St. Paul's and other Episcopal churches rely on lay persons to engage in a mutual ministry with the ordained clergy to tend to the affairs, both spiritual and temporal, of the parish.
Vestry meetings are open to all parishioners, and are usually held the third Wednesday (new meeting day, as of January 2023) of the month at 6:30 p.m. Notice of the meeting and its agenda are posted a week or so before the meeting.
Two wardens and the treasurer (who is not necessarily a member of the vestry, as is the present case) along with the rector comprise the executive committee, and they set the agenda. The rector is a member of the vestry by virtue of his office.
Our senior warden is Steve Carnell. The junior warden is Rich Shea.
Other members of the vestry are Lee Barron, Nora Broszeit, Tom Connolly, Mary Lou Dogoloff, Peter Lund, Judy Martin and Carol O'Connell. (Carol is our newly appointed parish administrator as well).
The vestry came to be called that because in olden times parish leadership typically met in space used by priests to don vestments. It is also known as the congregational council.
It is appropriate and encouraged that anyone in the parish who has ideas or suggestions for the betterment of the congregation should bring these concerns to the rector or to any other member of the vestry.
Non-Vestry Officers
The vestry may appoint a non-vestry member to the very important post of treasurer, who gives periodic reports to the membership regarding the financial condition of the parish. Our church treasurer is Rose Porembo.
Resources for the Vestry
For a look at some of the resources the Episcopal Church provides for vestry
