Meet Vicar Amelia!

On July 1 St. Philip will welcome Amelia Collins as our seminary intern. During her internship, Amelia will split time between St. Philip and St. Paul in Dearborn.

We are thrilled to experience Amelia's gifts for ministry and help her grow in her pastoral experience. The following is a message from Vicar Amelia.

Greetings! My name is Amelia Collins and I will be your seminarian intern for the next year. For formality’s sake, you may call me “Vicar Amelia,” or even “Vicar Mel” to make it easier.

I grew up in Long Island, New York. My mother is from the United States and my father is from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific.

Worship and choir nurtured my faith while growing up in the church. My voice expressed my relationship with God as well as my desire to bring others happiness. It was a feeling that led me to become an acolyte, assisting minister, and even a member on church council. I enjoyed a deep faith formation that led me to consider ministry towards the end of college.

I studied communications and the arts at Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale, New York. As I reflected on careers, the Holy Spirit reminded me that my gifts could be best used in the church, a familiar place of comfort and service for me. A fire for pastoral ministry has burned within me ever since.

I’m an introvert with a love for nature and the arts. For me, a relationship with God, like one with others, takes time and is always growing and changing. I believe that learning, serving, and sharing our gifts together are important aspects for a church community.

This has been a challenging year so far for us all, but not without blessing. I have been blessed this May to marry my seminary sweetheart, Daniel. Whatever challenges and blessings this next year may bring, I am excited to be a part of your community, learning, serving, and experiencing all that is church and God together.