Dean Search FAQ
St. Mark's Cathedral is beginning the search for our next dean, which is a sacred time of discernment for our entire cathedral community. This FAQ provides information about the search process, timeline, and how you can participate. The Search Committee welcomes your prayers, input, and patience as we prayerfully seek the leader God is calling to guide us in our ministries and mission.
FAQ Sections
About the Search
What is a dean?
In the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion, the dean is the chief resident cleric of a cathedral or other collegiate church and the head of the chapter of canons. If the cathedral has its own parish, the dean is usually also rector of the parish. Clergy who serve as deans use the title “The Very Reverend.”
Why are we searching for a new dean?
The previous dean retired due to medical reasons. We wish him and his family God’s peace and all the best in their lives.
How long will the search take?
Search committees typically oversee a lengthy (12-18 month) process of identifying a new clergy leader. We anticipate our process will take approximately 12 months from when we began the process in October 2025. This search will take time and will be confidential (see confidentiality section below). As practicing Christians know, “God’s time” can be different than what we hope for or expect, and we want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit throughout the process.
Why does it take so long?
The search process is comprehensive and prayerful, involving multiple phases: gathering congregation input, creating a parish profile, advertising the position, reviewing candidates, conducting interviews, and ultimately selecting and calling a new dean. Each phase requires careful discernment and cannot be rushed.
About the Search Committee
Who serves on the Search Committee?
Kurt Cook, Julie Gillogly, Cody Hatch, Rick Knuth, Katharine Luce, Brooke Parker, Ron Schoedel, Marc Stevens, and Bonnie Weiss
How was the Search Committee Selected?
The Vestry solicited nominations or applicants, prayerfully reviewed them, and selected nine members from that applicant pool.
What is the Search Committee’s role?
The task of the Search Committee is to comprehend and articulate the values, charisms, hopes, and challenges of our congregation. This will result in a Parish Profile to be used as the primary recruitment tool for applicants to the position of dean.
How can I contact the Search Committee?
You can speak with us in person whenever convenient and via email with the entire committee at deansearch@stmarksutah.org.
The Search Process
What are the phases of the search?
The search typically follows these steps:
Congregation Input Phase: We plan to conduct surveys, group meetings and other approaches to gather thoughts and input. The entire congregation will be invited to tell their story and share their experiences to help shape our future and find a dean aligned to our shared goals.
Parish Profile Development: The Parish Profile is a document which describes St. Mark’s Cathedral, our history, where we are today and where we hope our next dean can help take us. This document will be forwarded to the Diocese to be included in a packet which is sent out seeking candidates for whom St. Mark’s is a good match.
Candidate Identification: Sources include: nominations from parishioners, nominations from the diocese, results of the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) search, and direct responses from clergy to public listings.
Candidate Review and Interviews: Winnow the initial list of names to a manageable number that the search committee and bishop can meet. Information used in this winnowing process include: a résumé, OTM Portfolio, response to questionnaires, sample sermons, phone interviews and references.
Final Discernment and Call: The committee recommends finalist(s) to the Vestry, who extends the formal call.
How will parishioners be involved?
We plan to conduct surveys, group meetings and other approaches to gather thoughts and input. The entire congregation will be invited to tell their story and share their experiences to help shape our future and find a dean aligned to our shared goals. The process is intended to help us all understand where God is calling us so we can share that with candidates who might feel called to join us in our faith journey.
Will we get to meet the Candidates?
Typically, finalists meet with various groups within the parish, including the Vestry, staff, and often the broader congregation. In addition, the bishop will meet and interview finalists. The specific format will be determined as we progress through the search.
What is the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM)?
The Episcopal Church’s Office for Transition Ministry assists dioceses and congregations with clergy transitions, maintaining databases of candidates and providing resources for search processes.
What is our expected timeline?
Winter through Spring: Completion of Parish Profile, posting of position, gathering of applications.
Early Summer: Complete applicant finalization and begin interviewing finalists.
End of Summer: Complete interviews and visits.
Fall: Finalize candidates, complete bishop reviews, and provide finalist to the Vestry.
About Confidentiality
Why is the search process confidential?
Confidentiality protects candidates who may be currently serving other parishes and allows for honest, open discernment without external pressures. Most candidates will not be publicly identified until a final call is extended.
How will we receive updates?
The Search Committee will provide regular updates through the parish newsletter and occasional updates during Sunday services, all without compromising the confidentiality of the process or specific candidates.
What We’re Looking For
What qualities are we seeking in our next dean?
This will be determined through the congregation input process. Typically, important characteristics or personal gifts parishioners look for in a dean include someone steeped in prayer, scripture, and the formation of disciples through the Holy Spirit; someone with strong pastoral skills; a strong preacher; someone who is inclusive and respectful of diversity; a good administrator; and someone who is approachable.
Will our next dean need specific experience?
Requirements and preferences will be outlined in our Parish Profile after gathering congregation input. These typically include being an ordained Episcopal priest, having relevant leadership experience, and alignment with our cathedral’s mission and values.
St. Mark’s Role as cathedral
How is a cathedral different from a parish church?
A cathedral serves both as a parish church for its congregation and as the principal church of the diocese. The dean leads both congregational worship and ministry while also supporting broader diocesan functions.
What is the dean’s relationship to the bishop?
The dean works closely with the bishop and supports diocesan events and ministries while maintaining leadership of the cathedral parish.
During the Transition
Who is leading our worship and pastoral care at this time?
Mother Holly, who has been such a wonderful Assistant Priest, is serving as the Priest-in-Charge at this time. We’re so incredibly blessed to have her leading our parish.
Will our ministries continue during the search?
Yes. All ministries, programs, and worship services continue. Mother Holly, the Vestry, and staff ensure continuity of operations.
How can I support the search process?
Participate in surveys and listening sessions when offered
Pray for our clergy and staff, the Vestry, and search committee. Also, please pray for our future dean.
Be patient with the timeline
Maintain confidentiality about any sensitive information
Stay engaged with cathedral life and ministries
Prayer for the Search
Lord of Mercy, you make all things holy and all things new. Sanctify our work in calling a new dean for the Cathedral Church of St. Mark. May your Holy Spirit keep us mindful of our parish’s unique gifts and needs, and make clear the gifts and strengths in those with whom we converse. Guide us in Your wisdom and love throughout this process of mutual discernment. Reward our efforts with a faithful dean, rector, pastor, teacher, and friend, with whom we may rightly see your will for St. Mark’s and for Your holy catholic church in this place. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. +++