Holy halos, “Is Mr. or Mrs. Stephens available?”

Most readers of Laughing Water know that I’m an Episcopal priest and serve as the Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Edina, Minnesota. Most also know that I have a sense of humor. So I was greatly amused this afternoon when someone called the church, asking a staff member if “Mr. or Mrs. Stephens” was available. One person has suggested that an appropriate response might have been, “I’m sorry, the martyr is out.” However, I probably would have referred this lost soul to a newly unveiled website for Lent Madness 2012. That’s where folks like today’s slightly confused caller can learn about martyrs, saints, and heros of faith from our own time, too. It also includes a bit of humor.

Last year I was asked to contribute to Lent Madness as a celebrity blogger on behalf of C.S. Lewis, who ultimately won the “golden halo” in this tournament that I like to refer to as “The Saintly Smackdown.” I’m happy to report that I’ve been asked to return as one of eight celebrity bloggers for Lent Madness 2012.

This is going to be fun! I wonder if I’ll get to write about Mrs. Stephens . . .