The Reverend Bradford L. Karelius has been Rector of Messiah Parish since 1981. He was also Associate Rector and Priest in Charge of St. Mary's Parish, Laguna Beach, 1970-1981.

Father Brad was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He majored in history and German at Baldwin-Wallace College and University of Southern California. He received his M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, in 1970.

Since 1973, Father Brad has been Associate Professor of Philosophy and World Religions at Saddleback College, Mission Viejo. He teaches a popular World Religions class every Thursday night at the college.

His work in the Diocese of Los Angeles has included: chair of the Commission on Liturgy and Church Music, chair of Worship for the 1985 General Convention, chair of the Diocesan Camping Commission (overseeing the work of Camp Steven's and Camp Wrightwood), and the Standing Committee (President in 1994 and 1996). He is has also served on the Ecclesiastical Trial Court and Dean of Deanery IX (Central Orange County).

Father Brad has been married to Janice since 1971 and they have two children: Erik (1983) and Katie (1976). Janice has been a critical care nurse at South Coast Hospital for 30 years, Professor of Nursing at Saddleback College for 20 years, and a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.