Transition Page
SurveyMembers of St. Paul’s Church were invited to anonymously share their thoughts, experiences, and hopes to help guide the search for our next Rector. Their insights are playing a vital role in shaping the vision and direction of our parish’s future leadership.
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Focus GroupParishioners were invited to take part in focus group conversations to help shape the search for our next Rector. These gatherings offered a chance to reflect on what makes St. Paul’s special—what we value most, the ministries that matter deeply to us, and the memories we cherish.
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Welcome to St Paul's Episcopal Church
Since its founding in 1836, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans has grown into a nurturing and dynamic community committed to the teachings of Christ. Rooted in a rich history and a genuine welcome for all, our parish is a place where tradition and modern life intersect. With an open-hearted spirit, St. Paul’s is a place where people of all backgrounds come together to worship, grow, and serve—guided by a shared commitment to the Gospel and the flourishing of all.
Our sanctuary, located at 6249 Canal Blvd., is a sacred space for prayer, worship, and reflection. We gather for Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 7:45 AM and for Choral Eucharist at 10:15 AM, with nursery care available for children from birth to age three during both services. We also offer a midweek Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM. Services are open to all and available in person or online.
Our community is committed to outreach and service. The church supports initiatives like the Lantern Light Ministry, Woven Together and other efforts that directly serve those experiencing hardship in the wider New Orleans community. We also provide access to professional mental health support through the St. Paul’s Counseling Center, offering counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
Education is a cornerstone of our mission. St. Paul’s Episcopal School, founded in 1961, is an integral part of our campus, nurturing students with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth in a joyful and inclusive environment.
At St. Paul's, we believe in the power of community and welcome everyone to join us in our Rule of Life: Growing in Relationships, Growing in Service, Growing in Christ. Whether you're a lifelong Episcopalian, returning to church, or exploring faith for the first time, you'll find a place of belonging here.
Our sanctuary, located at 6249 Canal Blvd., is a sacred space for prayer, worship, and reflection. We gather for Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 7:45 AM and for Choral Eucharist at 10:15 AM, with nursery care available for children from birth to age three during both services. We also offer a midweek Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM. Services are open to all and available in person or online.
Our community is committed to outreach and service. The church supports initiatives like the Lantern Light Ministry, Woven Together and other efforts that directly serve those experiencing hardship in the wider New Orleans community. We also provide access to professional mental health support through the St. Paul’s Counseling Center, offering counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
Education is a cornerstone of our mission. St. Paul’s Episcopal School, founded in 1961, is an integral part of our campus, nurturing students with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth in a joyful and inclusive environment.
At St. Paul's, we believe in the power of community and welcome everyone to join us in our Rule of Life: Growing in Relationships, Growing in Service, Growing in Christ. Whether you're a lifelong Episcopalian, returning to church, or exploring faith for the first time, you'll find a place of belonging here.
Search Process Timeline
This is a Spiritual Process, not a hiring process. We seek God’s will for our congregation. We are not hiring an employee, but calling a Priest, Pastor, and Spiritual leader.
Phase 1:
✓ Search Committee meets with Canon to the Ordinary – Overview of Search Process/In-depth discussion of Parish Survey + Focus Groups
✓ Search Committee begins work on Parish Survey/Begins to plan Focus Groups
✓ Survey goes “live” / Focus Groups meet (3 weeks)
✓ Parish-wide meeting with Canon Morgan to discuss results of survey/small group meetings
✓ Search Committee begins work on Parish Profile and Parish OTM Profile
✓ Search Committee completes Profile and OTM Profile, sends to Canon Morgan for review/feedback, both are reviewed and approved by the Vestry/Posted on Diocesan Website + OTM site
Phase 2:
✓ Search Committee meets with Canon Morgan – In-depth discussion about Receiving Names/Candidate Interviews/Finalist Visits
✓ Search Committee begins gathering names / Generating Interview Questions and Style
• Names of potential candidates are sent to Canon Morgan for initial check
• Cleared candidate applications are reviewed by Search Committee
• Search committee conducts Discernment Conversations, or Initial Interviews / Search Committee sends follow up questions to be answered by candidates
• Search Committee conducts further research on candidates
• Search Committee creates:
a). A Semi-finalist list (3-5) / Conducts another round of interviews
b). A Finalist list (1-2) candidates
• Bishop Duckworth interviews Finalists by phone and may speak to their Diocesan Bishop
• Oxford Document Checks on Finalists are initiated by Canon to the Ordinary
• Finalist candidates come to New Orleans for on-site visits / Vestry conducts a Discernment Conversation or Formal Interview with the Finalist candidates
• Search Committee recommends one name to the Vestry after Finalist Visits are complete
• Vestry votes to affirm the candidate the Search Committee puts forth
• Senior Warden phones Canon to the Ordinary for verbal Permission to call the Finalist who is selected. A written letter, signed by all Vestry members is sent to the bishop as a follow up.
• Vestry calls priest and negotiates Letter of Agreement with assistance of the Canon to the Ordinary
• Rector, Sr. Warden, Canon Morgan and Bishop Duckworth sign the Letter of Agreement
• The New Rector is Announced
Phase 1:
✓ Search Committee meets with Canon to the Ordinary – Overview of Search Process/In-depth discussion of Parish Survey + Focus Groups
✓ Search Committee begins work on Parish Survey/Begins to plan Focus Groups
✓ Survey goes “live” / Focus Groups meet (3 weeks)
✓ Parish-wide meeting with Canon Morgan to discuss results of survey/small group meetings
✓ Search Committee begins work on Parish Profile and Parish OTM Profile
✓ Search Committee completes Profile and OTM Profile, sends to Canon Morgan for review/feedback, both are reviewed and approved by the Vestry/Posted on Diocesan Website + OTM site
Phase 2:
✓ Search Committee meets with Canon Morgan – In-depth discussion about Receiving Names/Candidate Interviews/Finalist Visits
✓ Search Committee begins gathering names / Generating Interview Questions and Style
• Names of potential candidates are sent to Canon Morgan for initial check
• Cleared candidate applications are reviewed by Search Committee
• Search committee conducts Discernment Conversations, or Initial Interviews / Search Committee sends follow up questions to be answered by candidates
• Search Committee conducts further research on candidates
• Search Committee creates:
a). A Semi-finalist list (3-5) / Conducts another round of interviews
b). A Finalist list (1-2) candidates
• Bishop Duckworth interviews Finalists by phone and may speak to their Diocesan Bishop
• Oxford Document Checks on Finalists are initiated by Canon to the Ordinary
• Finalist candidates come to New Orleans for on-site visits / Vestry conducts a Discernment Conversation or Formal Interview with the Finalist candidates
• Search Committee recommends one name to the Vestry after Finalist Visits are complete
• Vestry votes to affirm the candidate the Search Committee puts forth
• Senior Warden phones Canon to the Ordinary for verbal Permission to call the Finalist who is selected. A written letter, signed by all Vestry members is sent to the bishop as a follow up.
• Vestry calls priest and negotiates Letter of Agreement with assistance of the Canon to the Ordinary
• Rector, Sr. Warden, Canon Morgan and Bishop Duckworth sign the Letter of Agreement
• The New Rector is Announced
Search Committee
Vicky Kennedy - Chair, Laura Akers, Erica Barousse, Richard Christian, Lauren Carpenter, Donna Dunn, Brian Fremin, Stacey Hayden, Jean Pritchett.