Deacon Marionette Bennett is a Charleston native and cradle Episcopalian. In her own words:

“Since childhood, I have always been active in the Church, which I’m sure influenced my decision to become a deacon. Even though my calling came while I was living in Augusta, Georgia, I responded to the call at my church in Colorado. Thus, I was ordained to the permanent deaconate on November 2, 1996, in Denver, Colorado.

I was assigned to St. Stephen’s in Aurora, the very parish that had supported me throughout the deaconate process. While serving at St. Stephen’s, my main objective was to embody Christ’s love and presence to all. I worked with Hospice of Metro Denver as a volunteer for many years. I also volunteered at the Gateway Battered Women’s Services working with children and later serving as a relief counselor. At St. Stephen’s, my priest and I created and implemented a two-week expense-free summer program for children in the community. We also began “Messy Church” which drew in a large number of Hispanics, allowing us to work on our goal of becoming a more inclusive church.

I returned to Charleston in 2020, and in 2021 I was licensed to serve as a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and was made Canonically Resident. I was assigned to Calvary, my home Church. Very recently, I was asked by Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley to also assist at St. Peter’s with the Reverend Courtney Davis-Shoemaker.

What an honor! At both places I will strive to be the heart and hands of Christ to all I meet and show God’s love by word and deed.”