The Rev. Canon Charles A. (Chas) Marks serves as the Canon for Common Mission of The Diocese of West Missouri. This position involves working directly with the Bishop to serve our ministries and leaders. His primary focus includes congregational development and vitality, leadership transitions, and oversight of Diocesan Convention.
Canon Marks was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and is the product of Catholic education. He became an Episcopalian while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Having been received at the Cathedral there, he feels a particular connection to the “Martyrs of Memphis” and upon moving to Kansas City knew he had found his church home when he looked up at St. Mary’s, Kansas City and noticed the window to their memory located there. He discerned his vocation at St. Mary’s and was ordained to the diaconate in 2014 and the priesthood in 2015.
He previously served as Missioner for Transitions for our Diocese, Rector of St. Augustine’s Church, and Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Church, both in Kansas City. He also served at Saint Francis Ministries, an Episcopal social service agency, in Church and Community Relations. Prior to his ordination, he worked in social services, managing programs that assisted unhoused and at-risk youth. He is a graduate of Wichita State University, St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology, and The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. Canon Marks has also completed the College for Congregational Development program and has a Certificate in Church Management from the Villanova School of Business.
Canon Chas lives with his husband, Barry, in the Historic Northeast of Kansas City with their clowder of black cats.
