Andy McQuery, MDiv

Greetings, and love! I am here to witness that, yes, Virginia, there is indeed life after seminary. After graduation this past May, I was ordained to the transitional diaconate at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, and shortly thereafter accepted a call to serve as the curate at St. Paul's in Salem. I was ordained to the priesthood on the Feast of the Epiphany, 2018.

I am incredibly grateful for my time at Berkeley/YDS -- I was extremely well-prepared for the realities of parish life. Importantly, however, the course-work was only one component of that preparation. Even more important was the regular participation in the prayer and worship life of the YDS community, deep conversations with peers of all backgrounds and trajectories about why we do what we feel called to do and what we think the future looks like, and the building of relationships that continue to support and nourish me. Also: a healthy social life and active participation in cultural events. People want smart, well-trained clergy, sure; but they really enjoy interesting, passionate, curious clergy. My advice to you is to know yourself well; work on what you know needs work, but concentrate on the things that bring you joy. Stay with whatever it was that inspired you to take this path, and go back to it when you lose focus and energy. And let the rest go.