St. Elizabeth’s calls new Rector

St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church of Sudbury is pleased to announce the arrival of their new Rector, The Rev. Andrew Suitter-Bentley.

Andrew is a native son of Gardiner, Maine who most recently served as priest and associate rector at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Chicago. He has over sixteen years of cumulative ministry in various positions within parishes, a chapel, and an urban cathedral, along with non-profit settings.

In 2015, Andrew received a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. During this time, he served at the episcopal chapel at Vanderbilt, St. Augustine’s, and focused on pastoral care ministries with an emphasis on caring for those who were dying and their families. He taught a J2A program, led adult confirmation classes, and also developed and led a Recovery Eucharist worship service.

Andrew was ordained a transitional deacon and later priest, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, Missouri, where he preached and led adult formation. He also served as chaplain at Magdalene House, a residential recovery program for women who are rebuilding their lives after years of addiction, trafficking, prostitution, and abuse. Upon being ordained priest in 2017, Andrew began serving at St. Augustine’s, in Wilmette, IL.

“I choose to live a life of service because I know what it’s like to be on the outside,” says Andrew. “The faith I have doesn’t reconcile with excluding anybody. It’s been my hope and joy to live a life that seeks to open doors, to welcome, to engage everybody - all of God’s children - and find ways they can grow and thrive and live into who they are.”

When asked what drew him to St. Elizabeth’s, Andrew replied, “They are hungry to know what it means to love and serve God, to be better caretakers of this world, and how we make sense of faith. I feel called to walk alongside a community who asks those questions.”

Andrew is known for his congregational development and deep pastoral care, and is valued for his preaching and teaching skills.

He joins St. Elizabeth’s in unprecedented times, when multiple national events have shaken the community. Top of mind is responding to his flock’s needs, remaining creative and innovative in building community despite distance.

“It’s difficult because everyone one of us have different experiences and perspectives and histories. Coming together to share common purpose, to gather around words of scripture and hope is essential.”

Asked why St. Elizabeth’s called Andrew, members of the Rector Search Committee said, “Andrew is approachable, very relational, deeply trusted, and a good listener with infectious enthusiasm."

Andrew and his husband, Parker, a lifelong Episcopalian from the Diocese of Texas, bring with them their two Springer Spaniels, Jasper and Monty.

You’ll find them enjoying their favorite activities, including driving windy roads, walking beside the ocean, or relieving stress with their new hobby, baking.

Andrew’s first service will be streamed online June 14 at https://st-elizabeths.org/online

Now is the perfect time to explore what St. Elizabeth’s faith community can offer you and your family. St. E's welcomes and honors everyone.

For more information about St. Elizabeth’s, visit https://st-elizabeths.org.