F.A.Q. About the Vestry

What is the Vestry?

The Vestry is comprised of the Dean/Rector and a group of laypeople elected by the parish who, along with the rector, supervise and sustain the finances, facilities and grounds of the cathedral and help give direction and guidance to the ministries of Saint Mark’s.

 

Who makes up the Vestry?

The Vestry currently consists of 17 members: 12 elected from Saint Mark’s Parish, three diocesan members (who are members of other parishes in the Diocese of Olympia) appointed with the consent of the Bishop, the Dean/Rector who chairs the Vestry, and the Bishop (or designee).

 

Who leads the Vestry?

The Dean/Rector is the Chair of the Vestry, working closely with the wardens and officers to provide overall leadership to the parish. In accordance with the Cathedral By-laws (Art. IV, sec. 1), the Senior Warden, the Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor (the Cathedral’s attorneys) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Dean. The Junior Wardens, Clerk and Treasurer are elected by the Vestry.

 

What are the requirements to stand for Vestry?

All Vestry members are to be persons with demonstrated qualities of dedicated commitment to Saint Mark’s (or their own parish), leadership and vision with responsiveness to the needs, concerns and hopes of the world.

      • “Parish Communicants in Good Standing” are those Parish Communicants age sixteen years or older, who are recorded contributors to the support of St. Mark’s with money or with personal service.
      • “Diocesan Communicants in Good Standing” are those Diocesan Communicants age sixteen years or older, who are recorded contributors to the support of a parish or mission of the Diocese other than St. Mark’s with money or with personal service.

 

How long are Vestry terms?

Vestry members serve three-year terms.

 

When does the Vestry meet?

The Vestry meets once a month, usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings typically occur in Diocesan House. For an interim time, meetings will be in person in Leffler House. Vestry meetings are open to the public. Please reach out to Erik Donner with questions, or for the Zoom link to join the meeting: edonner@saintmarks.org.

 

When are elections?

Elections are held each year at the Parish Annual Meeting, which is generally in February.

 

What is the nominating committee?

This committee is designated by the Cathedral’s Constitution and Bylaws to present to the Annual Parish meeting a list of nominees for Parish representatives. The committee also invites nominations for delegates to Diocesan Convention. The process involves careful vetting of all candidates and includes interviews with those standing for election to the Vestry. For more information, email nominations@saintmarks.org.

 

What are the standing committees of the Vestry?

    • Worship and Prayer
    • Finance
    • Facilities
    • Stewardship
    • Creation Care
    • Intergenerational Council
    • Restorative Justice Council
    • Communications

 

Quick Links and Resources