St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Zachary, Louisiana is happy to announce that after a thorough search process, a new rector has been called. The Reverend Audra Ryes will begin her ministry at the church on July 1, 2024. Rev. Ryes comes to us with a broad background as a middle and high school science teacher, lay minister, theology scholar, Kairos Prison Ministry leader, Christian formation teacher, deacon, and more.

Audra Ryes (affectionately known by her last name Ryes pronounced “Rise”) is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor's of Science, and Xavier University of Louisiana with a Master's of Arts. She has Louisiana teacher certification in the sciences, as well as certification in administration/principalship. She received a Master’s of Divinity degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. In the Fall of 2024, Ryes will begin her Transformative Preaching Fellowship at Duke University’s Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.

Rev. Ryes is a lifelong educator but has always felt the calling to parish ministry and serving the greater community. With her experience in education, theology, preaching, and community service she is now ready to take on the prime leadership role in a parish church and day school.

Rev. Ryes’ first service at St. Patrick’s will be on Sunday, July 7, 2024. A welcome reception will be held on Sunday, July 14th following the 10:45 a.m. worship service. The public is cordially invited to attend and meet the church’s new rector.

The church is located at 1322 Church Street, Zachary, LA, 70791. The church office number is (225) 654-4091. Email: [email protected]. Website: stpatsla.org.