A Note from Co-Rector Terri: An Important Update for You
Aug. 5, 2024
Dear Members of Holy Spirit:
I have news to share that is beneficial to me, and I believe, to Holy Spirit.
Imagine if I told you that working at Holy Spirit as Co-Rector without taking a salary would be a better situation for me than being paid by Holy Spirit.
Well, this is exactly the case.
Many of you know that I was exploring whether the Episcopal Pension Fund would grant an exception to allow me to retire and continue to be employed at Holy Spirit in my half-time capacity. (In retirement a priest can work at any other church, but not at the one they retire from, unless an exception is granted.) I was also considering whether I’d need to take on another position for another church, such as St. James in Dillon, in addition to Holy Spirit.
Last spring I began the retirement process so that I could apply for the exception. On July 25, the Pension Fund, in its wisdom, said no to continued employment at Holy Spirit -- with my retirement set to start Aug. 1.
Talk about a lot of quick thinking! But it turns out that simply retiring and choosing to continue in an unpaid post as Co-Rector with Gretchen is perfectly fine with the Pension Fund, and with Bishop Marty. And the finances work out better for me at the same time. So I am officially “retired” as of Aug. 1 and will continue as Co-Rector in a volunteer position.
This arrangement allows me to continue to do what I love doing with greater personal resources, and without the need to commit to a second, ongoing job, although I may take on light duties here and there in the diocese when it seems right.
I know this is a leap – “one of our Co-Rectors is retired and not drawing a salary from Holy Spirit.” But it makes sense to me. I consider my work as a priest as my vocation. I also am highly, highly committed to the Co-Rector experiment Gretchen and I launched earlier this year. I want the success of Holy Spirit to be part of my legacy. And, in my view, the church is still providing financial resources, only now via my retirement earnings. My intention is to continue here with Gretchen for two years, although we’ll do check-ins along the way to make sure everything is going well.
I’m grateful that Bishop Marty is supportive, as is Gretchen, and our two wardens, Molly Bowler and Charlie Swannack.
I expect you might have questions. I’m away on a scheduled vacation through Aug. 13. Molly and Charlie are well informed about this shift and can speak about our discussions and details. Gretchen has all the background, as well, and can be a resource while I’m away. I’m looking forward to being back in the office in mid-August and ready, with you, for an exciting Fall at Holy Spirit.
Faithfully,
Terri +
The Rev. Terri Ann Grotzinger, Co-Rector