St. Augustine of Canterbury, Vero Beach, has called The Rev. John Wesley “Wes” Shields as its new rector, welcoming him and his family in a reception held Sunday, Aug. 15.

“I think I was called here to love these people and share the gifts God has given me,” Shields said.  “The venue and the scale can change from place to place, but the call remains the same.”

Shields has long known God’s call on his life. “It has been there as far back as I can remember – sixth grade or earlier,” he said.

Shields came to St. Augustine from the Church of the Transfiguration in Bat Cave, North Carolina, where he served since 2014. His first position was as associate rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, from May 2003 to June 2004. While serving as rector of St. Andrews in the Pines Episcopal Church in Pinedale, Wyoming, from 2004 to 2009, he restarted St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Big Piney, Wyoming, in 2007 and served as vicar there. He then became rector of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, from 2009 until 2011.

He earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and received a Master of Divinity from the University of the South in 2003.

Shields and his wife, Laura, have been married for 21 years. They have two daughters, Emma, 13, and Cody, 10, and a son, Tucker, 8.

“God is good, and we are blessed,” Shields said.

The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer will preside over Shields’ Celebration of New Ministry on Oct. 10.