Knightly News

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-9

As we have for many years now, Episcopal is collecting for a Thanksgiving Food Drive on behalf of the Shepherd’s Market Food Pantry. In these times when many in our community find themselves struggling to provide food for their families, the Shepherd’s Market is counting on us to help as many of these families as possible.

It is in that spirit of service and love that so characterizes our community that together we are challenging each other, students, faculty, and staff, to unite for 100% participation in this drive during this season of Thanksgiving for all the gifts we have been given.

To meet the greatest scope of need, we are asking the following of each division:

• Lower School - breakfast items (cereal, instant oatmeal, flour, sugar, juice, etc.)
•  Middle School - lunch items (peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, vegetables, meats – tuna, chili, stew, ravioli, etc.)
• Upper School - supper items (rice, pasta, boxed dinners, stuffing, etc.)
• Faculty and Staff - household items (cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal hygiene items)

The holiday season can be challenging and costly for families well beyond just their Thanksgiving meal. Many families may have children home from school for the break or guests coming, which can put a strain on already stressed food budgets and resources. Your generous gifts can help them have a joyful holiday rather than a hungry one filled with anxiety.

Last year, Episcopal donated over 4,800 pounds of food, including 51 turkeys. This was a record donation for the Shephard’s Market. Together, we can shatter that record this year.

Students from the National Honor Society in the Upper School will assist with Lower School donations at the carpool circle each morning from Wednesday, November 13 through Friday, November 22. Middle School students may bring their gifts to their homeroom, and Upper School students may bring their gifts to the Student Center.  Any gift may also be brought directly to the chapel. Please give as much as you can to meet this worthy need.

We are grateful for the student leadership that makes this endeavor possible, and we are pleased to have our students involved. “As the NHS Service Coordinator, I feel it’s important to lead every action with empathy,” senior Julia Brinker says. “I hope the Thanksgiving drive allows people to connect on the basis of compassion.” 

ALL ITEMS MUST BE COLLECTED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, FOR DELIVERY TO SHEPHERD’S MARKET ON NOVEMBER 23rd.

As we make time to be thankful for the things we have been given, it should naturally move us to serve others.

Be thankful and give together!

Father Patrick Edwards brings more than two decades of pastoral care experience to his role as Episcopal Head Chaplain. He previously served as an Episcopal faculty member in the school’s religion department from 2011 to 2016. He developed curricula and taught History of Religion in America, History of World Religions and Biblical Studies. He also provided pastoral care and counseling to students and faculty. While in this role, Father Edwards also served as the Priest in Charge at Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. Most recently, Father Edwards was the Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church and Vicar at St. Andrew’s Dune Church in Southampton, New York. Father Edwards and his wife Deborah have four children – John Harris ’17, Will, Sefton and Emily.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.