Grace Episcopal Church, located in Saint Helena, California in the heart of the Napa Valley seeks an experienced and professional Interim Priest in Charge to lead the church during the permanent rector’s sabbatical. This part time role is for five months.

Desired Dates: May 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022.

Necessary Dates: May 15, 2022 – September 15, 2022 

We have a wonderful congregation that is engaged, supportive, and welcoming. The right Interim Priest in Charge demonstrates excellence in preaching  and places a high value on pastoral care, compassion, and listening. Humor, thoughtfulness and approachability will allow you to engage and serve current and potential new members, while living your faith and guiding us on our spiritual journey.

 We have two worship services on Sunday and a Spanish service on the fourth Sunday. The expected workweek is for four days per week, roughly 25-30 hours per week.

We are hoping the Interim Priest in Charge during this time will: 

  • Engage in pastoral activities, fellowship events, welcoming activities, and other outreach service efforts. 
  • Prepare and deliver sermons most Sundays as well as plan and provide some adult education
  • Prepare liturgies with the worship committee, music director and administrator
  • Officiate baptisms, funerals, and weddings as needed, including preparation with families
  • Oversee established administration, year-round stewardship, and ongoing capital campaign, including potential appearances at fundraising events 
  • Attend diocesan events, vestry, staff, and other meetings as needed
  • Support staff and volunteer leaders in groups and 1-1
  • Work on Saturdays and/or evenings as part of regular working hours.
  • Reflect with the rector on her return about the needs, hopes, and concerns of the parish as they embark on a season of mutual discernment.
  • Lead (potentially) a vestry/staff retreat upon the rector’s return.

The Interim Priest in Charge will be supported by ten paid (2.85 FTE) and four volunteer members of the staff, an active and dedicated vestry consisting of nine members, and more than a dozen leaders dedicated to outreach, ministry, pastoral care, and worship. Grace Church offers a salary of $5,000 a month, plus housing, pension, and travel allowance for this temporary position.

Those interested in applying are welcome to send a cover letter, resume, and references to our Administrative Manager, Sarah Neidhoefer, [email protected]

Application Deadline: March 15, 2022; applications will be reviewed as they are received.