A Vicar has been Chosen!
Greetings,
The Bishops Committee and Search Team have been actively searching for a new Vicar in the past few months.
With this comes some great news;
A new Vicar for the Episcopal Mission of Warren County has been chosen!
Here is some background on our new Vicar:
Our candidate was originally raised Southwest of Buffalo, NY, and is familiar with our area. He and his family frequently camped, fished, and toured the Chautauqua and Kinzua areas. Our candidate completed his theological education and Anglican formation while serving in ministry throughout the United States, Scotland, and New Zealand, where he and his family currently reside.
On June 12, 2025, Canon Craig Dressler released this letter:
Dear People of the Episcopal Mission of Warren County,
Happy Pentecost!
It was a joy worshipping with you last Sunday along with Canon Martha Ishman. Before the liturgy, I had the pleasure of providing an update on your search for your next Vicar. If you weren't able to attend worship, here is a detailed update:
As you will recall, The Rev. Dr. Joseph McGarry (Joe), a priest in The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, has presented himself as a candidate for Vicar. After preliminary conversations via Zoom, Joe was invited to travel from his home in New Zealand to Warren County for a formal interview.
The interview process consisted of tours of both church facilities, meals with Bishop's Committee members, celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, Q&A time with the congregation following worship, and a formal interview with the entire Bishop's Committee and Parish Administrator.
Following Joe's interview weekend, the Bishop's Committee met with me to reflect upon the interview process to determine if Joe would be a good fit as Vicar. After discussion, the Bishop's Committee moved to a vote. The Bishop's Committee voted unanimously to call The Rev. Dr. Joseph McGarry as the next Vicar of The Episcopal Mission of Warren County. We then called Joe with the news; he joyfully accepted the call!
With Joe being a priest in The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, we will need to complete the necessary canonical steps to bring him into The Episcopal Church before he can canonically function as Vicar. The Rev. Canon Stacey Fussell, President of the Standing Committee of NWPA, and myself are working with the Presiding Bishop's office to complete this final step. Barring anything unforeseen in this process, Joe will begin ministry with you mid-July!
Please keep Joe, his wife, Katrina, and their two sons, Duncan and Ewan in your prayers as they transition from their home in New Zealand to their new home with you.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Peace & Blessings,
Canon Craig
We are excited to welcome The Rev. Dr. Joseph McGarry to the Episcopal Mission of Warren County in July 2025.
More Updates to come!
