January 6, 2023: We are delighted to announce the call of our next Rector, the Rev. José R. Fernández, Ph.D.
Father José is a bi-vocational priest currently serving as an associate rector at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles in Hoover, AL, and as a professor of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He will begin his ministry with us on Sunday, March 12th, 2023, in a part-time capacity, serving 20 hours per week.
As we began our search for the next Rector of Grace, we held three listening sessions and had members complete a parish survey. The insights gained throughout this process helped us compile a “Parish Profile.” This profile offers a glimpse into Grace: our hopes and challenges, where we started, and how we would like to grow. We hope it gives you a picture of who we are as a church and community.
Members of the Search Committee
Ron Thrasher, Co-Chair
Jason Avery, Co-Chair
Elizabeth Lindsey
Bonnie Mizerany
Patricia Thornton
Our Process
Below are the anticipated steps for our rector search. If you have any questions, please get in touch with a member of the search committee!
- Receiving Names: The parish profile is made available to candidates on the parish, diocesan, and national church websites. Candidates may apply within a four to six-week period. That period began on November 10, 2022.
- Discernment: The Diocesan Canon to the Ordinary (Rev. Geoff Evans) makes initial contact with each potential candidate and sends applications to the Search Committee co-chairs. The Search Committee reviews applications to determine if interviews are warranted. Background checks are ordered through the diocese for applicants.
- Interviews: Interviews are held. This step may also include field visits to candidates’ parishes and candidates visiting Grace. The Bishop will also interview final candidates.
- Decision Making: The Search Committee presents a final candidate to the vestry to interview and choose whether to call as the next Rector.