Knightly News

As we move closer to Episcopal Schools Celebration Week (Oct. 5-11), Father Patrick explores how Episcopal schools positively impact the world.

Do Episcopal Schools really make a difference in the world? There are so many affiliated and independent schools, are there actual advantages to Episcopal Identity and Tradition that make our schools unique and warrant celebration? Can any religious institution offer something for everyone while remaining true to itself? Are Episcopal Schools something from the past, or are they agents of good in a world moving ever faster into the future?

The short answer is, “YES!”

The Episcopal Church has in its foundation and DNA an objectivity of experience and a tendency to take from all perspectives the best and truest things we find. We are Catholic and Protestant, we embrace much from the Eastern and Western Churches, we have discovered and adapted ancient philosophies and teachings from around the world and made use of them in our discipleship of Christ. We have always welcomed the curious, the disadvantaged, the marginalized, and the searching that come to us, offering the love and community to aid them on their way in life and toward the divine.

The Benedictine tradition of the 6th century is imprinted throughout our authoritative instrument, the Book of Common Prayer. This book is far more than just a collection of prayers and rituals, it reflects the truth that our belief and lives are nourished, formed, and informed by our worship. It is in the encounter of God in word and sacrament that unites us and teaches us, creating us anew individually and as communities. And it is this perspective and practice that makes Episcopal Schools both unique and so very valuable.

For over fifteen hundred years that legacy has sought to bequeath to the world three important endowments: hospitality, education, and the chance to encounter God in all the ways we seek Him. Inside our communities we share together the rich loves of work, study, and prayer. These two lives, outwardly and inwardly facing, marks the greatest facets of Episcopal identity that makes Episcopal schools so vital.

Episcopal schools are inherently places of hospitality. Words such as inclusion, openness, and diversity are byproducts of this way of life that opens its doors wide to invite, welcome, and include into our communities everyone in a hospitality that embraces people without distinction or exclusiveness. This outward perspective brings the world together, especially vital in a time of division.

Teaching is at the heart of the Anglican and Episcopal tradition and identity. In and out of the classroom, through lecture, experimentation, experience, participation, and example, Episcopal schools give an education that is both academically rigorous and challenging,  but also fosters and develops the members of our community in all facets of their lives. We form as well as inform people of principle and purpose.

Episcopal schools also provide ways and means for all our school communities to encounter the Divine in ways that speak to and are relatable for people of all faith and none. It seems impossible, but if you visit with our school communities you can see it in action. People recognize in classes and community life as well as Chapel the encounter of God in creation, ideas, and life. We find ourselves called to lives of purpose and meaning through this experience of God.

And within the Episcopal school communities in which we live and serve we work, study, and pray our lives into loving and active communities. The proof of the unique values of our schools are found in the community lives that attract our students and their families and in which we live and celebrate the gift of these unique places. The proof is truly in the pudding of what we create: communities made up of individuals who cherish our lives together as we grow into individuals that export these gifts, values, and identities into the world. Not only are our students and their families better for being part of our Episcopal schools, but the world is also better when we send them out to, as we say at the close of our worship, “to love and serve the Lord.”

As the Scriptures say, “Taste and see the goodness.” To live with us is to know the value of such places as Episcopal schools.

Join us for Blessing of the Animals

The Annual St Francis Blessing of the Pets will be held on Thursday, October 2 at 3:45 on the front lawn of the school. All friendly pets and family animals are welcome, as well as photos or stuffed animals representing other pets who might not be able to come or who might not enjoy strangers or other animals.

Please join us as we celebrate our beloved fur babies and the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

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.