Author: Derek Michael Larson

Derek is an Episcopal priest and a Franciscan tertiary in the Third Order, Society of St. Francis. Derek currently serves as Associate Rector at Good Shepherd Episcopal in Tequesta, FL. Derek has also worked as a school chaplain, a youth minister, worship leader, and bilingual (Spanish-English) preacher. He lives with his wife, two sons, and two cats in Jupiter, FL.

TSSF Public Statement

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

29511795_1643151525752817_4607357012839808492_nAs a Franciscan and a Christian, I stand with the students of Parkland who say #NeverAgain . Here is an official statement from my religious order:

“The Creator of the our universe and Lover of our souls calls us every moment of every day. We are asked for our best, our utmost. Our hearts are torn over the senseless killing that is going on in this country, in the streets and in the schools. Our children now have grown into leaders overnight; they call us to that place where God would have us live: A place of peace and harmony and human dignity. A place of safety. As followers of St. Francis, we deplore the killing fields. We call for an end to gun violence and violence of all kinds. Help us to be instruments of peace in the world. We Franciscans stand in solidarity with the students of Parkland, Florida in saying, “Enough!” signed The Third Order, Society of St. Francis, Province of the Americas”

 

I’m officially a postulant in the Diocese of Atlanta!

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

I’m officially a postulant for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Atlanta!

Some context: The process of becoming an Episcopal priest is a long, prayerful, detailed, and strenuous process that typically takes 4-5 years from the time you first start the process. You start as an inquirer, then become an aspirant, then, postulant, then candidate, then transitional deacon, and finally priest. For the last year and a half I have been discerning whether or not I am called to be a priest with the Diocese of Atlanta, which involved many, many committee meetings, interviews, background checks, medical exams, psych evaluations, etc.

Today I was made a postulant, which means I will continue to discern my call, but now I will also start officially preparing for the priesthood with the recommendation of my bishop, which is a big step. Over the next 1-2 years I will be finishing seminary education, doing clinical internships, dialoging in community mentor groups, etc. The specifics of these details will be worked out in the coming weeks.

I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the affirmation and support from the Diocese of Atlanta. They have done an amazing job through this whole process, making it quite meaningful and not just a series of ecclesiastical hoops to jump through. The process may seem like a lot, but the Episcopal Church is dedicated to making sure all of their priests are as trained and equipped as they can be while following the Spirit’s guidance.

Thanks be to God!