ATLANTA, Ga., May 9, 2007 - St. Benedict's Episcopal Church of New Vinings today launched its Vocational Ministry, an innovative program for those in the community seeking insight into their vocational calling and its impact on their spirituality. In addition to pastoral care, St. Benedict's has partnered with the Vinings-area office of DHR International, a respected executive search firm, to provide complimentary career assessments.

"Our new Vocational Ministry enables us reach out to community members in a way that's highly relevant to their daily lives," said the Rev. Lang Lowrey, Vicar of St. Benedict's. "In today's society, our vocation is closely intertwined with who we are and how we relate to Christ, to our families, and to each other. In fact, the word vocation stems from the Latin word vocar, which essentially means our calling from God. By helping others reach a deeper understanding about their calling - their vocation - we also help them grow in faith."

Recent studies show that Americans have grown increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs. Common issues include stress, underemployment, unsatisfactory relationships with colleagues, long hours that take away from family and friends, and a lack of fulfillment from not being able to "give back" in a more spiritually rewarding way. In addition, many workers find themselves at career crossroads, from being a casualty of downsizing to reaching a certain age to facing an impediment that blocks a traditional job path.

"DHR International is excited to partner with St. Benedict's on their important Vocational Ministry initiative and to provide no-charge career guidance to participants," commented Mike Allred, Executive Vice President for DHR International in Atlanta. Allred recently joined the newly planted St. Benedict's as a parishioner. "Rev. Lowrey brings a unique perspective to this mission, given his successful business background. DHR looks forward to making a valuable contribution to the Vocational Ministry through our market-tested assessment tools, one-on-one career counseling sessions, and the capability to help participants make job-related connections in the community." DHR International is a privately held, family-oriented endeavor that has earned a reputation for high service levels and a strong dedication to quality, and the Atlanta office recently became a sponsor of the well-regarded Atlanta CEO Council.

"We are deeply gratified that DHR International is joining us in this undertaking," concluded Rev. Lowrey. "Mike Allred is a grandmaster in the executive placement industry, and it's both wonderful and fitting that he has found a way to give back to the community by using his own vocational calling to help others find theirs. With the assistance of Mike and DHR, the Vocational Ministry will enable St. Benedict's to connect our faith with one of the dominant issues that affects day-to-day life. For us, it's an additional opportunity to fulfill our mission by putting Christ's teachings into action in tangible ways that improve the lives of those around us."

In other news, St. Benedict's recently inaugurated its partnership with MUST Ministries by coordinating a food drive and fundraiser at the Spring Jonquil Festival in Smyrna. In addition to collecting food and financial donations for MUST Ministries' food pantry, festival participants hand-decorated lunch bags for use in MUST's summer lunch program for kids. St. Benedict's also raised funds at the festival to purchase a goat and tree seedlings for Heifer International's unique mission to end hunger through sustainable farming and food production.

St. Benedict's was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and Bishop J. Neil Alexander as a vanguard of the church's efforts to reach further and deeper into the communities served by the diocese.

About St. Benedict's

The mission of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church of New Vinings, Ga. is to come together as a community to grow in faith and share Christ's love with an ever-changing world. St. Benedict's also is committed to partnering with service and support organizations in the area to improve the lives of area residents by providing both spiritual and physical assistance. St. Benedict's is led by the Rev. Lang Lowery, formerly associate rector at St. Anne's Atlanta. To learn more about St. Benedict's, including how to join this exciting spiritual journey, visit them on the Web at MySaintB.org or call 678-279-4300.

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Contacts: Nan Ross, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta: 404-815-0640

Courtney Vaughn, St. Benedict's: 678-279-4300 or Courtney@MySaintB.org

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