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Episcopal Church’s ‘Camino Project’ moves forward with resource testing, new manager

October 2, 2024
Office of Public Affairs

The Episcopal Church’s new “Camino Project”—awarded a $1.25 million grant last year from the Lilly Endowment Inc.—is moving forward with input from initial project members and a new program manager as it develops faith-formation resources for culturally diverse family structures and congregations.

Overseen by the Department of Faith Formation, “The Camino Project: Faith-Forward Pathways for Episcopal Families” is a five-year initiative that will provide Spanish and English resources, community cohorts, and pilgrimage experiences for parents, caregivers, and congregations throughout the parenting years.

In March, project organizers gathered a group of formation leaders from around the church to a three-day “Hatchathon” to brainstorm and formulate ideas. “This amazing group of innovators went from rough ideas, to creatively building their ideas in teams, to pitching their ideas to the group,” said the Rev. Shannon Kelly, grant director for The Camino Project. “Ideas from this gathering are now being developed and are coming to life.”

In early October, staff will conduct beta testing of new resources with selected project members. Episcopal congregations and families interested in becoming involved are encouraged to sign up to receive more information.

In June, Kenianne Rivera Rivera joined the staff as the Camino Project program manager. Rivera worked most recently as an evangelism content producer for the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, where she has also served as director of operations for Episcopal Media Group and continues to serve as a youth ministry coordinator. She earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-law with a political science minor and a master of arts in criminal justice and criminology from universities in Puerto Rico.

“We are thrilled that Kenianne joined our staff right before General Convention, and she has hit the ground running,” Kelly said.

In her new role, Rivera oversees program and content management, trains and equips leadership teams, recruits and fosters relationships with partner congregations and families, and represents the Camino Project at gatherings, among other responsibilities.

Visit the Camino Project’s website to stay up to date on new developments, including blessings and prayer boxes for families, a project app, and resources for Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and more.

Learn more about the Lilly Endowment Inc.