HoCo is in Transition

First row left to right: Deb Love, former member and Senior Warden, Peggy Hombs and Brian Davis, Co-Chairs
Back row: Phoebe Winter, Joella Rhoades, Claire Everett and Frank Castellon

The Church of the Holy Comforter‘s search process reached a major milestone when the opening for our next Priest was posted to the Transition Ministry Conference website on May 7, 2026. The posting can be found here:

https://www.transitionministryconference.org/open-positions#!board/Jobs/listing/priest-in-charge-28

Where We’ve Been

The Church of the Holy Comforter dates to 1902 and is located in the City of Richmond and the Diocese of Virginia. Our 123rd year as a Parish has been one of transition, as we started the search for a new Priest.

While the Discernment Committee was originally charged to seek the next Rector, our direction was altered to instead seek a Priest in Charge with an interest and skill set in ministry development.

We reached this conclusion after:

  • Review of 10 years of Parochial Reports and fiscal data.

  • The results of a Congregational Vitality Assessment conducted by the Vestry.

  • Conversations with Diocesan staff in the office of the Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia and review of materials from similar Parishes recently in search.

  • Facilitated table discussions at our Parish Annual Meeting.

  • Individual conversations with and feedback from Parishioners.

We are excited to reach this point in our search. We ask for your continued prayers as we enter the home stretch.

What’s Next

  • Clergy with interest are invited to apply through June 12, 2026.

  • Materials will be received, reviewed and vetted by the Diocese of Virginia on a rolling basis.

  • The Discernment Committee will receive referrals from the Diocese and schedule and conduct first-round interviews.

  • The Committee’s final recommendation will be referred to the Vestry for a final interview and call if confirmed.

  • Our hope is that our new Priest will be not just a leader, but a companion with us in our journey to grow and thrive in ways we have yet to realize.

  • Any questions can be directed to hocodiscernment@gmail.com.