MARK WINWARD, Incoming Rector
Ordained as a deacon in 1997 (VA); Priest 1998 (VA); Rector 1999-2002 (ME); Navy Chaplain 2001-2024; Joining Holy Family August 1, 2025
- During college, influenced by a professor who had been a student of C.S. Lewis, Mark fell in love with the Episcopal Church, drawn to the centrality of the Eucharist and the beauty of classic Anglican hymns. In addition to living healthfully and practicing mindfulness, he believes the key to a good life is found in Micah 6:8: “doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God.”
- He began his naval career as an active duty officer on surface ships and, over his 38 years of active and reserve service, was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in various Navy, Marine, and Special Operations assignments. He was also an Assistant Professor at the Joint Forces Staff College.
- After Mark received his Master of Divinity degree in 1997, he transferred to the Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps and served as rector in Episcopal churches in Virginia and Maine until he reactivated following the 9/11 attacks. During this time, Fr. Mark felt called to return to active duty as a Navy Chaplain, serving as the Senior Navy Chaplain for the Western Pacific, as well as for the National Security Agency until his retirement last year.
- Fr. Mark is an accomplished sailor, holds an instrument pilot’s license, and has been SCUBA diving since the age of 15. But his true passion is long-distance bicycle touring – riding from San Diego to Texas this past fall – and he hopes to complete the journey in segments to Florida.
- Thirty-eight years ago, he married his beloved bride, KC, and together they have 2 adult sons, Christian and Matthew.
BILL HARKINS, Interim Priest-in-Charge
First served Holy Family as a Postulate in 1999 and will fulfill his commitment as the Interim on July 31, 2025
- An accomplished cook, Bill’s personal favorite meal to make is Eggplant Parmesan, followed by fresh peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.
- The book, The Movie Goer, written by friend Walker Percy, greatly influenced Bill’s decision to change his career path from neuroscience to pursue theology and psychotherapy. He has practiced at the Cathedral Counseling Center since 2003 and was on the faculty of Columbia Seminary for 24 years, teaching pastoral psychotherapy.
- Bill runs, on average, around 40 miles per week, enjoying the wooded trails and even marathons. This year he will run the Peachtree Road Race for the 49th consecutive year – running in memory of a dear friend!
- His earliest memories include admiring the dangling mobile from his crib, his first car – a 1967 GTO convertible, and the time he and some classmates “liberated” a large T-rex dinosaur from an abandoned goofy golf and rehomed it on the roof of Sandy Springs High School. Playing wide receiver and defensive halfback in high school and college, he wore jersey #21 in honor of his hero, Roberto Clemente.
- Bill treasures his time with loved ones – married to Vicky for 44 years, 2 sons – Justin and Andrew, and 4 precious grandchildren, as a “pearl of great price”.