The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan and Ecclesiastical Authority, announced today that Paris Ball will be leaving her position as Minister for Christian Formation on February 25. Paris will, however, remain as Shrine Mont Camps Director through the end of the 2022 summer camp season, at which time she will complete her work on diocesan staff.
Since 2006, Paris has created and overseen diocesan formation ministries across the Diocese of Virginia, including Parish Youth Ministries (PYM), diocesan Campus Ministry support, formation leader education events, seasonal offerings for congregations, the Grace-on-the-Hill Episcopal Service Corps program, young adult mission trips to Haiti and South Africa, various retreats and events for people of all ages, and Shrine Mont Camps. During her tenure as Director of Shrine Mont Camps, Paris has served thousands of campers and families and directed over 200 employees.
Bishop Goff said, "For 16 years, Paris Ball has brought energy, creativity, skill and joy to ministries with children, youth and young adults in this Diocese. We will miss those gifts, along with her warm smile and quick laughter, as we send her forth to a next big adventure. I thank God for Paris!"
The Diocese will enter into a period of discernment to consider what shape diocesan formation ministries might take in the future. This process will be greatly influenced by the creative vision and missional priorities of the next diocesan bishop.
Through August 2022, all Shrine Mont Camps-related communications should continue to come to Paris Ball via email or phone at 804-643-8451. In order to support formation leaders in our congregations, the Office of Christian Formation will be building a robust library of resources and connections on our diocesan website. Mark Eastham, Secretary and Chief of Staff, will serve as interim liaison to campus ministries.
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