Best of Both Worlds Podcast Thriving with Unconventional Work Week Rhythms: Lauren Kuratko, Episcopal Priest EP440
Jan 6, 2026
Lauren Karatko, an Episcopal priest and mother of three, shares her unique journey of leading a parish while embracing family life. She discusses her unconventional work rhythms, balancing evening meetings with split-shift parenting. Lauren opens up about the importance of time management, revealing insights from her time log and how it led to delegating tasks. Additionally, she shares her personal spiritual practices and festive family traditions, highlighting how they help maintain connection and joy amidst her busy schedule.
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A Call That Became A Career
- Lauren Karatko felt called to the priesthood while worshiping in college and told her mother who had a synchronistic prayer moment.
- She pursued internships and seminary and celebrates 20 years in the priesthood.
Unconventional Split-Shift Rhythm
- Clergy schedules are highly variable and require split-shift patterns to balance parish and family life.
- Lauren works weekdays during school hours and reserves late afternoons and evenings for parenting and parish meetings.
Proximity Creates Always-On Pressure
- Living on campus shortens commute but blurs boundaries because stepping outside often puts you back on duty.
- Lauren counteracts this by intentionally leaving campus monthly to run errands and detach from work.