At the end of 2020, Saint Cyprian’s parish family said goodbye to our rector of almost ten years – the Very Reverend Dr. Monrelle T. Williams. Owing to the Covid 19 lockdown, our farewell celebrations were virtual and over the Internet. With Fr. Williams’ retirement, the parish has entered a period of transition and discernment.

Changes:

With the retirement of a rector, the parish leadership – the senior and junior wardens – assume responsibility for the continuity of services and parish life. In the short term, the wardens ensure that the pastoral needs of the parish are met by making certain that the weekly divine worship continues, the sacraments are available to the faithful as needed, and the rhythm of religious life carries on. The custom in the diocese of Massachusetts is for a parish to bring on in consultation with the parish’s regional canon and the bishop, an interim priest. The interim priest is a trained clergyperson who works with parishes in the beginning of the search for a new rector until a new rector is called. The wardens and vestry appoint a search committee which is charged with discerning the parish’s view of its mission, its successes, areas needing attention and drawing out of the parish family a vision of moving forward in the mission and service of the community. Given the current situation regarding the Covid epidemic, parish leadership has determined that regathering for in-person worship will take place on the feast of Saint Cyprian in September. We will update this page as the process of discernment develops.