Staff - our Clergy

Pastoral Staff

The Rev. Canon Brad Karelius
The Reverend Canon Bradford L. Karelius has been Rector of Messiah Parish since 1981. He was also Associate Rector and Priest in Charge of St. Mary's Parish, Laguana Beach, 1970-1981. Father Brad was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He majored in history and German at Baldwin-Wallace College and University of Southern California. He received his M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, in 1970. Since 1973, Father Brad has been Associate Professor of Philosophy and World Religions at Saddleback College, Mission Viejo. He teaches a popular World Religions class every Thursday night at the college. His work in the Diocese of Los Angeles has included: chair of the Commission on Liturgy and Church Music, chair of Worship for the 1985 General Convention, chair of the Diocesan Camping Commission (overseeing the work of Camp Steven's and Camp Wrightwood), and the Standing Committee (President in 1994 and 1996). He is has also served on the Ecclesiastical Trial Court and Dean of Deanery IX (Central Orange County). Father Brad has been married to Janice since 1971 and they have two children: Erik (1983) and Katie (1976).  Janice has been a critical care nurse at South Coast Hospital for 30 years,  Professor of Nursing at Saddleback College for 20 years, and a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
The Rev. Carolyn S. Estrada	back to top
The Reverend Carolyn S. Estrada was ordained to the transitional deaconate in June of 2001 after a career as a teacher and counselor (MFT) working with at-risk youth, most recently with Pregnant Minors and Teen Parents.  She did her seminary internship at Church of the Messiah and officially joined the staff on June 1, 2001. Carolyn raised her family in Whittier, where her home parish was St. Matthias.  There she facilitated support groups in the area of grief and wellness; led retreats; sang in the choir; was a lay preacher; and participated on the liturgy team.  She responded to a call to ordained ministry, and began attending the Episcopal Theological Seminary at Claremont in their weekend program for four years while she continued to work.  She retired in June 2000 to complete her course of studies.  She has worked variously in private practice, for the Family Service Association, and for two different school districts. Additionally, she served three terms on the Whittier City School District Board of Education.
The Rev. Rev. Katherine MacKenzie	back to top
The Rev. Katherine MacKenzie has been assisting priest since 2000. Previously she was associate rector at St. Augustine’s Parish, Santa Monica. She has extensive experience with the Education for Ministry program. Currently she is an attorney on the staff of the City Attorney of Los Angeles. She is married to her husband Rob.

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