Today we’d like to introduce you to The Reverend Ashley Wright.
Hi The Reverend Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a native of Utah who grew up in Ogden. I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. God was always an important part of my life, as was my faith community. In my late twenties I began the process of deconstructing my faith and building a new framework of belief, for many different reasons. This period of transition led me to The Episcopal Church. I had never seen a female pastor, priest, or clergy person and it would have never occurred to me to envision myself in such a role. However, the female priest at the parish I began attending mentored me. She saw leadership skills in me and gave me opportunities to try new things. Three years later I was beginning seminary to earn my Masters of Divinity and on my way to becoming a priest. And now, I have been serving as the rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Park City since the summer of 2023. I love my work! I study holy texts each week, sometimes in the original languages of Hebrew or Greek. I write and deliver sermons. I facilitate outreach and provide pastoral care and counseling. I lead an administrative team and vestry to ensure the healthy functioning of the parish. The work is diverse, interesting, and deeply fulfilling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I entered seminary after having been a stay-at-home mom for many years. Before becoming a mother I had earned two degrees; one in philosophy, and one in sociology. But I had never used either in a career and ended up working in other fields. My first child was born with significant disabilities and I stopped working to care for her. Eventually my second child was born and I spent my life mothering them and running a household. Seminary is a significant investment of time and energy. To be a priest in the Episcopal Church requires a Master’s degree. We learn theology, pastoral care, liturgy, church history, Greek, Hebrew, Hermeneutics, the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, and so forth. I would take care of my children all day and do schoolwork in the evenings after they were asleep (or when they had other activities happening or were in school). I had the support of a wonderful spouse, and I will be forever grateful. However, another challenge presented itself as we chose to end our 20 year partnership just as I was starting out as a priest. I moved to a new city, began a new job, and experienced divorce all at once. Beginning the job at St. Luke’s was also unusual as I was interviewed while in seminary and before I had graduated or even been ordained! I was offered the job in March of 2023, was ordained a deacon in April, graduated in May, and began working as the clergy-in-charge of St. Luke’s in June. Episcopal priests are ordained deacons first and become priests 6 months later. Deacons cannot bless communion, so for the first 6 months of my job I had to bring in priests to perform that function for me. In November of 2023, the congregation hosted my ordination to the priesthood and I have been the Rector ever since.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A typical week in the life of a priest varies considerably. Generally I use Mondays to study and write my sermon for the week. On Tuesdays, I schedule most of my pastoral care. Pastoral care is the compassionate, intentional, and often faith-based practice of providing emotional, spiritual, and relational support to individuals. Rooted in the “shepherding” metaphor, it involves offering presence, comfort, guidance, and prayer during crises, grief, or daily life challenges. It includes listening, visiting the sick, providing counsel, and facilitating spiritual healing. I also do little things like send out handwritten birthday cards to all members of the parish. I go out into the community to meet with other community leaders and collaborate on how to address issues that arise for the people we come into contact with here. Wednesdays are my administrative days where I meet with the Vestry (governing board) or parish administrator to conduct parish business. We have meetings, review financials, create policies, distribute information, print materials, and so on. Thursdays are a wild card and look different each week but often involve meetings with other clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Utah (including the Bishop) or with committees that I serve on. I also consistently have people stopping by the parish for help with various matters and sometimes need to make hospital visits or home visits. Fridays and Saturdays are my days off and Sundays I lead two church services and often something in between or after them. I periodically create curriculum for classes that I teach and schedule time to teach them. We have many other lay leaders in the church who are engaged in their own ministries and I support them in their work.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the close-knit feel of Park City. The people who live here are invested in this place and each other. There is a collective pride about where we are, who. we are, and what we do. The people of Park City work hard to make this a place that is welcoming and accessible to all people. Faith leaders collaborate on an Interfaith Council to share information and resources. There are leadership organizations that teach critical skills such as effective communication and how to disagree respectfully. There is an interest in the arts and many opportunities to use our bodies outdoors or participate in sports. The school system is strong and our children have many avenues for pursuing interests, developing talents, or learning skills.
The thing I like least about our city is the traffic and the fact that so many drivers prioritize speed over courtesy and kindness!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stlukesparkcity.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stlukesepiscopalparkcity
