Pastoral Letter from the Rector

Dear friends in Christ,

I write today with news that carries both gratitude and a measure of tenderness for our community. Our Associate Priest, the Reverend Sarah Grondin, has resigned her position at St. Jude’s in order to accept Bishop Susan Bell’s appointment as Priest‑in‑Charge at St. George’s Church, Georgetown, on an ongoing full‑time basis. This follows a temporary secondment, half-time, to St. George’s which began on August 1. Sarah has already been walking with St. George’s through a difficult season with the death of their rector, the Reverend Canon Cheryl Barker. Those who know Sarah know that her considerable pastoral gifts will be a blessing to St. George’s going forward. This is a significant step in Sarah’s vocation, and we give thanks with her as she begins this new chapter of ministry.

Sarah first came to St. Jude’s in June of 2023 as Assistant Curate at the time of her ordination to the diaconate. Many of you will remember those early months — her quiet steadiness, her attentiveness to people, and the way she entered into the life of the parish with humility and hope. She was ordained to the priesthood in September 2024, and since that time has served among us with grace, creativity, and deep pastoral care. In 2025, Bishop Susan appointed her as Priest Associate at St. Jude’s.

During her time with us Sarah has offered leadership in pastoral visiting and support, tending to parishioners with compassion and presence. She has also taken an active role in Adult Christian Education, introducing innovative programs such as Theology on Tap, which opened new spaces for conversation, curiosity, and faith exploration. In worship, Sarah has shared fully in the presiding and preaching ministry of this parish, bringing a thoughtful, prayerful voice to our common life at the altar and in the pulpit.

We are grateful for all she has given to St. Jude’s — her ministry, her kindness, her imagination, and her faithfulness. She has been a blessing to this community, and we trust she will be a blessing to the people of St. George’s as she steps into this new leadership role.

Bishop Susan’s letter announcing these developments was read at St. Jude’s this past Sunday. This coming Wednesday, August 26, will be Sarah’s final service at St. Jude’s. The circumstances surrounding Sarah’s appointment have been such that we have not had the opportunity to have a proper leave-taking. In the coming weeks we will be planning a Sunday when we will welcome Sarah back for one final Sunday where we will take time together to thank her, pray for her, and send her forth with all our love and support.

Please join me in holding Sarah in prayer as she continues through this transition, and in giving thanks for the good work God has done among us through her ministry.

With gratitude for each of you, and with hope in Christ who guides our steps,

Peace, David +