| Dear St. Christopher’s Family,
I write to share what some of you have no doubt heard, that I will be leaving St. Christopher’s. I have loved my time with you as Interim Rector, fellow disciple and child of God. When I accepted the Vestry’s invitation to come among you, my commitment to the bishop was two years, with my wife Sarah’s emphatic, “And not a day more.”
On April 15th Sarah begins a well-deserved sabbatical, a time of extended sabbath and renewal away from the rhythms and rigors of parish leadership. Her congregation will send her off from worship on Sunday the 14th. Last summer, as we passed my 2 year anniversary here, Sarah asked if I would accompany her on her sabbatical, suggesting it would be a good way to reconnect after my extended time away. Thinking that St. Christopher’s would be well along in the search process by that time, I said, “Of course.”
As you know, the search has not progressed as we had hoped. And the start of her sabbatical is immanent. So, with the consent of the Wardens, the Bishop’s office, and the Vestry, my last Sunday at St. Christopher’s will be this coming Sunday, April 14th.
This decision was not an easy one. I do not like leaving with things ‘left undone.’ But, making it home once a month for two nights and a day is not sufficient to maintain a marriage. The time has come to prioritize the vows I made at my wedding, and honor my word to Sarah about going with her on her sabbatical.
While the arrival of St. Christopher’s new rector is still some time away, the Search Committee is poised to begin their work. In the meantime, we have not been idle. We have accomplished much together: the campus has been stabilized, with new columns and roofing, with extensive tree work, and continued improvements and proactive maintenance through the work of our Facilities staff. The campus enjoys better security with the installation of the long awaited metalwork addition to the perimeter wall, as well as the installation of gates between the Parish Hall and new school building.
The school continues to excel in its mission of educating students in the open-hearted Episcopal tradition using the genius of Maria Montessori’s methods. During the 2022-23 school year we renewed our accreditation through FCIS, the Florida Council of Independent Schools. The third early childhood classroom, added my first year, has contributed to a more robust student body. Ms. Leslie continues to raise the bar on our academics. And Ms. Christy reports strong enrollment for next year. There will also be new turf and playground equipment coming this summer!
There is much to celebrate and be thankful for. Most of all I am thankful for each of you, the members of the St. Christopher’s family. I look forward to hearing of the wonderful things the future holds. I shall miss you all.
You remain in my prayers.
May God’s blessing be with you,
Always,
Mother Mandy+ |
