Vestry Operations

The Vestry is the governing body of St. Mark’s parish, empowered and bound by the Church by-laws.  It is comprised of the rector and 13 parish members, including four officers:  Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Clerk.

How are Vestry members chosen?

Many parishioners ask this question.  The answer is quite simple.  The by-laws of St. Mark’s Church provide for an open process for the election of Vestry members.  The by-laws empower the current Vestry with the responsibility of identifying potential candidates and presenting them to the Parish each year for a vote during Annual Meeting.

The process works like this.  Each Vestry Member serves a term of three years and the terms are staggered so that, generally, only three members’ terms end each year.  The by-laws of the Church and the practice which is followed require the formation of a Nominating Committee.  This is comprised of the Rector, the Senior and Junior Wardens and the three current Vestry members whose terms are expiring.  Parishioners are encouraged to contact the Rector or Wardens if they would like their name submitted to the Nominating Committee for consideration.  Candidates must be confirmed members in good standing and at least 16 years old.

The Nominating Committee identifies and approaches, in confidence, those parishioners whom the Committee believes will be good candidates for the Vestry.  The goal is to seek a diverse mix of people spanning age, gender, family status; the Committee even gives strong consideration to ensure that parishioners from all three Eucharistic Services are represented.  Once the candidates are chosen, they are presented to the Parish at Annual Meeting and their nomination is voted on by the Parishioners in attendance.  Additionally, the parish by-laws permit nominations from the floor at Annual Meeting, in which case a vote is held for all candidates.

Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances arise during a Vestry member’s tenure which prevents him or her from serving the full three year term.  In such a case, the Vestry, again as promulgated by the by-laws, may appoint a parishioner to serve the remainder of the unfinished term.  The interim Vestry member may stand for election for a full term at Annual Meeting.  If so, the previous process will take place.

Service on the Vestry is a rewarding and important way we as individuals can serve the Church.