About Fr. Scott

The Rev. Scott R. Leannah is the Vicar at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dousman, WI

Scott grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and completed undergraduate studies at Marquette University.  He received a Masters in Divinity Degree from St. Francis Seminary, in Milwaukee.  He was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church on May 22, 1993.

Scott’s years in priestly ministry brought him a variety and depth of experience. As part of his parish ministry, Scott learned Spanish in order to minister to a large number of first and second generation immigrants from Mexico.  Along with parish ministry, Scott was also Co-Director of Ministry to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Scott’s convictions that clerical celibacy should be a calling– not a mandate, that women and men are equally called by the Holy Spirit to ordained ministry, and that church governance should better reflect the life and membership of the Church caused him to begin in earnest to explore priestly ministry in the Episcopal Church in 2001.  Scott found the sacramental life of the Church, the richness of the Book of Common Prayer, and the authenticity he observed in church life and governance within the Episcopal Church both refreshing and life-giving.

In the fall of 2002, Scott resigned his ministry in the Roman Church and began to work as a hospice chaplain.

At the same time, he began in earnest to learn  about the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.  He was received as a priest in the Episcopal Church at St. Luke’s in Madison, WI on November 23, 2003.

On December 7, 2003, Scott began to serve at St. Mary’s Church, Dousman, WI,  a vibrant and growing faith community.  The parish has seen significant growth in the areas of lay membership, ministry, and outreach. While serving at St. Mary’s, Scott has also served on the Camp Webb Board, and as Spiritual Director of Camp Webb.  He has been involved in Congregational Development training, has taught Pastoral Spanish at Nashotah House seminary,  and has served on the Diocesan Standing Committee.

On July 29, 2006, after years of friendship and a year-long engagement, Scott married Gina Kuemmel.  He continues to be amazed and grateful to share his life with such a loving, compassionate and faith-filled woman.  Scott and Gina enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, and being outside. They share a deep passion for ministry and spirituality.  Gina has three children who are now young adults.  Scott enjoys being a Step Dad and looks forward to being a grandfather.  Gina and Scott are also licensed foster parents. 

On Easter Sunday, April 4th, 2010, St Mary’s opened the doors of a new church building for worship which doubled it’s former seating capacity.  St Mary’s continues to welcome people of all faith traditions to join in experiencing the worship, fellowship, and world-wide community outreach experience that is St. Mary’s.  At St. Mary’s service to others and fellowship with one another is central to spiritual growth.