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Bishop names new canon to the ordinary

The Rev. Mary Siegmund became the new canon to the ordinary for the diocese on March 1. Photo by Melodie Woerman

The Rev. Mary Siegmund has been named by Bishop Dean Wolfe as canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. She began her duties on March 1.

She previously served as assistant rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Nashua, N.H., one of the largest parishes in the diocese.

Bishop Wolfe said, “I am delighted to welcome Mary as the new canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. She brings unique gifts for ministry to this position, which will be vital in achieving the ambitious goals we’ve established. Mary’s gifts are very different from mine and will add to the skills of a talented diocesan staff.” 

As canon to the ordinary her duties will include:

• assisting the ministry of the bishop
• overseeing the work of the diocesan offices
• coordinating and facilitating searches for parish clergy
• overseeing, on behalf of the bishop, the process for Holy Orders
• assisting the bishop and Council of Trustees in implementing new diocesan goals (continuing a strong youth ministry, expanding campus ministry, supporting existing parishes, planting three new churches in the next 10 years and expanding stewardship and development)

Siegmund, 52, is a native of Kansas City, Mo., and worked as a counselor and therapist prior to her ordination there in June 1998. She continues to hold accreditation as a licensed professional counselor.

She has an undergraduate degree in management from Park College, Parkville, Mo.; a master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. Siegmund also earned a certificate in Anglican Studies from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Prior to her service at Good Shepherd, she served as vicar of St. John’s Northland, Kansas City, Mo.

While at Good Shepherd Siegmund served as convenor of the Southern Convocation in her diocese. She was a priest consultant for parish search processes, a Fresh Start mentor and a member of the New Missions Committee for planting new churches. She also was elected an alternate delegate to the Province 1 Synod.

Siegmund has been married for 26 years to her husband, Mark, who works as clinical director at Marillac Center in Overland Park, a secure unit for adolescents. They have two adult children.

Siegmund said, “I am honored to have been called to this ministry by Bishop Wolfe. I feel privileged to join the members of this diocese as we boldly follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in achieving the goals that are before us. I also am delighted to be returning to my roots in the Midwest. Truly, there’s no place like home.”

Ford on sabbatical

The Rev. Jo Ann Ford, who had served as canon to the ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas since 2002, left that position on Jan. 20 after four years of service to two bishops. She will be on paid sabbatical until the end of July.

Bishop Wolfe said, “Canon Ford has served this diocese faithfully and well during the transition from Bishop Smalley’s episcopacy to mine. She has formed strong connections and established good friends in our diocese. I will support her in every way as she evaluates new opportunities to serve Christ and the church.”

Prior to becoming canon to the ordinary, Ford served in Kansas as rector of the Church of the Covenant in Junction City. She was a member of the Council of Trustees, including a term as president. She twice has been elected a deputy from Kansas to General Convention, and she serves as a member of the national Program, Budget and Finance committee.

She was a nominee for Bishop of Kansas in 2003. She served two parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta following her ordination in 1992.

A native of Wichita, Ford is married to the Rev. Denis Ford, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Ottawa. They have three children.