Newcomers Dinner

The Rev. Tommy Dillon II

Meet Fr. Tommy Dillon, a Baton Rouge native with a heart dedicated to service, compassion, and building inclusive communities. Fr. Tommy's journey is marked by a profound commitment to faith, education, and social justice.

Fr. Tommy embarked on his academic journey at Louisiana State University, where he earned a dual degree in Religious Studies and Anthropology. His thirst for theological knowledge led him to Yale University, where he earned a Master of Divinity and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School, an affiliate of Yale. Specializing in Anglican Liturgy, Fr. Tommy further honed his expertise at The General Theological Seminary in New York City, earning a Master of Sacred Theology.

Ordained as a deacon (2003) and priest (2004) at St. Luke’s Baton Rouge, Fr. Tommy served as Vicar of St. Augustine’s in Central City, LA, before embarking on an 11-year journey on the West Coast. There, he served as Rector of St. Aidan’s in San Francisco and Grace Church in Bainbridge Island, WA. In September 2016, he answered the call to become the Rector of St. Margaret's.

With over 24 years of pastoral experience, Fr. Tommy has excelled in roles encompassing pastoral care, program development, stewardship, and administration. His passion extends beyond traditional church boundaries, as he actively engages communities, encouraging them to explore new ways of being the church in a rapidly changing world.

Before moving to the West Coast, Fr. Tommy played a pivotal role as the first Director of Prisoner Aftercare Services for the National Volunteers of America. His dedication to social justice is further evident in his work with the Volunteer of America of Greater Baton Rouge, where he spent seven years in Mental Health and Homeless Services.

In the Diocese of California, he served in various capacities, including as a member of the Diocesan Executive Council, Diocesan Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Nave Chaplain at Grace Cathedral, and a Spiritual Director for Cursillo. Additionally, he served as a board member for Sojourn Chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital and as chair of the Episcopal Bay Area Salvadoran Coalition.

In the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Fr. Tommy served as the Dean of the Baton Rouge Deanery (2020-2024). He served as a co-leader in the Transitions in Progress group (TIP) for newly ordained clergy and those with new calls in ministry for six years, He has served as a diocesan representative for Together Baton Rouge/Louisiana, a leader of Inclusive Louisiana (LGBTQ+ Ministry in the Diocese of Louisiana), and was a Clergy Deputy for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church for three conventions.

Fr. Tommy currently serves as a Clergy Mentor-Coach with Virginia Theological Seminary's Thriving in Ministry Initiative. Fr. Tommy is also a frequent retreat leader, pilgrimage planner, and an instructor of liturgy.

In Fr. Tommy's world, every individual is embraced without judgment or exclusion. His tireless efforts with newly-released prisoners, those suffering from mental illness and homelessness, and Hurricane Katrina survivors have instilled in him a fearless compassion for human need. Under his leadership, parish food banks and elder ministries flourished, Disaster Preparedness groups formed, and connections with El Salvador were established through the Anglican Church of El Salvador and Cristosal, a Human Rights organization.

Fr. Tommy finds solace in collaborating to create beautiful liturgy, believing that it feeds the soul. Beyond his spiritual pursuits, he enjoys good food, water aerobics, the company of good friends, and road trips with his Whippet pal, Josh, all of which reveal the Holy in the everyday world.