New assistant for congregations and grants administration joins diocesan staff

Margaret Lias Joshua South Margaret Lias

Margaret Lias has been hired as assistant for congregations and grants administration, a new full-time position on the diocesan staff, and will begin on May 31.

In this new role she will provide administrative support to the regional canons and the canon for immigration and multicultural ministries.  She will also be responsible for coordinating diocesan grant programs.

Lias is currently a candidate for ordination to the diaconate, sponsored by Emmanuel Church in Boston.  She has worked as an administrator for several parishes in the diocese, most recently at St. Paul's Church in Dedham.  Her experience also includes serving as development director for Emmanuel Music, as a doctoral programs assistant at the Harvard Business School and as a development manager for the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.  She has also served on the staff of Trinity Church in Boston, as administrative assistant for worship and pastoral care, and as coordinator for development, stewardship and volunteers.

Lias attended the University of Rochester Eastman School of Music and is a graduate of the school's preparatory program.  A mezzo-soprano, she has performed widely as a freelance musician.  Her current volunteer activities include serving on the Handel and Haydn Society's artistic director search committee and on the Dedham Cultural Council.

She lives in Dedham with her spouse, the Rev. Dr. Meghan Sweeney, son Elliot, cat Gertrude and a new puppy, Seamus.