The Search Process
We are comprised of 9 members — one from the 8:00, 5 from the 9:30 and 3 from the 10:30 services. We are:
Steve Andreycak (8:00),
Joan Scire* (Chair) (10:30),
Rosemary Carlough (10:30),
David Juros (9:30),
Elizabeth Ferranto (9:30),
John McAndrew (9:30),
Carmel Promisel* (9:30),
Carol Salat (10:30),
Christine Vavolizza* (9:30)
(* Vestry Representative)
In our first meeting on March 2nd, The Rev. Tom Orso, the Diocesan Staff member who assists congregations in the midst of searches came and reviewed the process, expectations and timing. Searches typically average 12 - 18 months. The following key steps include:
Step 1 - Self Study
The parish looks to define itself. Who are we? What is the role of a rector for us? What personal qualities and skills do we need from our next rector to help us get to our vision of St. John's?
To do this we are seeking input from everyone in the congregation and will be reaching out through surveys and one-on-one forums. We ask and encourage you to share your thoughts and needs with the search committee in the ways most comfortable to you - e.g., conversations at coffee hour, email, phone call.
Step 2- Creation of the Parish Profile
Once we have identified who we are, and what we feel we need as a parish, then we develop a profile which includes parish history; community description; state of the parish; goals, position description; budget and financial statements; and parish leadership. Once the profile is approved by the Vestry and Bishop, the position is listed as 'Open'.
Step 3 - Receiving Names and Bishop Approval
Once the position is posted as open, the committee starts to receive names to interview and review resumes. The committee selects 12 names for the Bishop to review. He will approve all candidates who are suitable, removing individuals only if there are special circumstances known to him that would not make that person a good fit for St. John’s.
Step 4 - Interviewing and Recommendation to the Vestry
Interviews are conducted by the Search Committee. The candidate pool will be narrowed to three finalists who are then recommended to the Vestry.
Step 5 - Vestry Interviews and Recommendation to the Bishop
The Vestry interviews the three candidates and selects one for final approval by the Bishop.
Step 6 - Call is Extended /Letter of Agreement /Celebration of New Ministry
The Call is then extended to the new rector; a Letter of Agreement is developed and the Celebration of New Ministry begins!
October update:
Our Parish Profile is now complete and has been sent to the Diocesan Deployment office for final review.
The vestry received the profile at it's September 20th meeting and, with a few small revisions, gave it an
enthusiastic endorsement with thanks for the many hours that went into its compilation. The profile is a compilation of the survey and focus group results, providing a comprehensive view of St. John's as a parish for those who will be led to apply to be our next Rector.
To download a copy of the profile, please click here. Adobe Reader is required to open the document.
January 2012 Update:
As of the deadline to submit for this newsletter the committee had received 23 applicants for our Rectorship. As you may remember the position was posted along with our parish profile in late October through the Diocese of New York’s website as well as the Transitional Ministry Conference (TMC) Website. The TMC is a gathering of about 40 Episcopal Dioceses around the country, which meet twice a year. Several of the applicants heard about us through this outlet.
Based our initial screening of applicants’ written submissions we will recommend at most 12 names to our Bishop. He will review our list and approve all candidates who are suitable, removing individuals only if there are special circumstances known to him that would not make that person a good fit for St. John’s.
During the months of January through March interviews are conducted by the Search Committee. Initial interviews are done by phone. For those candidates who we wish to pursue further we will arrange time to meet in person either at their parish or here at St, John's. At the conclusion of our interview process the candidate pool will be narrowed to three finalists, whose names are forwarded to the Vestry for final selection.
Please feel free to discuss any part of the process with any Search Committee Member: Steve Andreycak, Rosemary Carlough, David Juros, Elizabeth Ferranto, John McAndrew, Carmel Promisel, Carol Salat, Christine Vavolizza, and Joan Scire-Vitkevitch (Committee Chair).
