Frequently Asked Questions about Clergy Transition
The guidance we have received from the diocese is that it should take from 9 to 24 months to call a new Rector.
The canons (Title III, Canon 9, Section 6; Title I, Canon 14, Section 2) of the Episcopal Church stipulate that the Interim shall have authority and responsibility:
- …for worship, music and the spiritual life of the congregation, subject to the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, and the pastoral direction of the Bishop.
- …for the education of all ages in the Scriptures; the doctrine, disciple and worship of the Church; and in the exercise of their ministry as baptized persons.
- …for the provision of comprehensive stewardship education for all ages. This is to include appropriate provision for an offering for charitable uses.
- …to prepare people for baptism, confirmation, reception and reaffirmation of baptismal vows.
- …for a healthy working relationship between the congregation members, the Diocese and the broader Episcopal Church.
- …to be ex officio a member of the Vestry with presiding authority that may be delegated by the Interim to another member of the Vestry. The Interim shall not vote except to break a tie.
- All Parish staff – lay and clergy – report to and are supervised by the Interim.
The Parish Profile tells the story of God’s work in the congregation so that it can be
shared with prospective clergy leaders. It includes the history, finances, ministries, goals, and priorities of the congregation.
The Profile Committee designs and carries out a process for congregational
self-study and synthesizes the gathered data into a Profile document that reflects the truth of
St. Margaret’s history, present circumstances, and vision for the future. The Profile Committee
strives to create a Profile that accurately and honestly portrays St. Margaret’s to
prospective clergy candidates and provides the Call Committee with an accurate representation
of the congregation’s priorities and hopes regarding the qualities and ministry of their future
rector. The Profile Committee also completes the Office of Transition Ministry Community
Ministry Portfolio.
As St. Margaret’s embarks on a search for our new rector, developing a Parish Profile is our
first step. Your input is critical to developing a complete, honest, and accurate Profile that
potential candidates will use to discern if St. Margaret’s may be their call.
On Sunday August 2, you will get an email with a link to the online survey. Click the link to
begin.
Most people finish the CAT survey in 30 minutes or less. Some people take longer. There are
100 questions, and all but one are multiple choice. Set aside the time that you think you
will need, because you must complete it in one sitting.
No! The CAT survey must be completed in one sitting. Please set aside at least 30 minutes
to complete it.
Yes, all household members can use the same link. Please complete the survey
individually.
Please yes, each person should do the survey. We need everyone’s INDIVIDUAL input! Your
individual perspective is essential to understanding the experiences and priorities of
everyone at St. Margaret’s.
All participating parishioners aged 16 years and up are invited to take the survey.
No. Contact the Profile Committee and we will set you up with a trusted companion who
will help you complete the survey online. Email us at
profilecommittee@saintmargarets.org.
No, tell them to contact the Profile Committee. We are keeping count of the number of
links we send out, so we can measure our response rate.
All parishioners aged 16 and older, who are regular participants in the life of the
congregation, are invited to take the survey. Participation takes many forms: attending
worship, both online and in person; giving your time, talent, and treasure; receiving pastoral
care; joining in education, fellowship, and prayer. If you feel that that St. Margaret’s is your
spiritual home, and your participation in the life of this congregation is meaningful to you,
we want you to take the survey.
St. Margaret’s current mission statement is “To welcome people as they are and to
experience God’s love.” Our vision is “To be a vibrant, inclusive community celebrating
Jesus’ love that transforms lives through worship, fellowship, education, and service.”
From Sunday August 2 through Sunday August 30, but please try to do it today!
Survey results will be presented to the parish at a Town Hall on Sunday, September 20. Mark
your calendar – we hope to see you there!
Yes, all responses are strictly anonymous. We have no way of matching any assessment to
a particular person, so please feel free to candidly share your perceptions, opinions and
experiences.
Please do not discuss the survey or your answers with others as this may influence their
answers.
Email the Profile Committee at profilecommittee@saintmargarets.org
Email the Profile Committee at profilecommittee@saintmargarets.org
Email the Profile Committee at profilecommittee@saintmargarets.org
