The Rev’d Allen M. Junek (pronounced “you-nick”) is the Associate Rector here at Palmer.

Allen is a ninth-generation Texan and joined Palmer from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, where he served most recently as Curate. Allen's primary responsibilities at St. Matthew’s included managing communications and overseeing the congregation's ministries to both newcomers and young adults. He is passionate about worship, evangelism, and the intersection of faith and public life.

After studying philosophy and classics at Texas A&M University, Allen went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University and a graduate diploma from Bexley Seabury Seminary. While in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Allen discovered the Episcopal Church and joined the staff at the Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle in Dallas before relocating to Austin to complete his final year of studies at Seminary of the Southwest. While at Southwest, Allen served as the lay chaplain for the Episcopal Student Center at the University of Texas.

When he’s not at church, Allen can likely be found scoping out a new coffee shop, reading a book at the gym, or testing out a new recipe. He and husband, Alex, celebrated their wedding earlier this summer and together they enjoy traveling and taking long walks with their flat-coat retriever, Benji. Together they can't wait to meet other Palmers and explore all that Houston has to offer!