At St. Matthew’s the vestry is responsible for making decisions about finances, buildings and grounds, communications, outreach spending and stewardship as well as calling and hiring the rector. Typically the confirmed members of the parish at the annual parish meeting elect five vestry members each year in January. There are a total of 15 vestry members, each serving a staggered three-year term.
Click here for the names our current Vestry members.
From among the 15 vestry members, there are two vestry wardens who serve as an executive committee for the vestry and the parish. The Senior Warden is appointed by the rector from among the vestry to represent and support the rector and the church. The Junior Warden is selected at the annual Vestry retreat held after the annual meeting.
Because the entire parish elects vestry members, each vestry member has a responsibility to represent the entire parish. In order to carry out their responsibilities, each vestry member must participate in one of six vestry commissions. Each Commission has a specific job description with members from the vestry and the parish community. Typically voting commission members serve a three year commission term. The Commission Chairs are either members of the vestry or they are appointed by the Vestry. Members may return to the commission as a voting member after one year. Other parishioners who are not on the vestry can also participate on a vestry commission. Vestry commissions make financial and/or policy recommendations to the vestry at the monthly vestry meetings that are typically held the fourth Tuesday of each month. The Vestry Commissions are:
- Buildings and Grounds - Maintains the church property in first class condition.
- Finance Commission - Coordinates with the other commissions to recommend appropriate financial plans and policies for fulfilling the mission of St. Matthew’s.
- Communications Commission - Oversees the communication systems and processes linking the Vestry, Commissions, Ministry Councils, Clergy, Staff and Parish to the community, diocese, the world and each other.
- Stewardship Commission - Educates members on the privileges, benefits and responsibilities of stewardship, in all its aspects, as a way of life. This encompasses conducting the annual fall pledge drive.
- Outreach Commission - Coordinates the outreach and evangelism activities and commitments of St. Matthew’s.
Click here to see the current commission chairs.
In order to be considered for the vestry, a candidate must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be a communicant in good standing (Baptized and confirmed or received) in the Episcopal Church
- not previously served a full term on the vestry within the past 12 months
- agree with Canon 9 of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Texas (see below)
- pledge a 10% tithe or be working towards a tithe
- agree to a three-year consecutive term unless otherwise stated
- regularly attend at worship and other parish events
- attend vestry meetings and vestry required retreats
- serve on at least one vestry commission
- be willing to listen, learn and lead
- have a record of leadership in at least one area of the parish's life and ministry
- recognize that membership on the vestry is a commitment to service, not a position of status nor a reward for previous service
Vestry Reports are available for download under the Resources menu.