Meet the Ordinand: Joseph M. Hannah

Joseph M. Hannah will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 17th, 2022.

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe will ordain Joseph M. Hannah of Liverpool, New York to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend the celebratory service either in-person at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Liverpool or online via live-stream. Details of the service are available at cnyepiscopal.org/ordination-hannah.

We recently interviewed Joe as he prepares for his new ministry as a transitional deacon in the Diocese of Central New York. Please keep him especially in your prayers this week, along with all our clergy and all those discerning a call to ordained ministry.

Can you tell us about your background?

I am a lifelong Episcopalian who spent 40 years of his adult life as a college swimming coach, serving the last 33 years as the head coach at LeMoyne College. My discernment process began some time ago as I became increasingly involved in church ministry. St. Matthews in Liverpool has been my spiritual home/launching pad and I have served as a LEM, worship leader, lay preacher, and vestry member throughout the years. My education featured classes taken both “live” at LeMoyne and online through the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Colgate/Rochester/Crozer Divinity School. I completed the GOE this past January and recently completed all of the canonical requirements for ordination. Most people would say I am persistent, and I do have endurance!

Where are you currently doing ministry, and what will you be doing after your ordination?

I am currently doing ministry as the long time worship leader at Trinity Episcopal Church in Constantia. I have also served as an itinerant lay preacher and/or worship leader at various churches in our diocese. I completed an internship at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oneida under the Rev. Arthur (Nick) Smith this October, and I am still on the St. Matthew’s vestry. After ordination I will be serving as a Deacon for six months at the Church of the Savior on James Street in Syracuse, where I hope to identify a ministry in the surrounding community that can use a little help!

What’s your hope or your dream for your ministry in the Diocese of Central New York?

My hope and my dream for my ministry is to serve as a priest in a Central New York parish.That service could take many forms and involve more than one location. I am sure there will be discussions on this matter as the weather warms up in the Spring of 2023! I look forward to working with any good folks who might welcome both my energy and perspective into their church.

As you reflect on the journey that has brought you to this point, to whom or to what do you feel most grateful?

I am grateful to the rectors of St. Matthew’s who have encouraged me at every step of the journey. There was Tim Parsons, who first suggested that I actively participate in worship. The combined guiding genius of Carrie Schofield-Broadbent and Paul Frolick can not be understated, and the patient support of my discernment team leader Shelly Banner has not wavered. There are many lay persons who have offered their fair and honest feedback, including my wife Beverly, who has lovingly accepted the fact that this is real! Come Holy Spirit, indeed!
Showing 3 comments
  • Shelly Banner

    Endurance for the race, Joe, for certainly. Yes, Come, Holy Spirit!

  • Susan Hansen

    Congratulations to you, Joe. I am in awe of the work you have done with the Rectors at St. Matthews, good luck.

  • Bob Hannah

    Your the best brother Joe.
    Your brother,
    Bob

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A headshot of Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe+. Bishop DeDe is outside in front of a leafed-out, lusciously green tree in mid-summer. She's smiling at the camera, wearing her glasses, her collar and Bishop-purple shirt, a multi-colored scarf, and her pectoral cross.