St. Mark’s is in a clergy transition.
Our rector has concluded her ministry at St. Mark’s, and we’re beginning the process of deciding what comes next.
In the meantime, St. Mark’s remains open, active, and worshipping.
Changes in clergy are a normal part of the life of Episcopal churches.
St. Mark’s is working with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester to make arrangements for clergy during this transition and to prepare for longer-term clergy leadership.
That means taking an honest look at who we are, what we can afford and sustain, what our community needs, and where God may be calling St. Mark’s next.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ON SUNDAY?
Worship continues.
St. Mark’s gathers for worship every Sunday at 10:00 AM.
During the transition, some Sundays include Holy Eucharist with a priest. On other Sundays, trained members of St. Mark’s lead Morning Prayer.
Both are full services of Christian worship.
HOW DOES AN EPISCOPAL TRANSITION WORK?
Who leads the parish now?
The Senior and Junior Wardens and Vestry provide lay leadership during the transition, working with our staff, ministry leaders, volunteers, and the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
The Wardens and Vestry do not become the rector. Responsibilities that belong to clergy, lay leaders, the Vestry, or the Diocese remain with the appropriate people.
Who decides what kind of priest comes next?
St. Mark’s works with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester to discern what kind of clergy leadership comes next.
An important early question is what kind and amount of clergy leadership St. Mark’s can realistically sustain. The Vestry has responsibilities in that process, and the wider congregation will also have opportunities to participate.
Will parishioners have a voice?
Yes.
Transition gives us an opportunity to think and pray together about some important questions:
Who are we?
Where is God calling us?
What does Newark need from St. Mark’s?
What kind of clergy leadership can help us pursue that calling?
There will be opportunities for people at St. Mark’s to participate as the process develops.
Is St. Mark’s looking for a new rector now?
Not yet.
St. Mark’s is in the early stages of the transition process. Before beginning a formal search, we need to do some work together as a parish and with the Diocese.
We’ll post updates here as the process moves forward and decisions are made.
WHAT ISN’T CHANGING?
The ministry of St. Mark’s continues.
A church is more than its priest.
We continue to worship.
We continue to pray.
The Baby Closet continues to help local families.
Our parishioners continue to care for one another.
Our buildings continue to serve the community.
And we continue asking how St. Mark’s can faithfully serve Christ and our neighbors in the years ahead.
LATEST TRANSITION UPDATE
August 2026
St. Mark’s is currently in the first phase of our clergy transition. We are working with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester to understand our clergy options and determine what level of clergy leadership the parish can sustainably support.
Sunday worship continues at 10:00 AM, with Holy Eucharist when a priest is available and Morning Prayer at other times.
The parish will have opportunities for reflection and input as the transition process moves forward.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE TRANSITION?
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, contact the parish office or speak with one of the Wardens.