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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our beloved Dean, Dane Boston, heard and answered the call to become the new rector at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. St. Martin's is the largest Episcopal parish in North America. This church has more than 10,000 parishioners, 12 priests, and a staff of 200 which includes its preschool staff. St. Martin's is also known as the family church of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. While Dane's departure is bittersweet news, as a parish and loving Christian community, we are thankful for Dane's ministry at Trinity, and are proud and happy for him and his family. Dane’s final Sunday will be May 18, 2025.
As a part of Dane's thought process for this calling, he went through a period of prayerful discernment. To Dane's credit, he included the Trinity wardens early in the process. While the wardens strongly wanted Dane to stay at Trinity and enticed him to remain here, they also served as Dane's advisors and councilors, and faithfully engaged with Dane in prayer and the discernment process. Because of the Boston family's deep love for Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Parish and Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, the decision to leave was difficult and emotional. However, like Jonah, Dane heard God's call, answered it, and is now traveling to "Nineveh," - i.e. Houston.
During Trinity's transition period, our diocese and vestry are fully committed to support our clergy, staff and parish. The vestry will begin the search for a new dean by calling a chair for a search committee and then will accept nominations for members of the search committee. A parish survey will be distributed to parishioners to aid the committee in developing a Trinity Cathedral Parish profile, a vital tool used in the dean search. A listening process in which all parishioners will have the opportunity to be heard will be developed, and Trinity's website will provide parishioners information on the status of the search. This search will take time and will be confidential. As practicing Christians know, "God's time" can be different than what we hope for or expect. During the transition, please pray for Dane and his family, our clergy and staff, the vestry, and search committee. Also, please pray for our future dean.
Trinity was founded in 1812. By God's grace, during its rich and wonderful history, Trinity survived fires, wars, national financial crises, and pandemics. Trinity survived theological disagreements, schisms, and other "isms" brought forth by social and cultural thought. Clergy members, wardens and vestry classes have come and gone. Trinity remains as strong as its granite steps and foundation. We know that Christ is Trinity Cathedral Parish's sure foundation, and this is a testament of God's glory.
In this season of Lent, we are taught to give things up and put things down. We are all called to "follow the way of the cross." Neither Dane nor the parish expected St. Martin's call. Over the years, Trinity's tree has born good fruit. In the past, Trinity's clergy were called to be bishops and one was called to be a president of the University of the South. Now, Trinity sends a talented and beloved priest to St. Martin's.
Fellow parishioners fear not. Be strong. Have faith. In our coming new season, Trinity will continue to grow and bear good fruit through God's grace and for His glory.
Sincerely,
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