The Rev. Canon Clay Berkley
Missioner for Deacons

(he/him/his)

The Rev. Canon Clay Berkley grew up in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, having been baptized at Saint John the Evangelist in Elkhart and confirmed at Saint David’s in Elkhart. He and his, wife Sherry Berkley, were married at Holy Trinity in South Bend in 1993. Since 1998, he has worked in Information Technology at the University of Notre Dame. During the 2000s, he volunteered with the Center for the Homeless and with AIDS Ministries in Saint Joseph County. In 2010, Clay discerned a call to become a permanent deacon in the diocese and was ordained at Saint David’s in 2014 where he served as the parish deacon through 2023. Also in 2023 he began serving as a member of the Diocesan Reunification Discernment Committee. Commencing January 1, 2024, Deacon Clay now serves as one of two deacons at the Cathedral of Saint James. Additionally, Clay serves on the Commission on Ministry and on the board of directors for the Diocesan Foundation.

Education

Local Diaconal Formation
Northern Indiana School for Theology (now known as the EDNIN School for Faith and Ministry)

Fun Facts

Hometown: Elkhart, Ind.

Faith Community: Cathedral of Saint James (South Bend, Ind.)

Who does your immediate family consist of?: Wife - Sherry Berkley

Favorite book: Hard to name one, but especially influential in my life is the book Thomas Wingfold, Curate by George MacDonald

Hobbies: I am an avid disc golfer. I am also a retired ballroom dance instructor.

Favorite food: There’s nothing better than Italian food!