A Deacon’s Heart
From left, the Rev. Kathy Shahinian, Anne Devadason and Allison Hyland prepare for a Eucharistic Visit.
The Rev. Kathy Shahinian dropped out of high school at age 17. She married, had a child, got divorced and became a single mom.
“I had no education, certifications and no skills,” she said. She couldn’t find one job that would pay the bills, so she worked two or three jobs.
But she had faith and prayer. “I knew that God was good and that God had a plan,” she said. Raised in an Episcopalian home, she and her brother attended church on Sundays and holidays.
When she was on her own, she wanted to join the church choir and become more involved in the church, but “life seemed to get in the way.” She had to work to survive, and church activities often conflicted with her work hours.
“My prayers were often impromptu,” she recalls. “I would thank God for the roof over our heads, that we were eating on a regular basis, and were able to pay the bills.”
Fast forward to the 1980s … she began wondering what it would be like to attend a theological seminary, but it seemed more like an “itch” than an attainable dream.
She did, however, begin taking steps to better her situation. She not only got her GED (certification equivalent to a high school diploma), but she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master’s degree in business and human resources from the College of Notre Dame.
In 1985 she began working for a union as a labor representative and became a legislative director before leaving the company in 1998 to become a union broker with an insurance company that’s she’s still working with today.
“I’ve worked with some amazing people who’ve been very supportive,” she said.
Kathy’s circumstances had changed. She’d gotten an education, fulfilling jobs and even remarried a wonderful guy who she calls “My George!” But she still felt “an annoying nibble in her ear,” a feeling that she should be doing more.
That feeling climaxed when she met a deacon at a wedding reception. It seemed like a great opportunity. Doors began to open. Kathy went through a period of discernment, reflecting on her desire to “serve the church and the community.”
She explored the Baptismal Ministry and served as an intern at St. Anne’s, working with parishioner, Adela Rose, and the Rev. Amy Richter. She developed a fondness for St. Anne’s and wonderful memories of making baptismal banners, participating in holiday food drives, and tutoring at the Stanton Center.
In 2012 she began serving at St. Martin’s in the Field in Severna Park. Also in 2012, she became the Diocesan Public Policy Advocate during the legislative session. With the support of churches in the area and a wonderful committee, she helped pass a significant number of bills about the environment, housing, wages and sick leave. She also educated people about how public policy can affect their daily lives and how the legislative process works from an idea to drafting a bill and getting it approved.
In 2013, she was ordained a vocational deacon, meaning she has “one foot in the church and one foot in the world.” She loves both. “It’s God’s time now,” she says. She’s spent some time at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, “doing clinical pastoral education.” “It’s soul changing,” she said. “It was amazing to work with and pray with the people there.”
She returned to St. Anne’s to be closer to the legislature and to finish her career as a parish deacon. “It’s been fabulous. I love the work,” she says. She loves Sunday services and working with some St. Anne’s ministries, including a Cup of Cold Water, Soles for Souls, the Eucharistic Visitor Program, the Pumpkin Patch, and a mentor for a deacon postulant.
And the ministries love working with her. “Our deacon, Rev. Kathy, brings contagious enthusiasm to every project she pioneers,” says Janice Jobson, co-chair of a Cup of Cold Water. “Her can-do attitude and joy-filled leadership of A Cup of Cold Water continually deepen my commitment to this ministry. Kathy+ is truly an inspiring force to work alongside.”
Patricia Jennings, Janice’s co-chair with a Cup of Cold Water, agrees. She says, “Rev. Kathy is truly an example of one who earnestly seeks to serve Our Lord with a tender heart and spirit.” Patricia would like to tell Rev. Kathy, “Thank you for your love, care and inspiration for A Cup of Cold Water. You are a blessing and joy to work with.”
At the end of the Sunday worship services, the Rev. Kathy Shahinian tells the congregation to go out into the world and celebrate God’s world.
She serves in the world too, organizing people and helping them to get involved. She’s ready to listen and offer comfort and prayer.
“This church is so amazing. There’s a genuine love of each other here. People are so willing to give,” she says.
She cites one ministry that started with seven volunteers and has grown to 70 volunteers.
She also encourages anyone who feels the “itch” to become a deacon to pursue it. “It’s a wonderful program for anyone,” she says. “The program is right online and tailored to accommodate anyone who’s interested.”
“Stay in a state of prayer and have faith,” she urges. “You can’t do it by yourself, but you can talk to God about it. You’re not alone.”
God’s plan must be working, because in May 2025, the former high school dropout got her second master’s degree – this time in Christian Ministries from the Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore. In May 2026 she retires from her deacon duties, but she will continue to follow God’s plan in the world and in the church.
Profile written by Martha Thorn, Volunteer at St. Anne’s
About St. Anne’s Parish: A historic parish of over 330 years which includes time as Chapel Royal for King William and Queen Mary, St. Anne’s is an active place of worship, formation, and outreach in the heart of Annapolis. Our mission at St. Anne’s is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ by enlarging the circle through Building, Engaging, Evangelizing, and Forming disciples of Jesus. As a faithful community, we commit ourselves to lead St. Anne’s into the future—grounded in Scripture, guided by the Spirit—as together we Proclaim the Good News (Luke 4:18), Act Justly and with Mercy (Micah 6:8), and Love others as Christ loved us (John 13:34). Learn more about St. Anne’s mission and ministries at https://www.stannes-annapolis.org.