ABOUT THE SEARCH COMMITTEE

With God’s help, Christ with us, and empowered by the Holy Spirit…

The Vestry of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, charges the Search Committee with the following:

 1.       Prayerfully and purposely conduct a process of discernment, in consultation with the Office of the Bishop of Colorado, to articulate the vision and ministry of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, and search for 2 to 3 individuals to present to the Vestry for possible election as Rector. In doing so, serve as ambassadors of our parish that we may be clearly and accurately presented to candidates.

 2.       Regularly spend appropriate time together in prayer in order to build a level of trust among members of the committee; select a prayer (collect) for use by all members of the congregation and for regular use in worship during the time of searching; in all aspects of the search process be cognizant of, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

 3.       Support the chairperson for the Search Committee. The Chairperson will use his skills to manage the process, organize meetings, set up subcommittees as needed, facilitate communication between the committee members, Vestry and parish and facilitate consensus making in all aspects of the committee’s work.

 4.       Be regular in attending all scheduled committee meetings and conscientious in accomplishing assigned tasks between meetings.

 5.       Develop a budget for travel and other expenses of the Search committee to be approved by the Vestry.

 6.       Develop a timeline to track progress and goals for the completion of the search process.

 7.       Provide the Vestry with regular reports and keep the congregation informed regarding the search process.

 8.       Together with St. Patrick’s parishioners, through questionnaires, parish meetings and focus groups, describe the current life of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in the Parish Profile addressing who we are and where God is calling us to be.  Other information to be included:  Mission and Vision Statements, Brief History of the Episcopal Church in Pagosa Springs,  and a description of the Pagosa Springs’ community.

 9.       Discern the characteristics and gifts required in a priest to partner with us in the leadership of this community, enabling St. Patrick’s mission to be accomplished.

 10.   Complete the Office of Transition Ministry Portfolio and meet with the Canon for Transition Ministry to review the profile and portfolio.

 11.   Interview and communicate with candidates who demonstrate capacity to equip us for our ministries. Keep total confidentiality regarding all aspects and identities of the candidates.

 12.   If possible, arrange for candidate visits to St. Patrick’s and, optionally as appropriate, committee member visits to observe final candidates.

 13.   Work with the Office of the Bishop of Colorado to complete formal background checks and due diligence on finalists. The Vestry will not expect specific information identifying candidates until the final candidates are presented.

 14.   Present to the Vestry for its consideration no fewer than two and no more than three candidates to be the next Rector. The Committee also shall rank the candidates and include a short, written explanation of the basis for the ranking. The names of the candidates shall be presented at a joint meeting of the Vestry and the Committee.