Hello! I’m John Lee Wagas, a first-generation Filipino-American from the Bay Area in Northern California exploring the intersection of faith, nerdiness, and queerness through ministry, community, dialogue, crafts, and whimsy.
Experience
Postulant for Holy Orders (Priesthood)
Episcopal Diocese of California, San Francisco Bay Area
December 2024 – Present
Formation for priestly ministry, known as the sacrament of Holy Orders, in the Episcopal Church.
Social Media and Newsletter Manager
St. James’ Episcopal Church, Fremont CA
March 2022 – July 2026
Managed parish presence on Instagram and Facebook by designing and scheduling weekly posts, responding to messages, and advertising events. Edited the monthly newsletter and facilitated the transition from Microsoft Publisher to Canva.
Volunteer Hospital Chaplain
Washington Hospital and Health, Fremont CA
April 2024 – September 2025
Provided patients, families, and staff with a space in which they can be heard and engage in spiritual practices through in-person visits. Engaged in broadly spiritual and specific religious interactions in a medical setting on a weekly basis.
Behavioral Technician
ACES ABA, Newark and San Jose CA
March 2025 – January 2026
Empower and support youth clients on the Autism Spectrum by engaging in activities focused on positive reinforcement and social/communication skills alongside daily living.Crafted and maintained individualized approaches and schedules.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, Concentration in Religious Studies
San José State University, San Jose CA
August 2020 – December 2023
Studied for three years at San José State University in San Jose, a public institution in the California State University system located near the heart of Silicon Valley. I graduated a semester early from a four-year program with honors Magna Cum Laude.
Master of Divinity
Seminary of the Southwest, Austin TX
August 2026 – Present
A three-year master’s program required for priestly formation in the Episcopal Church. Seminary of the Southwest is a residential Episcopal seminary located in central Austin and rooted in the principles of hospitality, conversation, and mutuality.
Interests
Video Games
E
Liturgy and Worship
L
Medieval European History
C
