The Rev. Martin J. Bastian

by the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.

A well known, and much beloved, face has joined the St. Martin’s Clergy team as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care in the person of the Rev. Martin J. Bastian (Marty). As most of you know, Marty has served for the last decade as the Senior Chaplain at Episcopal High School. Some months ago, Marty and I began talking about whether or not he was interested in any of the positions that we would have coming open on the Clergy staff. He let the Vice Rector and me know that he would begin to prayerfully consider it and that he would not close any doors, especially with his own Parish. Because of our close relationship and support of the mission of Episcopal High School (EHS), I contacted their new Headmaster, Ned Smith, before Marty and I entered into any serious discussions about the position. Ned, of course, supported Marty’s good ministry at EHS, but also supported Marty’s own discernment process. In the months that followed, Marty spent a great deal of time in prayer and in conversation with his mentors, advisors, the Clergy at St. Martin’s, and his supervisors at EHS. Once we offered Marty the position, he continued this discernment process, but ultimately called me a few weeks ago with tremendous enthusiasm that this was the next appropriate and important step in his own vocation. We are grateful for the years of ministry Marty has given to EHS, and are certain that his relationship with the many lives he has touched there will continue; but now look forward to sharing with him in this new chapter as he takes the reigns of the Pastoral Care ministries of the Parish from the Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr. In addition, with his years of experience of working among and serving teens and their families, I have asked that Marty work closely with Eric Moen, our two full-time Youth Ministers, and our youth interns in continuing to strengthen this vital ministry in the years ahead.

Marty says that, “My first words to Russ after prayerfully making the decision to return to St. Martin’s was that the ‘prodigal son is returning home!’ This community has a special place in my heart. It is where my ministry was launched. And to return ‘home’ couldn’t be more exciting. The ministry team assembled here is not only gifted but is eager and committed to making a difference in the lives of each and every member. Under Russ’s leadership we will soar to new heights as more and more people will be touched by the loving hand of God.”

The Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr. says that, “I am delighted that Marty Bastian has accepted Dr. Levenson’s invitation to join the staff as Associate Rector for Pastoral Care. I have known Marty for years and have been very impressed with his abilities and the depth of his faith. He will be a great addition because he already knows the Parish and has personal history with many of you from his long and faithful service at Episcopal High School. I look forward to working with Marty in my new capacity as Priest Associate as I continue my ministry at St. Martin’s on a part-time basis.”

About Father Bastian: Marty graduated from the University of Kansas in 1986. After a career in publishing in Washington DC, he attended and graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1996. Soon thereafter he moved to Houston and served two years here at St. Martin’s. Marty moved to Episcopal High School where he has faithfully served as Senior Chaplain for the last 10 years. Marty’s passion for young adults and their families is evident. Relationships are key to his ministry. As the head of EHS’s “Religion Pillar,” Marty has served as educator, administrator and spiritual leader while also assisting the Head of School in the day to day operations of the school. As a committed and devoted leader, Marty will bring a wealth of experience to the Pastoral Care team.