Bishop Phyllis Spiegel is pleased to announce the calling of The Rev. Daniela (Dani) Lee to serve in the new staff position of Missioner for Congregational Vitality. The bishop presented the vision for this position, which arises out of the Diocesan Vitality work, to both the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee; both governing boards offered enthusiastic support for the creation of this position. The Rev. Lee currently serves as the part-time vicar of St. Mary’s, Provo. working from home on Mondays and in the Diocesan Office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9AM to 2PM.
“The Vitality Team, of which The Rev. Dani is a member, has been doing incredible and visionary work this year. The opportunity to offer to the churches of the diocese a dedicated staff member to serve as a resource for their own vitality efforts and learnings is incredibly exciting. With the creation of this Missioner position, we have greatly increased our capacity for Congregational Vitality beyond our hopes and dreams.” said Bishop Spiegel.
The Missioner for Congregational Vitality, a 20-hour per week position under the oversight of the Canon to the Ordinary, is tasked with fostering growth, sustainability, and strategic planning across congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Utah. Supported with a salary, pension, travel reimbursement, and office resources, the Missioner will provide coaching, leadership development, and outreach strategies while promoting collaboration throughout the diocese.Click above to watch The Rev. Daniela Lee discuss church vitality at the opening worship of this year’s Rooted in Jesus.
Ordained as a priest in 2023, The Rev. Lee has led St. Mary’s Church in Provo as Priest-in-Charge, nurturing spiritual development through worship, pastoral care, and sacramental ministry. Her prior roles, including Deacon at San Esteban/St. Stephen’s and a chaplain intern, reflect her commitment to holistic pastoral care and spiritual well-being.
With an M.Div. from Bexley Seabury and additional graduate training in Professional Ethics from Babeș-Bolyai University, The Rev. Daniela Lee brings a rich blend of theological insight and ethical reflection to her ministry. She served on the Diocesan Standing Committee, the Racial Healing Committee, and has a longstanding dedication to the Diocesan Vitality Initiative. The Rev. Dani is also passionate about contemplative practices, evangelism, and creative pursuits, including knitting and hiking Utah’s scenic trails.
She can be contacted at dlee@episcopal-ut.org. Please reach out to your new missioner to congratulate her or ask how her work might serve you.
