The Rev. Kathy Corley wants to bring the community closer.

As the new priest in charge at Grace Episcopal Church in Baldwinsville, the Rev. Corley plans to expand on the congregation’s outreach, namely reaching out to others and talking about what “we believe.”

“I believe we receive more when we help others and that helping others deepens our own gratefulness for what we’ve been given,” she said. “As our hearts grow larger, our spiritual life deepens.”

She also wants to dive deep into individuals’ passions whether through Bible study, book studies or simply discussing movies.

“In our discussions about faith we learn what we really believe and disbelieve, we hear what others believe and disbelieve and our own spiritual muscles are strengthened,” she said.

The Rev. Corley moved to the area in August of last year to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law, who moved to the area and opened Another Time Books in Shoppingtown Mall. While considering the move, she heard of an opening at Grace Episcopal. After meeting with the congregation’s parish leaders and a search committee, she secured her new position here in February.

“I liked them, they liked me, we signed a contract and here we are,” she said.

Prior to joining Grace Episcopal, the Rev. Corley worked as an interim at the Diocese of New York, which includes New York City and the surrounding counties, filling positions of leave or retirement.

“Losing a minister, for whatever reason, brings great stress to a congregation and the transition between ministers can be rocky,” she said. “In my work as an interim, I led services and helped the parish sift through all the emotion of losing their priest.”

Providing a transition in a time of need, she worked with congregations to help determine the next step.

“We would discern the answers to those great mission questions: Who are we? Why are we here? What are we going to do about it?” she said. “I didn’t help hire the new minister, but my work with the parish provided the foundation for that process.”

In regards to her new environment, the Reverend Kathy said she is “delighted.”

“My first impressions were of the folks at Grace, and I’m just delighted to be working with them,” she said adding that she enjoys crossing the Seneca River on her way to work. “[The river is] beautiful in the rain and snow of this winter and I’m anxious to see it in spring, summer and fall.”

Grace Episcopal Church is located at 110 Oswego St. in Baldwinsville. Call 635-3214 or visit gracebaldwinsville.org.