Knightly News

“I feel so called to this.” Senior Associate Chaplain The Reverend Casey Duncan

Episcopal stands out because of the sense of joy, belonging and purpose that students, faculty and families experience as a community. Recently, the community gathered to celebrate the ordination of Senior Associate Chaplain The Reverend Casey Duncan, who shares these principles with everyone she meets. Ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests, Chaplain Duncan brings a vibrant spirit, deep faith and genuine love for students to her school ministry. Her journey to the priesthood may have been years in the making, but the calling was always there.

A Lifelong Calling

Chaplain Duncan laughs when she recalls how long she resisted the idea of becoming a priest. “I love to preach, teach and help with the liturgy,” she says, comparing her career preferences to a gumbo. “All the ingredients were what I felt called to.” That calling came early, as she was growing up in the Episcopal Church, where she learned early on what it means to value every person. Volunteering in her church’s thrift store, which her mother managed, shaped her understanding of compassion and community. “I learned from my parents the value of people and the spiritual truth that every person is valuable and loved by God,” she reflects.

After college, she earned a Master in Theological Studies and served in campus ministry at the University of Texas. When her husband, The Reverend Chris Duncan, was called to serve as the Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, the family moved to Louisiana. Casey joined Episcopal School of Baton Rouge as a substitute teacher and later taught an Upper School religion course. When it was announced that the school would hire a second chaplain, she had a significant realization. “The job description was like a punch to the stomach in a good way,” she recalls. She realized the call to the priesthood and began the discernment process. Since then, she has found a community where her calling aligns with the school’s mission.

A Ministry Rooted in Joy

“There’s real joy here,” Chaplain Duncan says of Episcopal. “A depth of joy that everyone can tap into.” Chaplain Duncan says that joy is a result of joining together in prayer. She points out that while the school is diverse in beliefs and backgrounds, everyone comes together in prayer as a community. “God’s working to bind us together,” she says.

Chaplain Duncan’s joy is unmistakable. During Upper School break, students greet her enthusiastically, stop to chat or seek her advice. She appreciates their curiosity. “I love talking about things that don’t really have an answer,” she says. “I love sitting in questions with them.”

A Season of Milestones

December brought two extraordinary achievements for The Reverend Duncan. She completed her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary on a Friday and was ordained a priest the following day. While she never imagined the two would occur simultaneously, the timing was remarkable. Now, she continues her ministry as Senior Associate Chaplain, a role she relishes.

A Family Rooted in Faith

At home, Casey and her husband, Chris, enjoy music, conversation and what Casey calls “just normal life.” She jokes about their “nerdy” theological debates and friendly competitions, like who can list the most books of the Bible in order. Ministry is a shared work for the Duncans, with Casey saying, “The Church is like another spouse.” At any moment, one or both may be called to the hospital, the church or to serve. It’s exactly what Casey wants from life. “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she says.

A Gift to the Episcopal Community

The Reverend Duncan embodies the Episcopal spirit. She is joyful, thoughtful, compassionate and committed to nurturing young people. Her ministry enriches campus life, strengthens the community and helps students discover who they are and who they are called to become.

Join us in congratulating The Reverend Duncan on her recent ordination. Share a message with her in the comments section below.

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