Coming Soon: A Candid Interview with Mother Ashley Powers

Mother Ashley Powers /Credit: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

At the heart of Midland's Episcopal Church of The Holy Trinity, Mother Ashley Powers serves as a beacon of faith, wisdom, and inspiration. Born and raised in the greater Houston area, Mother Ashley’s journey to the priesthood is a testament to the power of calling and the transformative nature of faith.

After moving to Abilene in 2012 to pursue a B.A. in Religion at Hardin-Simmons University, she not only deepened her theological understanding but also discovered a profound connection to the Episcopal Church. This led to her confirmation in 2017 at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.

Her journey didn’t stop there. Feeling a deeper call to serve, Mother Ashley discerned her path to the priesthood and, in 2019, began her theological studies at the Seminary of the Southwest.

Supported by her beloved cat Daisy, she dedicated herself to her studies, culminating in her ordination to the Priesthood on June 9th, 2022, at The Episcopal Church of The Holy Trinity, where she now serves as associate rector.

Mother Ashley’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and dedication, and it’s one that she hopes will inspire others—especially young girls who may feel a similar calling from God but are uncertain or afraid to act on it.

Her journey is also part of a larger chapter in the life of the Episcopal Church. While women have always played vital roles in the life of the Church, it wasn’t until 1976 that the General Convention officially approved the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate. This came two years after the bold and controversial ordination of the “Philadelphia Eleven”—the first women to be ordained as Episcopal priests.

Since then, the Episcopal Church has seen women rise to serve faithfully in every order of ministry, including the historic election of the first female Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, in 2006.

Mother Ashley Powers/Credit: The Carrasco Chronicle

In an upcoming exclusive interview with The Carrasco Chronicle, Mother Ashley will share the intimate details of her spiritual journey, her experiences as a priest, and her message for those who feel a calling but are hesitant to embrace it. This interview promises to be both enlightening and encouraging, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman whose faith has led her to serve God and her community in profound ways.

Stay tuned for the full interview soon, where Mother Ashley will discuss how she knew she was called to the priesthood, the challenges she faced along the way, and her hopes for the future of women in the church. This will be an inspiring story of faith that speaks to the heart of what it means to follow one’s calling.