Here’s the story of Chris Roussell, a former Catholic priest whose longing for a family led him to leave the Catholic priesthood, and whose subsequent journey led him back to ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.
Molly Barari of the Rapid City Journal tells of Roussell’s decision to leave the priesthood, and his work in the non-profit world where he met Alison, his future wife, whom he had known during his school days. She was now divorced and had two children. The couple were married in an Episcopal Church, but continued to worship and raise their children as Catholics.
One Sunday, the Roussells attended an Episcopal service because they felt they desperately needed to receive Communion. “We both sobbed because it was the first time we’d received the body and blood of Christ since we got married. It was like drinking from the fountain after we’d been in the desert for so long.”
That’s when the couple started their process of becoming Episcopalians.”
The story traces Rousell’s return to the priesthood as the family moved from Louisiana to South Dakota.
“I want people to know that I’m not an Episcopal priest just so I can be a married priest,” said Roussell. “It’s so much deeper than that.
“I love my Catholic tradition, faith and upbringing — but I know I was called to be an Episcopalian. It’s where I feel closest to God and his son, Jesus Christ.”