To know Christ, grow in Christ, and share Christ's love.
From Our New Curate, Kevin Schubert
It is a pleasure for me to introduce myself to such a
vibrant community. I look forward to getting to know each
of you better as time progresses. To begin, I would like to
tell you a little about myself so you can get acquainted with
me as a new member of your church staff. As many of you
know I have been called to serve God through St. Matthew’s
as curate, in other words, as a member of the clergy who assists
the rector. As a newly ordained member of the clergy I
will be undergoing various transitions throughout the next
couple of years. This is especially true within the first year.
I recently graduated from the Episcopal Theological
Seminary of the Southwest here in Austin and was ordained
into the transitional Deaconate on June 23 at Christ Church
Cathedral in Houston. The church requires a minimum of
six months in this transitional role in order to prepare for
priesthood, and so, God willing, in the beginning of 2008
during the season of Epiphany, I will be ordained into the
priesthood.
The path that led me to the ordained ministry was a
road that helped solidify my belief in and continued worship
of Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was born and raised
down the road from Austin in the small town of Brenham.
My parents, who still live in Brenham, instilled in me at an
early age the importance of prayer and devotion to God. I
grew up attending St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where I
was extremely involved in the community as an acolyte, lay
reader, youth group member, and youth group organizer.
Since third grade I was actively involved at Camp Allen as a
camper, counselor, senior staff, and eventually a director.
Camp Allen remains a sacred place in my spirituality. Upon
graduation from Brenham High, I enrolled in Southwest
Texas State University in San Marcos. As I was introduced
to different concepts and world views, I slowly began to
question the existence of God. Eventually I became an atheist
and wholeheartedly delved into my studies of anthropology.
After an eye opening experience I had in the deserts of
Arabia working as an archaeologist I realized that there was
something divine, larger than me, and therefore became an
agnostic. My studies as an archaeologist proved to be an
immense part of my development, as my travels led me to
see oppressive conditions quite different from the comforts
of home.
Upon graduation from SWT with a degree in Anthropology and History I was offered a position on staff as a research
associate in the archaeology lab. During that year I began to question my relevance in my field of study. As the
year ended, I began looking for a new job in outreach fields concerning humanitarian needs. Early on in my search I sought
the advice of a long time friend and mentor, The Rev. Paul Fromberg who was rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in
the Heights of Houston. After further conversation with Paul I was offered a position encompassing the Director of
Ministries, Youth Director, and Assistant to the Rector. I spent the next three years at St. Andrew’s , where I found a
community of faith that led me back to church and a fresh relationship with Christ. During this time in my life I recognized
the call to ordained ministry and was supported in that call from my community, family and friends. While in Houston I
was introduced to my wife Heather and we quickly fell in love. In May of 2004 Heather and I were married. We said our
goodbyes to St. Andrew’s and Houston, moving to Austin in June. I began seminary that August and continued to be surprised
at the knowledge and preparation I received at seminary. ETSS has prepared me to utilize the experiences I gained
from my previous studies and positions and apply them to spreading the Gospel message. I feel extremely privileged to
have obtained the extraordinary education I received in biblical studies, theology, liturgy, and pastoral ministries.
Throughout my life I have been deeply concerned with the importance of youth ministry and the preparation for
adulthood for the children of God. I feel the experiences throughout my life have enabled me to see youth ministry as a
focal point. My desire is to initiate and sustain a supportive community of youth to thrive here at St. Matthew’s. Along
with this desire I am eager to develop a vibrant young adult program and work in conjunction with family ministries. I look
forward to the opportunities that are ahead of us. I am very blessed to be a part of this community, and to share Christ’s
love with each and every one of you.
To know Christ, grow in Christ, and share Christ's love.
