The Role of a Priest
The Church is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of the world. The Church calls a priest to work as a pastor, priest, and teacher, together with bishops and fellow presbyters, and to take a share in the councils of the Church.
A priest’s task is to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fashioning his or her life in accordance with its precepts. A priest is called to love and serve the community in which he or she is called, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. The priest is to preach, to declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God’s blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood, and to perform the other entrusted ministrations.
In all things, a priest is to nourish Christ’s people from the riches of His grace, strengthening them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
A priest’s task is to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, fashioning his or her life in accordance with its precepts. A priest is called to love and serve the community in which he or she is called, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. The priest is to preach, to declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God’s blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood, and to perform the other entrusted ministrations.
In all things, a priest is to nourish Christ’s people from the riches of His grace, strengthening them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
-adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, Ordination of a Priest
The Role of a Deacon
Deacons work as a link between the Church and the world. They discern people's needs, hopes, and concerns and empower faith communities to respond. They regularly move between the church and the communities they serve, speaking the truth in love, and encouraging the sacred and broken to enter into relationship with each other.
Deacons are deployed from the bishop's office to develop collaborative ministries at the parishes they serve. They are network builders--linking neighborhoods to local parishes in order to grow faith communities. At services, deacons assist bishops and priests in the liturgy by reading the gospel, inviting the confession, setting the altar for Eucharist and offering the dismissal.
Deacons are deployed from the bishop's office to develop collaborative ministries at the parishes they serve. They are network builders--linking neighborhoods to local parishes in order to grow faith communities. At services, deacons assist bishops and priests in the liturgy by reading the gospel, inviting the confession, setting the altar for Eucharist and offering the dismissal.
Becoming a Deacon
If you feel you may be called to the diaconate, the process begins with speaking to your parish leaders. They support you throughout the process and will help guide you in exploring your call to ministry.
More info
More info
credit: The Ven. Sue von Rautenkranz
The Role of a Music Director
Church music directors, also called choir directors, are professional bandleaders and administrators hired by churches to lead the choir and develop the church's music-oriented activities. Their job varies based on the structure of the church’s music department and the goals of the church, but almost always involves scheduling and leading choir rehearsals; conducting and leading the choir in performance; recruiting and auditioning new singers and volunteers; and fostering each singer’s musical growth. Music directors also choose the choir's performance pieces, prepare special programs for holidays or special occasions, and work alongside the church organist (if they don't play organ themselves).
Besides leading the choir, the music director has a number of administrative duties, including creating a budget for the music program (which might pay for robes, sheet music, set, and staging), and performing administrative work. In addition, music directors might be involved in developing the church's music programs further by planning local performances and choir showcases, or training a separate church band (like our Bell Choir).
A church music director should be enthusiastic and dedicated, with a positive attitude and a commitment to serving the local community. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must, as are the patience, clarity, and ease of communication necessary to teach well. Although teaching is a large part of the job, so is performance, and church music directors must possess the musicianship to consistently craft strong performances. Years of experience as a church musician or member of the church choir—as well as deep knowledge of choral repertoire and Christian scripture—are essential.
Besides leading the choir, the music director has a number of administrative duties, including creating a budget for the music program (which might pay for robes, sheet music, set, and staging), and performing administrative work. In addition, music directors might be involved in developing the church's music programs further by planning local performances and choir showcases, or training a separate church band (like our Bell Choir).
A church music director should be enthusiastic and dedicated, with a positive attitude and a commitment to serving the local community. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must, as are the patience, clarity, and ease of communication necessary to teach well. Although teaching is a large part of the job, so is performance, and church music directors must possess the musicianship to consistently craft strong performances. Years of experience as a church musician or member of the church choir—as well as deep knowledge of choral repertoire and Christian scripture—are essential.
Adapted from berklee.edu/careers/roles/choir-director
The Role of the Vestry
The Vestry is the governing body of the Parish and consists of members of the Parish who are elected by the congregation. It is the Vestry’s responsibility to be the final decision-making body which hires the Rector, approves the parish budget, makes parish policy decisions, and spends the parish’s money on mission, ministry, and maintenance.
Our Vestry consists of Co-Wardens each of whom are elected by the Parish for a one-year term. The other members of the Vestry are elected for three-year terms. At its first meeting in each calendar year, the Vestry appoints a Clerk and a Treasurer.
The Rector presides at meetings of the Vestry, which are held once a month. In the absence of the Rector, one the Warden presides.
Our Vestry consists of Co-Wardens each of whom are elected by the Parish for a one-year term. The other members of the Vestry are elected for three-year terms. At its first meeting in each calendar year, the Vestry appoints a Clerk and a Treasurer.
The Rector presides at meetings of the Vestry, which are held once a month. In the absence of the Rector, one the Warden presides.
Responsibilities of the Vestry
Casts and Affirms Vision
Establishes Policy
Approves Budget
Maintains Fiduciary Integrity
Advises and Listens
Delegates and Empowers
Encourages and Motivates
Attends Worship
Exercises Spiritual Disciplines
Engages in Outreach Ministries
Adapted from “How to Hit the Ground Running” by Neal O. Mitchell
Establishes Policy
Approves Budget
Maintains Fiduciary Integrity
Advises and Listens
Delegates and Empowers
Encourages and Motivates
Attends Worship
Exercises Spiritual Disciplines
Engages in Outreach Ministries
Adapted from “How to Hit the Ground Running” by Neal O. Mitchell
Esther Zabinski
Minister of Music Esther Zabinski is a pianist, musical director and co-owner of Zabinksi Music Studio in Rhode Island. She studied at Rhode Island College and Berklee College of Music. She has been teaching private piano and singing lessons for over 20 years. Esther also works with various theater groups as a musical director, recently with Trinity Repertory Company. |
Vestry - Leadership Board
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Deanery Representatives
Judy Hartwell 
Caroline Hunter |
Diocesan Convention Delegates
Marjorie Arvedon
Judy Hartwell |
Jess Green Charbonneau Parish Administrator |
Scott Manson Sexton |
