The rector and the vestry provide leadership in the parish. Its rector and vestry govern congregations that have been granted parish status by the diocese. According to The Vestry Resource Guide, the vestry:

• Helps to discern the vision toward which God is drawing that particular community;
• Articulates and communicates the vision;
• Holds the community accountable for its realization of that vision; and
• Keeps the mission of the Church and that of the individual congregation clearly before the parish community.

The vestry of Saint Thomas Parish is composed of the Rector and ten lay members of the parish. During the annual meeting, the congregation elects members to fill vacant positions on the vestry. The term of the vestry is three year in duration; if a vestry member is unable to complete his/her term, a majority of the vestry appoints a parishioner from among the members of the parish until the succeeding annual meeting.

The rector of the parish is a member of the vestry with the right to vote. The rector presides at all meetings. In the absence of a rector, the Senior Warden or the Junior Warden presides over the meeting. If the parish rectorship is vacant, the Bishop, if present, presides.

In accordance with the by-laws, each vestry member shall feel obligated to make his/her Communion at least once a month and attend all vestry meetings unless there is a good reason for being absent.

The regular meeting time of the vestry is the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

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