The Vestry

At least once a year the members of the church gather for a "Vestry" Meeting at which reports are given, elections held and appointments announced, issues discussed, and decisions made that will set the church's course for the next year. One of the most important among these are elections and appointments to positions such as Warden, Treasurer, and the like. The Incumbent of the parish chairs the meeting. Following standard parliamentary procedure, motions are passed and reports received from various committees and individuals. Special Vestry meetings may be called from time to time to discuss particular issues that require the consent of the congregation.

St. Mary Magdalene's 2011 Annual Vestry Meeting will be held Sunday 27 February during a 10.00am Mass service. Click here for information about 2011 Advisory Board nominations.
Click here for information on a new structure for St. Mary Magdalene's Advisory Board.

The Incumbent.

The Incumbent of the parish has charge of and is responsible for the ordering of the services, including the musical part thereof. The Incumbent is primarily responsible for the work of religious education in the parish, for its initiation, character, organization and control; and the superintendent of the Sunday School and all other officers act under the Incumbent’s direction. The Incumbent also has supervision of all organizations having as their purpose the care and adornment of the sanctuary, the chancel, or other portions of the church building; also of organizations for devotional, social or athletic purposes, carried on in the name of the Church or upon its property.

The Corporation

As defined in the diocesan canons, the Rector’s Warden and the People’s Warden form the Corporation, which is recognised as a legal entity in provincial law and administers the parish’s affairs. They are liable for the affairs of the church in provincial law.

At SMM, Corporation meetings include the Incumbent, the Rector's and People's  Wardens, and the two corresponding deputy Wardens. Corporation meets regularly, usually once a month, to administer the parish and make decisions about the physical and temporal affairs of the parish. The Incumbent and Wardens act jointly in matters concerning the use of the church and grounds. It is also a group where discussions can take place about fundamental issues in the life of the parish.  Decisions are made on a consensual basis.

The Advisory Board

The Advisory Board of the church is comprised of 19 individuals, six of whom are elected at Vestry and six of whom are appointed by the Incumbent. They usually meet on a monthly basis. This Board hears reports and advises the Corporation, and serves as an important consultative and deliberative body that works with the Corporation and clergy on behalf of the well-being of the church.

The minutes from each Advisory Board meeting are normally posted on the Hiscocks Hall bulletin board.