Welcoming Our New Leaders in Hospitality & Engagement

At St. John’s Cathedral, we believe that welcome and connection are at the heart of our ministry. To strengthen our commitment to hospitality and deepen engagement within our community, we are excited to announce two new leadership positions: Associate Priest for Welcome and Engagement and Director of Welcome and Engagement. These roles will help us cultivate a spirit of belonging and create meaningful pathways for newcomers to feel at home in our Cathedral family.

We are delighted to introduce The Rev. Thomas O’Dell and Linda O’Dell, who will serve in these new positions.

Meet Tom and Linda O’Dell

The Rev. Thomas O’Dell brings decades of experience as a rector, leading congregations through transformative growth, capital campaigns, and major renovations. His passion for welcoming others is evident in both his parish ministry and his leadership with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. With a deep pastoral heart, Tom is eager to guide newcomers into deeper connection with our community.

Linda O’Dell is an experienced administrator and communicator who has coordinated complex programs, led capital campaigns, and organized large-scale events in both nonprofit and church settings. She has served as an Administrative Manager and Program Coordinator for large congregations, bringing a keen eye for detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a heart for building community.

Together, Tom and Linda bring a wealth of expertise, enthusiasm, and love for the church. Their leadership will enhance our ability to welcome visitors, engage newcomers, and strengthen the bonds of our Cathedral family.

When I was engaged in mission work in the African nation of Ghana, the people in my village greeted one another with a word that literally meant “I see you.”

What a warm welcome! What a gift to another child of God — to really see them. As your Associate Priest for Welcome and Engagement, I look forward to seeing you, and to join you in greeting visitors in ways that help them to feel truly seen.

~Tom O’Dell

Welcoming touches my heart because each person arriving at St. John’s Cathedral Sunday morning is coming intentionally. They have made a decision to join us in worship and community. I believe that a welcoming smile and greeting validates that decision to come and their presence with us immediately changes the congregation. I look forward to greeting and welcoming those who are new and helping everyone find their way to engage at St. John’s Cathedral.  

~Linda O’Dell