The Vestry is the parish's elected governing body and is responsible for making the final decision to call a rector, subject to applicable Episcopal Church and diocesan requirements. The Discernment Committee recommends a candidate, but does not independently appoint the rector.

The Bishop and Diocese provide guidance and oversight during the search. Their involvement may include consultation about the search process, clergy eligibility and standing, required background checks, and the steps necessary before a rector is called.

Discernment emphasizes prayerfully seeking God's guidance in determining the right spiritual leader for the parish. Although the process includes activities similar to a professional search, such as interviews and reference checks, it also emphasizes spiritual reflection, listening, and mutual understanding.

There is no guaranteed timeline. The process involves parish input, development of the Parish Profile, candidate recruitment, interviews, and prayerful discernment. The committee is committed to conducting a thorough and thoughtful process rather than rushing toward a particular deadline.

Parishioners can participate by completing the parish-wide survey, attending listening sessions, and praying for the Discernment Committee, Vestry, and prospective candidates. If you have a candidate you would like to recommend to the committee you may email it to the RDC.

The Parish Profile is a document describing the church's history, mission, ministries, congregation, strengths, challenges, and aspirations. It helps potential candidates understand the parish and gives parishioners an opportunity to see how their input has shaped the search.

We are collecting names of Rector candidates, and our parishioners are our best resource! If you have a potential candidate, please email it to the RDC. After the RDC receives a name, all discussions, including determining eligibility and interest of the candidate in the position, will be kept confidential.

Candidate identities remain confidential during the search. This protects clergy who may be serving other congregations and allows the Discernment Committee to conduct candid and respectful evaluations. The parish will receive updates about the process without without the disclosure of any individual candidate information or information about the candidate pool, including number of candidates or general demographic information.

Under the usual Episcopal parish process, the Vestry is responsible for calling the rector, rather than a parish-wide vote. Parishioners contribute to the discernment through surveys, listening sessions, and other opportunities for input.

The Vestry considers the committee's recommendation and determines whether to extend a call, following applicable diocesan requirements. Once a call has been accepted and the necessary steps are completed, the parish can announce its new rector and share information about the transition and eventual installation.

Updates will be posted regularly on the Rector Search webpage and may also be shared through parish emails, newsletters, and announcements. While candidate information must remain confidential, the committee is committed to communicating significant milestones and next steps.

You may reach out to the committee with any questions and feedback through .