Episcopal Press and News
Holly McAlpen takes sabbatical after 22 years serving California diocese
Episcopal News Service. August 8, 2007 [080807-04]
Sean McConnell, Communications officer for the Diocese of California
Canon Holly McAlpen, Ethnic and Multicultural missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of California, has begun a five-month sabbatical beginning August 1 after 22 years of service to the Diocese of California. At the end of her sabbatical, McAlpen will leave the diocesan office to pursue other ministry opportunities.
McAlpen will continue to be active in the diocese in her work with General Convention, service on the board of the Bishop's Ranch, and support of Church Divinity School of the Pacific's capital campaign and fund-raising for the St. Margaret's Chair.
McAlpen, who has a master's degree in social work from San Jose State University, became the first diocesan layperson in a prominent leadership position when she was appointed Coordinator of Social Ministries by then California Bishop William E. Swing in 1985.
McAlpen played a crucial role in the diocese's response to the AIDS pandemic, co-founding the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition and serving as president of the AIDS National Interfaith Network. She became Canon Missioner of the diocese in 1999, responsible for oversight of 22 mission congregations and other specialized ministries. She has mentored many clergy and lay leaders, working closely with individuals and congregations to enhance church leadership and growth. She has also been an integral part of national church organizations such as Start Up/Start Over, Upward Bound, and CREDO, and she has served as a deputy or alternate delegate to General Convention since 1991. She currently serves as chair of the Funding Section of Program, Budget, and Finance.
In November 2006, McAlpen was appointed Ethnic and Multicultural missioner by California Bishop Marc Andrus.
In a recent letter, McAlpen told her colleagues, "There are no words to express my thanks to all those along the way who have supported my work, prayed for success in ministry endeavors, and have just 'hung in there.'"