A Message from Dean John
Currently serving as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Washington, DC, The Rev. Ricardo Sheppard has been called to serve the Diocese of Virginia as Canon for Discipleship. He will begin his new call on June 1, 2025.
“With thanksgiving to God, I am delighted to announce that the Rev. Ricardo Sheppard will join the Diocese of Virginia as Canon for Discipleship, beginning June 1, 2025. God has blessed us with a faithful servant whose experience includes leadership development for clergy and laity, youth and young adult programming, community outreach and engagement, and justice initiatives. Please join me in welcoming Canon Sheppard!” -Bishop Stevenson
“Discipleship is letting faith possess us. It’s building relationships where we can see gaps into which we bring Jesus. I am excited to partner with Rev. Sheppard, and I look forward to seeing how God uses this new call to better equip the Diocese of Virginia to be disciples.” -Bishop Harris
“I am excited by the opportunity to serve in this new call. Discipleship is an active, lifelong journey of following Christ. It requires continual spiritual formation, engagement with scripture, and a commitment to living out our faith in the world. To “be disciples” is to be both learners and practitioners, seeking to grow deeper in our relationship with God while engaging our communities with love and service. My ministry has been defined by a deep commitment to discipleship, equipping leaders, and fostering lifelong spiritual formation across diverse communities. I am filled with joy to start this new call in the Diocese of Virginia, walking alongside her people to nurture a lifelong, justice-centered faith formation.” -the Rev. Canon Ricardo Sheppard
Learn more about Canon Sheppard in the news release: episcopalvirginia.org/news/sheppard-called-discipleship/
Ricardo has come a long way since serving as Seminarian here at the Cathedral in 2013. We offer our congratulations and blessings on his new calling!
Faithfully,
The Very Reverend Rene John, Dean