Father George Roberts took a rather circuitous route to the priesthood.  Born in central North Carolina, the son of a college basketball coach, his early years were spent playing basketball anywhere and everywhere he could.  Chronic asthma sometimes made play difficult but he is convinced that growing up dealing with illness made him acutely aware of the struggles others sometimes face.

 

Father George was baptized, took First Communion, and was confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dunn, North Carolina and seriously considered studying for the (Roman Catholic) priesthood.  He graduated with a degree in Social Services from Campbell University. 

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After working for the states of North Carolina and Florida in their juvenile justice systems for nearly six years, Father George went to graduate school and earned an MFA in theatre arts.  After performing professionally for nearly 20 years, teaching for about 13 years at various colleges, forming his own professional theatre company, and writing a one man show on the life of the Apostle Paul, Father George answered a long overdue call to ministry, this time in the Episcopal Church.  He was ordained in May of 2009 to the priesthood and served for three years as curate, then Associate Priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina.  Father George came to St. James Parish in July of 2012 and loves the falls and winters in CT (yes, winters, too) and spending time with his family.  Father George is married to Tracey, a school nurse, and they have four children, Mary, Daniel, Chloe, and Olivia.