDiv) program.

The process explained
Matti participated in a year-long confidential process to discern if she had a call—to lay ministry, the deaconate, or the priesthood. She met with different committees of lay and ordained people at both Saint Philip’s and the diocese. Through conversations, reflection, and prayer, Matti and the different committees determined she is called to the priesthood.

Her choice of seminary
Matti visited the different seminaries to which she was accepted and ultimately decided to attend VTS. She says she fell in love with the warm community, and its atmosphere of academic and theological curiosity. VTS’s commitment to study while also living out the gospel as a beloved community felt like home to her.

The MDiv program balances academics and practical field placement. At the moment, Matti thinks it’s likely she’ll be called to parish work but she is open to learning about other opportunities that might beckon.

Matti is excited to start this new chapter of her life, and Saint Philip’s is proud to be her sponsor parish. Godspeed!

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Matti is a career nonprofit professional who’s worked in organization leadership and fund development. She currently works in fund development for Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.