Canon Britt Olson gave us a lot of information about the diocese’s Priest-in-Charge program when she met with the Vestry on Oct. 11th. Following are some of the most important points for the near future and in the months following Fr. Tyler’s retirement January 1st.

A Priest-in-Charge (PIC) appointment in made by the Bishop in conversation with a parish’s wardens/vestry, when the Bishop believes a congregation is not best served by initiating a full, customary search for new clergy. It is a recognition that the congregation would be better served by a significant period of time devoted to strategic planning/discernment and/or consideration of significant issues (e.g., finances, conflict).

In preparation for a PIC appointment, the vestry will prepare, after soliciting the congregation’s input, a Congregation Portfolio, provided by the Office of Transition Ministry, to include statements of history and mission, as well as the total compensation, and administrative support for the PIC.

The Bishop’s Office will identify candidates for the position, and will recommend a candidate or candidates to the wardens and vestry. (This would be to the “new” vestry organized after the annual meeting and elections in January.) The candidates meet with the vestry. The process is not intended to mirror a “rector search.”

If the vestry and the candidate agree, a Letter of Agreement (LOA) setting forth the mutual obligations and responsibilities is negotiated. The appointment is official upon the approval of the LOA by the Bishop. If the proposed appointment of the PIC is not felt to be a good fit by either the vestry or clergy person, the Bishop’s Office will draw upon that experience in order to identify another candidate for appointment. The presentation of candidates is dependent upon the identification and availability of suitable candidates, and may require weeks or months.

A PIC appointment may be for a period of 1 to 3 years and is subject to annual renewal. After 2 full years, the vestry may consider the PIC to become the Rector. (Note that Rectors are always full-time, not part-time.)

In the months before the appointment of a PIC, supply priests are hired to meet the liturgical and pastoral needs of the congregation on a part-time basis. Canon Britt told the vestry there is a possibility of hiring one person, in consultation with the current vestry, to be a “bridge priest” between Fr. Tyler and the ultimate PIC.