Note from Fr. Jason: I was asked in early August if I would be willing to mentor someone who is discerning the priesthood, and after some prayerful consideration, I gladly accepted. Cara Nilson is discerning a call to ordained ministry, and will be with us from September 14 to May 17. She will be in the congregation at both services this Sunday and will be joining Celeste and me on the altar beginning September 21. I am excited to help Cara in her discernment, and I know that St. Francis will be a wonderful place for her to grow in her faith.
Hello St. Francis! My name is Cara Nilsen and I am blessed to have been assigned to your parish to complete my Diocesan Discernment Year (DDY). This DDY is part of the Episcopal Church’s process of helping me discern my call toward possible ordained ministry.
A bit about me: I come to you from St. Luke’s in Long Beach, where I have been an active member since 2011. I grew up, first in the foothills of the Ozarks in Arkansas, then those of the Adirondacks in Upstate New York. I was raised in a conservative Baptist/Evangelical faith tradition. My parents are artistic, my dad, a writer and my mom, a visual artist. I have an older sister and younger brother. My brother is autistic, alongside several physical disabilities.
I studied art in school and have been teaching at Orange County School of the Arts for the past 20 years. I am married to an amazing Filipina, Leah, who is also an art teacher for several schools in South Orange County. We have two cats, Freya and Baldr, and enjoy nature, art, food and travel.
I fell in love with Jesus at an early age, however, my faith went through several reckonings: first, in regards to my faith vs. gender justice and feminism and second, my sexuality when I realized I was gay. These were very difficult years, particularly regarding my gay identity, that tempered my faith in profound ways, that I now feel very grateful for. It’s also what led me to the Episcopal Church, which I promptly fell in love with!
My sense of call to possible ordination is a relatively recent phenomenon, and one that I’m stepping into with a mixture of humility and faith, leaning on the Spirit for guidance and courage. I definitely ask for your prayers and support!
I am still learning how my gifts can best serve the church. While at St. Francis, I will be seeking ways, with the mentorship and guidance of Rev. Jason, to be an active presence in serving and gaining experience in the many aspects and ministries of parish life. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to building new relationships and listening for God’s voice in this special time together.
—Cara Nilsen