Liturgical Fashion 101: Episcopal Vestments

Show Notes:In this episode… We are talking about All Things…Episcopal liturgical fashion aka, the vestments we wear and why we wear them. We are talking about the fancy poncho that the priest wears, why do people wear what looks like a floor length black dress, and why are these clothes that the altar party wear so ornate and intricate in their detailing? We are getting into all of that and more with the one and only The Rev. Chas Marks.  About the HostsThe Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike. The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.  About our Guest: The Rev. Canon Charles A. (Chas) Marks (he/him)  serves as the Canon for Common Mission of The Diocese of West Missouri. This position involves working directly with the Bishop to serve our ministries and leaders. His primary focus includes congregational development and vitality, leadership transitions, and oversight of Diocesan Convention.Canon Marks was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and is the product of Catholic education. He became an Episcopalian while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Having been received at the Cathedral there, he feels a particular connection to the “Martyrs of Memphis” and upon moving to Kansas City knew he had found his church home when he looked up at St. Mary’s, Kansas City and noticed the window to their memory located there. He discerned his vocation at St. Mary’s and was ordained to the diaconate in 2014 and the priesthood in 2015.He previously served as Missioner for Transitions for our Diocese, Rector of St. Augustine’s Church, and Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Church, both in Kansas City.  He also served at Saint Francis Ministries, an Episcopal social service agency, in Church and Community Relations. Prior to his ordination, he worked in social services, managing programs that assisted unhoused and at-risk youth. He is a graduate of Wichita State University, St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology, and The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. Canon Marks has also completed the College for Congregational Development program and has a Certificate in Church Management from the Villanova School of Business.Canon Chas lives with his husband, Barry, in the Historic Northeast of Kansas City with their clowder of black cats.Relevant links:Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click hereTo learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click hereAll Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.