The Church of the Holy Cross

The purpose of this page is to explain the functions and objectives of the Vestry of the Church of the Holy Cross for those members of the congregation who are unfamiliar with the Vestry as well as those visitors to the website who are not members of the Episcopal Church.

According to the Vestry Handbook written by Christopher L. Webber, 1988: "The Vestry of an Episcopal Church has three primary responsibilitles. The first two are managerial: to take care of the parish finances and parish buildings. The third responsibility (though all or part of it may be assigned to the parish meeting in some dioceses) is to choose individuals to fill various positions of parish leadership and representation: the election of a rector (pastor), the choice of delegates to the diocesan convention, and the selection of other individuals as the diocesan canons and parish bylaws may stipulate"(Webber, 1)

The Vestry of the Church of the Holy Cross is the governing body of the local church. The members serve three year terms in a staggered format that insures a turnover of one-third of the body during any given year. New Members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting although the Rector has the authority to appoint an individual to fill a vacated term.

The Vestry serves as the caretakers of the parish grounds and the buildings thereon. Any major renovations or maintenance to such grounds requires the approval of the Vestry. The Vestry also has the authority to hire and dismiss parish staff as well the responsibility of supervising the search and election of a rector.

Financial matters are also part of the Vestry's charge. The Vestry is required to insure that the parish's finances are in order and that records are accurate. The annual budget of the parish is ratified by the Vestry and all Major financial expenditures require approval from this body.

The Vestry also acts as the conduit of communication between the parish and the wider church especially with regard to the Bishop of the local diocese. Most official communication between the local diocese and the parish comes through the rector and/or the Vestry.

The Vestry of Holy Cross thanks the congregation for its prayerful support during this time of transition and continues to solicit your prayers as we seek God's will and His guidance to do that which He has called us to do.