Fr. Craig Swan - John the Baptist

Today we are chatting with the Rev. Craig Swan of St. Peter’s by the sea in RI about John the Baptist. How did we get this man, where did he come from and where does his story end. Why is he important to our faith. 

The Reverend Craig Swan is a life-long Episcopalian. Having experienced a call to ordained ministry during his freshman year in college, Fr. Swan pursued a multi-field major in Sociology and Psychology with a concentration in Religion during his years at St. Lawrence University.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Fr. Swan matriculated to Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University where he received his Master’s in Divinity.  After Divinity School,  Fr. Swan pursued his interest in youth ministry by working with at-risk youth, first in New Haven, CT through the Dixwell Community House and then with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. 

 It was when he grew frustrated with the fact that he could not share his greatest joy - the love of God for each of us - with the children he was called to care for, that he began the formal journey to ordination.  Ordained in 2000, Fr. Swan continued his devotion to youth ministry and children’s protection in the Diocese of Massachusetts where he served as the Assistant Rector and Director of Youth Ministries at the Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill and as a Massachusetts Diocesan Safe Church Trainer.

Called to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea in 2015, Fr. Swan has continued his work in Safe Church and now utilizes his protective services background as a Title IV (clergy misconduct) Intake Officer for the Diocese of Rhode Island.  Within the parish he enjoys working collaboratively with musicians and lay leaders towards the development of creative and meaningful worship. He also has found a new passion: teaching the faith through courses on the sacraments and Bible Study.

A native Southern New Englander, Fr. Swan roots for all teams New England: the Patriots, the Red Sox, and UConn Basketball.