HoCo is in Transition
The Church of the Holy Comforter, Richmond, in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, officially launched the search for its 15th Rector on August 24, 2025, with the commissioning of its Discernment Committee.
Over the next several months, the Committee will engage with the Vestry and Parish members in a thoughtful period of prayerful discernment which will include the examination of data, analysis of various surveys, and conversations, either one-on-one, in small group settings, or in community discussions. Our written Ministry Portfolio will emerge based on this work and signal to candidates that we are ready to receive applications for consideration.
Questions? Email the committee at hocodiscernment@gmail.com.
The Committee Members
Peggy Hombs and Brian Davis, Co-Chairs; the Rev. Frank Castellόn and Joella Rhoades, Chaplains; Claire Everett; Deb Love; and Phoebe Winter
The Steps Ahead of Us
Congregational Study
Ministry Portfolio Developed & Approved
Committee Receives Names, Interviews, and Discerns
Committee Recommends Finalist to Vestry
Vestry Deliberates and Calls Priest
Our Next Rector Begins!
Our Prayer
God of Grace and Wisdom, you know our needs before we ask, and you understand the journey ahead even when we do not. We thank you for your blessings on our church and for the mission and ministry we share in your name.
As we live in this season of discernment, send your Holy Comforter to guide and sustain us. Bless the members of our Discernment Committee and our vestry with clarity of vision, wisdom, and openness of mind.
Prepare the one who will be our next rector, a faithful pastor who will preach your Word, administer the sacraments, and equip us to live out your love in the world.
Unite us in love and purpose that this may be not only a time for discernment, but a time of spiritual renewal for all of us. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Holy Comforter and Savior. Amen
A Little About our Parish
Founded in 1902 in the Fan District of the city as a mission of St. Andrew’s Church.
Relocated to its present location in 1950 as the city expanded westward, in what is now considered the near West End. The first service in our sanctuary was held in 1958, and the church building was consecrated in 1973.
Per the 2024 Parochial report, 178 communicants in good standing with an average Sunday attendance of 68.
2025 budget set at $340,043 in planned expenditures against estimated revenue of $290,092. (Note: as of August financials, actual operating deficit was only $1,112.)
Total equity as of August 2025 at $251,751. A separate Holy Comforter Foundation holds approximately $500,000 in investment funds it manages for the benefit of the church.