Rev. Miranda Hassett is welcomed into Hopkinton's St. Andrew’s community

Bow Editor — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:46:00 GMT

From North Carolina to Massachusetts and now to Hopkinton, Miranda Hassett is ready to apply the lessons she has learned along the way to her first full-time church job.

Hassett, 33, began as the assistant to the rector at the beginning of the summer at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, was ordained a deacon in North Carolina and graduated from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass.

“We love it here. It’s a wonderful peaceful place. The people have been very welcoming,” said Hassett. “There’s so much to do, and we hope to get out and see the beautiful countryside.”

Hassett’s job is a combination of office work, community work and preparation for church services, a variety that keeps her constantly on her toes.

“It’s an all-over-the-place job. Today’s a quiet in the office day where I’m finishing my sermon, but other days I am out visiting people and getting to know the people in the community,” she said. “There is a lot of variety. You don’t have to get bored doing any one thing.”

The job in Hopkinton is her first full-time role following her completion of graduate school for degrees in anthropology and theology.

During graduate school, Hassett worked on a book, “Anglican Communion in Crisis: How Episcopal Dissidents and Their African Allies are Reshaping Anglicanism,” which was well-received in the religious community.

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to have completed some of the things I have. It’s a blessing to get to follow through on that,” said Hassett.

Hassett said she is still getting acclimated to her working schedule for her and her family.

“It’s an ongoing process. When you’re in graduate school you never really have free time. So it’s nice to be in a job with somewhat regular hours,” she said. “It’s also an adjustment getting used to being out of the house all day. We’re finding that balance.”

Since she arrived in Hopkinton, Hassett has gotten to know the residents who she’s met at the church, and many others.

“It’s very exciting. The people and members have been so welcoming. There are so many interested, gifted people in the church,” said Hassett. “When it comes to the people who aren’t involved in the church that I meet, I am finding more of the same.”

After six years of work and study from the University of North Carolina to New England, Hassett is glad to have her current job title.

“To finally get to this point where I am energized and excited about what I chose to do, it’s very rewarding,” said Hassett.

Reviving traditions

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will join First Congregational Church to host a collaborative ecumenical/social event on Sunday, Sept. 28, to revive their old traditions of neighborliness and cooperative spiritual community occasions.

This first gathering will be preceded by a pulpit swap at 10 a.m. First Church’s pastor The Rev. Gordon Crouch will preach and preside at St. Andrew’s, and St. Andrew’s Rector The Rev. Kevin Nichols, and assistant to the rector, The Rev. Miranda Hassett, will preach and preside at First Church.

Following the services, members of the two churches will be invited to gather for lemonade on the lawn in front of St. Andrew’s.

Hopkinton News : church

Rev. Miranda Hassett is welcomed into Hopkinton's St. Andrew’s community