WESTFIELD — In response to newly elected (a groundbreaking partnership between the Diocese of WNY and NWPA) Rt. Rev. Bishop Sean Rowe’s request, and the need for a new parish priest in Westfield, Rev. Elizabeth Hadaway was encouraged to reach out to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church; she believed that God may be calling her to serve here as the new Priest-in-Charge.

Amongst many other credentials, Rev. Hadaway holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, 2015. She was a Field Education Seminarian at The Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Washington National Cathedral), 2014-2015. Has a Master in Theological Studies, from Virginia Theological Seminary, 2000. She is the author of Fire Baton (University of Arkansas Press, 2006). Rev. Hadaway is also credited with preaching for the Feast of St. Matthias at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ecumenical Embassy (the Anglican Centre in Rome, May 14, 2019).

Before her ordination to priesthood in 2016 and service as Deacon-in-Charge and Priest-in-Charge of Christ Episcopal Church in Fairmont, West Virginia, her career was in poetry–not only in writing it, but performing and teaching it as well.

After moving to Western New York in 2018 when her husband who became Rector of Good Shepherd, Buffalo, she served as Priest Associate at St. Andrew’s, Buffalo, and did supply work throughout the diocese. Since moving to Western New York, Rev. Hadaway has preached in Italy at the Anglican Centre in Rome, wrote online for the Young People’s Theology series on the 39 Articles in The Book of Common Prayer and The Journal of Inklings Studies (Edinburgh University Press, 2018 and 2019), and contributed a chapter of the book Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy (West Virginia University Press, 2019). She is also scheduled to speak at the George Herbert Conference in Cambridge, UK, in June of this year.

Mother Elizabeth has been graciously assisting St. Peter’s with Services during its transition between priests and Holy Seasons. This congregation has overwhelmingly requested her services on a more permanent basis, and as quickly as possible; Bishop Sean has approved. They feel blessed to have this opportunity to work with her as they embark on another adventure in telling their story preserved in Faith. Mother Elizabeth brings with her an array of knowledge in Theology, History, Traditions, Practices, and Education.

Anyone who desires to delve deeper into the richness of Sacred Services, Historical Figures, and Holy mysteries are invited to join in on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sunday Eucharistic Service’s at 10 a.m.

St. Peter’s would like to extend an invitation of welcoming for Mother Elizabeth following Sundays Service, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. with reception and light refreshments. Feel free to just stop in as well, all are always welcome. “We are a Christian formation of thinkers, who ask questions.” 12 Elm St, Westfield, 716-326-2064, www, and Facebook.