Our Stories: Fr. Troy Beecham

Written by Fr. Troy Beecham, Published on July 16, 2018

When I was first approached by the Diocese of Iowa about submitting my name for consideration in the appointment of a new dean, I at first said "no". Not just "no", but "No!" I thought that I had discerned a call to leave parish ministry and to enter monastic life. After my time at the monastery, I came to understand that the Lord only called me to discern a monastic vocation to get me unstuck. I had been in three parishes before, all of them with deep dysfunction, and I was burned out. What I found was that the Lord was giving me the sabbatical I was never able to take.

After repeated phone calls from the diocese, I finally discerned, with the help of my family, friends, and mentor, that the Lord was indeed calling me to return to parish ministry. I did not know if I was ready to return, but I took the step into what felt like darkness in faith, knowing that no matter what, Jesus would catch me.

This is the community where I found the kind of love every pastor hopes to discover. I am blessed to be here with this wonderful people. I have found healing, grace, and friendship here, and I am beyond grateful that the Lord brought me here, and that you, the good people of St. Paul's, have so welcomed me. Thank you, and thanks be to God!

Fr. Beecham has now since resigned from St. Paul’s, but has been given the title Dean Emeritus. We continue to love and welcome him, whenever he desires to visit.