The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, VA welcomes the Rev. Melissa Fauci as new Associate Re

It is with much enthusiasm we announce that the Rev. Melissa Fauci has been called to be our new Associate Rector. Melissa brings a passion for parish ministry, preaching, and pastoral care grounded in making connections with people. She brings nine years of experience in ministry, having served for two years in a Catholic church; having served six years as a hospital chaplain and supervisor of chaplains at Oschner Health in New Orleans; having served in her Episcopal parish as a junior and senior warden; then recently completing an Anglican Studies year at Virginia Theological Seminary.

In her undergraduate work, she majored in Religion and Economics, with minors in Poverty Studies and Latin American Studies. She completed her Masters of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2015. Melissa then sensed a call to be a priest and discerned the Episcopal Church was to be her new spiritual home.

Melissa is an “excellent communicator, preacher, and pastoral presence who connects well with people,” her former bishop said, “She has a high capacity for friendship.”

Melissa used to be an athlete and marathon runner before acquiring a chronic illness about six years ago that causes some fatigue and breathing challenges. She has learned to adapt extremely well, such that it seems to be an invisible disability at times. “This vulnerability has only further deepened her call to include everyone,” her former supervisor shared.

Melissa is married to Megan and together they have a 2.5 year old daughter.