J. Stannard Baker

Cathedral Deacon

I began my journey at the Cathedral in 1999.  This was when my husband, Peter, and I were plaintiffs in the Freedom to Marry lawsuit and, after attending one service here, we knew it was the right place for us – we felt supported and surrounded by friends.  I was ordained as a deacon in 2009 and assigned by Bishop Ely to the Cathedral after serving internships at Christ Church Montpelier and Calvary Underhill as well as chaplain training at Fletcher Allen hospital.  As Cathedral Deacon my responsibility is to connect our faith to the needs of the world.  I love reading the Gospel each Sunday but this diaconal role would be incomplete without attending to the needs all around us in our community.  My major focuses are on the Social Justice and outreach activities at the Cathedral and on formation.  I am proud that we are a designated Jubilee Center and look forward to continued involvement and growth through SASH, JUMP and VIA.

I grew up as a Quaker.  Silent worship, with its direct connection to the Holy Spirit, helped me form my early relationship to God, but my spiritual home is here in the liturgy and deep and powerful sacramental worship of the Episcopal Church.  My “day job” is as Clinical Director for Howard Center Developmental Services.  I have a background in child development and am a child and family therapist as well as Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor.  I play the cello and guitar and love music of all kinds.  I love to read, take long walks and be by the water. I collect nativities, fountain pens, and books.  My husband, Peter Harrigan, is a Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Fine Arts Department at St. Michael’s College.  We have a beloved Schnoodle, Daisy, who lives a very fine life.

Phone: 802-864-0471 x16
Email: sbaker@stpaulscathedralvt.org