Saturday, November 7, 9:00 – 2:00. We will provide drinks and snacks. You are invited to bring a bag lunch. A fee of $25 will be charged, payable at the on the day of the event.
Location: St. Paul’s Commons, 840 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles
Register: You can register at https://www.bloyhouse.org/coursesignup or by contacting Bloy House Dean Eric Miller via email at emiller@bloyhouse.org or via phone: (310) 592-8230
What does it mean to “interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world”? If you have ever wondered what that means or sensed a pull toward ordained ministry, this class may be for you. Los Angeles deacons will offer a glimpse into the life and history of the diaconate. We’ll answer the questions: What does it mean to be a deacon today? How do I know that I am called? What are the steps for getting there? Participants will hear from deacons who act as the bridge between the church and the world and learn about the distinctive diaconal voice. This workshop is recommended for those discerning a call to ordained ministry.
Leaders: The Rev. Deacon Dennis Sheridan, PhD, The Venerable Laura Siriani, Archdeacon
The Rev. Deacon Dennis Sheridan, PhD, is a professor emeritus of higher education leadership at Azusa Pacific University, where he taught for more than 25 years. His roles at the university included directing the master’s program in college counseling and student development, as well as the Doctor of Education program in higher education leadership. Dennis holds degrees from Louisiana Tech University (BA), LSU (M.Ed.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MRE and EdD), and UCLA (PhD). Dennis joined All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena in 2004 and later discerned for the diaconate at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ojai. Dennis completed the certificate in Anglican Studies at Bloy House in 2014 and was ordained by Bishop Jon Bruno later that year. He subsequently served as parish deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pomona and led the deacon formation seminar for the diocese from 2016 to 2019. Dennis and his husband, Chuck, live in Orange County.
The Venerable Laura Siriani serves as the Archdeacon for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. “Serving alongside the deacons of our diocese is an inspiration and a privilege. Deacons are out in the world serving on the margins and in our neighborhoods doing the work God has called them to do.”
While serving as the deacon at St. Paul’s in Tustin, her work in the community included serving on the United to End Homelessness Faith Council, the City of Tustin’s Shelter Task Force, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Immigration Working Group. Over the last fifteen years, she has launched ministries that focus on social justice issues, including food insecurity, hygiene, homelessness, refugee relocation, and immigration advocacy.
Laura grew up in the segregated South and understands the way that justice issues are often at odds with long-held beliefs. “The church’s role in bridging the gap between the gospel and the world has never been more important.”
Laura currently serves as the deacon at St. George’s in Laguna Hills and co-leads Sacred Resistance, Orange County