The Rev. Mary Carson

I’m the pastor of the best congregation in all of Cincinnati: St. James Episcopal Church in Westwood. Because of St. James’ commitment to the neighborhood, I’ve been involved with efforts to create greater racial equity across Westwood and East Westwood, I’ve been a big supporter of Westwood Works, and I serve on the board of My Neighbors Place.

Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my beloved feline companion, Lydia who has kept me sane during Covid enforced isolation.

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been an Episcopal priest for 28 years. I love being with others in the best moments of their lives and in the worst and everything in between, and I love leading worship and preaching—except during a pandemic. The last year has been a challenge unlike anything I ever could have imagined. It’s felt like I’ve been doing ministry with one hand tied behind my back.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ivory House
and Muse.

How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I left southwestern Ohio when I graduated from high school in the 1980’s and never ever thought I would return. My call to serve St. James brought me to the West Side in late 2016 after 20 years living along the shores of Lake Erie.

Who is the most interesting person you have met in our community?
John Eby. He’s a parishioner as well as an amazing community leader. I can honestly say that I’ve never met anyone with such a unique set of gifts and talents.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Jerusalem. I made my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2014 and returned in 2017 and 2019. Connecting with the roots of the three Abrahamic faiths keeps pulling me back to learn and experience more.

What is one of your favorite movies?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

What advice would you give to people?
Once we’re past COVID restrictions, let go of your fear and take some risks to do something you’ve never done, get to know someone very different from yourself, travel someplace new. Live life fully!

What is something on your bucket list?
Visit New Zealand

What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Hmmm…. I’m a classical music lover so I’m likely to listen to J.S. Bach…

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Shillitos. That’s the department store where my family shopped.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Hearing him speak when I was in college had a big impact on me then and has continued to influence my thinking ever since.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Seems like there are only 1 or 2 degrees of separation between every person in greater Cincinnati.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right where I am!

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
At the end of my freshman year of college I planned on being a math major.

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Schoodic Point in Maine

Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Easter

What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A sunset on Lake Erie.

Who inspires you to be better?
The people of St. James.

Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rest, Peace, Retreat from the World (can you tell I am responding to this during the time of COVID?)

 

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